Leftover Inspiration

A few weeks ago, I was sitting at my work space, sorting through the detritus of previous projects, when I came across some short lengths of round chain.

I love that chain design because it’s really versatile--big but not too big--great for necklaces and bracelets.  But these lengths… Hmmm…  Connected with a jump ring, they’d be a good length for the long earrings that are in style lately.  But, of course, if they’re Bear Chick, they need more color.  

 So, into my bead boxes I go to find some small beads--yeah, purple is perfect.  I connect these with simple loops, then make another unit for the top with a focal bead.  Both the chain and beads sparkle and move when I walk.  Mmmm, the sample pair is mine!!

Once I made the first pair, I had to go out and buy more of the chain to make this design in a color wheel of colors, plus black and crystal.

Click on picture to see earrings on Etsy

Then I had to make an extravagantly long single earring.  Just ‘cause I could.

What leftover craft or art supply, food or ?? has inspired you to make something new?

Look for these earrings on my Etsy and Aftcra shops and if there's a special color you'd like, let me know! 

 C’est La Vie! Do What You Love!

http://www.bearchick.etsy.com
http://www.bearchicksundries.etsy.com
https://www.aftcra.com/bearchick

Guitar Pick Jewelry

Last year, when we were in the Boston area, The Husband got himself a guitar pick punch at a local comic book shop.  He goes through guitar picks pretty fast and planned to make them out of old gift cards and expired credit cards.  Now he has quite a collection.

Fast forward a year.  I’ve been borrowing his punch to make cute guitar picks for jewelry.  Sometimes I buy gift cards specifically for their graphics, like these:  

 They were Walmart gift cards available around Easter.

Unlike The Husband, I have to make at least one hole, sometimes 2 depending on the design, so I also have a hole puncher.  It’s supposed to be for metal but so far, it’s been fine for the plastic. 

And I've also used the specialty scissors to cut unusual shapes as a background for charms.

  I love adding the beads, charms and chain to the picks to create little one of a kind treasures.  You can find them in my earrings section on Etsy  HERE

C’est La Vie! Do What You Love!

http://www.bearchick.etsy.com
http://www.bearchicksundries.etsy.com

Booty Call!!

Jewelry booty, that is! Yes, we did a bit of saling today. And just when I thought my morning was going to be a total loss, jewelry bargain-wise, we zipped off the main street for one last Huge Garage Sale sign. And I hit the jackpot! The woman running the sale even brought out a great big box of jewelry she hadn’t put out yet. Needless to say, I was in hog heaven!

Here’s what I got:

Chains, chains and more chains. And chains with sparklies.

Faux pearls, bows, butterflies, beautiful beads. The copper looking circles is a stretch bracelet of bars of those circular designs and I'll probably use the bars for something new. The Husband wanted that elephant, probably because it has a chip and he felt sorry for it...

I scored some really sweet little chains of crystals. Some of them are even signed, so I need to do a little research before I start upcycling. They may be more valuable as vintage finds.

I had to sit with this bunch of chain and untangle it but it was worth it! That pile of green, however, fell apart and scattered beads and gold spacers all over the place! It's okay, though, since I would have taken it apart anyway. Half my job is done:-)

I actually found a couple of things I'll keep for myself. The bracelet at the top is bead weaving, which I don't do. It's sparkly purple crystal and I just couldn't pass it up. The bracelet in the center is big plastic "gems" in all different colors. Ahem... Couldn't pass that up either... And I collect small old bottles but they have to have some sort of particular value to me. I have some with city names and one with my maiden name I got from someone in England on Ebay.

This one says "Sanford's Inks Half Pint And Library Paste". Since it referenced libraries, I (altogether now) couldn't pass it up...

Raina is amazed at my treasures!!

Do What You Love!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchicksundries.etsy.com
http://www.bearchick.artfire.com/

Sometimes Things Just Don't Work

Here's one from the "What Was I Thinking??" file…

This is a necklace I made a few weeks ago.

I kept looking at it, thinking there was something not quite right about it. The green chain bothered me but it wasn't until I took pictures that I finally realized that there isn't actually a whole lot of green in the dragonfly tiles I was using. I could have sworn there was when I was creating the piece!

Well, I couldn't very well put that out into the world! So I rummaged through my Cool Colors box and came up with these resin beads in a similar green. Better, yes?

Now, I have to make a necklace with the dragonflies because they're so pretty! Stay tuned…

Do What You Love!


www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchicksundries.etsy.com

Bear Chick Friday

I'm inspired by all kinds of things but lately I've been wanting to work with some really cool beads I got a few weeks ago in LA. They feel like stone ~ I think they're a conglomeration of different colored stones. I got them in purple, blue and pink. Just loved the colors! Naturally.

This week, I managed to make one necklace and combined some of the pink beads with black chain and black rubber tubing. Here's a sneak peek:

Now I'm playing with the purple ones and a different black chain. And maybe some violet chain. I haven't finished playing yet!

Do What You Love!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Christmas Gifts Revealed

Now that the presents are open, I can show you what I made The Mom and my BFF, Zan.

I saw these wonderful copper pendants in October and knew they’d make great gifts, adding my own copper chains.

Here’s The Mom’s, with a foxtail chain:

And Zan’s, with a combination of two in two and flower patterns:

I think it’s really interesting in that Twilight Zone kinda way that Zan’s gift to me also involved stars:

This picture was taken with the new Canon camera The Mom sent us for Christmas. I couldn’t be happier with it and plan to use it for all things business and pleasure! Thanks, Mom!

Merry Christmas to all!!

Do What You Love!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

This Week on Etsy…

I spent most of today photographing, editing, writing and posting jewelry on Etsy. I think I need new lights to use with my little light box. I need to do some research on bulb colors. Anyway, here’s what I’ve been working on the last few weeks.

Tri Color Byzantine Necklace with Netted Beads
I LOVE playing with color. I started this as just red and silver. Then I thought, Oooooo, wouldn’t this be cool with some black thrown in?! Then I was trying find some red lampwork beads but I stumbled on the netted ones I ended up using. They had been in my drawer for probably a year, just waiting for the right project. Yea! I really like the drama of this piece.

Pink Flower Handmade Chain Bracelet
Again, love playing with color! And this is such a fun and pretty chain pattern. Looking through my stash of toggles, I had to laugh when I found the dragonfly. What could be better for a flower bracelet?

Black Onyx Drops Handmade Chain Earrings
The magazine I found this chain pattern in called it Celeste. I LOVE it. (I’ve got a lot of enthusiasm tonight) I experimented with these earrings by hanging not only the central Black Onyx bead but also the two tiny ones on each side. I think they look pretty elegant.


Flowers and Pearls Upcycled Choker
I found the focal piece for this necklace at a yard sale who knows how long ago. If you could see the boxes I have of all my saling finds, just waiting for their day in the sun! Well, it’s finally time for this beauty to have it’s debut! I found just the chain I wanted and put that in place. Then I searched around and deemed the faux pearls perfect for this piece. Attached the toggle and whoo! Or whoops… I noticed that one pearl was missing from the focal. Argh! But, without even getting up, I caught sight of a funky little earring with one sparkly little gee gaw. And it fit perfectly in the empty space. I glued it in, waited a few days and did my best to yank it out again. I think it’s in there till the next millennia! So I was very happy. Everything is better with a little sparkle!

Friday we’re going to the Orange County Fair and with any luck, I’ll have pix next weekend of me with my entry. I’m inordinately excited by the prospect of seeing my necklace on display. I suppose there are worse things to be!


www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Busy Business Weekend

I did an inventory of jewelry a few weeks ago and discovered I had a LOT of jewelry that isn’t online. So yesterday I spent a good part of the day photographing necklaces, bracelets, anklets and earrings.

I was eager to list my first aluminum jump ring project. I love the mix of silver and lavender:

It’s called Byzantine ala Mare, since it’s not truly the Byzantine pattern as it should be done. I broke it up a bit, partly because I didn’t quite understand it in the beginning and made up a bunch of the patterns only to realize each pattern builds on the next… Live and learn. But then I really liked the way I had connected them separately. I think it gives a bit of breathing space to a very dense pattern. That’s my story and I’m stickin’ to it!

I also got a new bracelet and anklet listed on Etsy.


You R A Star bracelet was done with pieces that are meant to be dividers for multi-strand necklaces. I love working with things in ways they weren’t intended. Makes me feel really creative! And stars are right up there in my list of fave shapes, just under hearts.

The Diamond Girl anklet started out as sale items from my wholesaler. I connected them with oval shaped jump rings and finished with a lobster claw clasp. All my anklets are self-adjusting, so you can attach the clasp where it feels most comfortable and the remainder of the chain dangles stylishly.

Click on any photo to take you to Etsy or ArtFire, where it's posted for sale :-)

Anyone on Facebook? I’m working on a Fan Page. I’ll probably make an official announcement in a week or so but if anyone wants to be a Bear Chick Fan ahead of the crowd, here’s the link (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bear-Chick/40472594959) or just search Bear Chick. I’m planning to have discounts and contests and other fun stuff. I’ll keep you posted.

Hope everyone is having a great Memorial Day. I did some gardening this morning in the below 70 degrees weather (nice) but now I’m all congested from the dust and pollen (not nice). It was good exercise and my yard looks better, so it’s all good!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Spring Petals Necklace~Sweet Detour

Here’s the necklace my Muse insisted on me making last night instead of the OC Fair Necklace.

I don’t know about you but I buy beads because I love them. I’m addicted to them. When I see something wonderful, I have to get them because, hey, I may never see them again.

Consequently, I have a ton of beads just waiting for the right projects. These pretty, translucent lampwork beads have lived in my bead drawers for a long, long time. I’m so happy they found their project!

These starry blue beads have also waited patiently for the perfect project. I so love this chain design and these faceted beads were the ideal complement to the delicate motif.

On another subject, I was a little bummed to find out that Tequila Sunrise didn’t make the judges cut in the Beadstar Contest. Oh well, there’s always next year! Thanks for your encouragement with that project. At least now, I can put it up for sale. You’ll be seeing it soon on Etsy.


www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

My Muse Takes Me On A Detour

Yeah, I know. I’m supposed to be working on my OC Fair necklace. Tell it to my Muse…

The last few nights, my muse has had me playing with a new chain pattern, making one or two sets in the course of American Idol and Castle.


Here they are, in the raw.


When I had 7, I knew it was time to combine them with beads and see what I could come up with. In the next post, I’ll show you the results. A pretty little necklace and a pair of sparkly earrings.

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Fun with Rubber Rings

Hope that doesn't sound risque'!

After I started making chain, I noticed rubber rings in my favorite wholesale jewelry component catalog. I'd been using rubber tubing specifically designed for memory wire, which I liked, so I thought I'd give the rings a try.

They're so much fun to work with and the patterns I can create with them and jump ring connectors are endless. The colors are bold and whether I combine them or go monotone, the designs are always eye-catching. They come in different sizes and are so light weight, it's like wearing feathers.

I love that they're so reasonably priced and quick to work with, so I can offer them at low prices. This is costume jewelry that's fun and affordable!

Here are some examples, on ArtFire:

Mardi Gras Necklace

Rubber and stone earrings

Light as a feather green anklet

If you have a request for a particular style or color, let me know. I love to do custom work!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Beaducation, A Learning Resource

I don't often reveal my sources but my Blogfire Guild on ArtFire has a theme of How-to's coming up so I thought I'd share the site that turned me onto making chains.

It's called Beaducation, founded by Lisa Niven Kelly, and along with selling metal stamping tools and other jewelry components, they teach all sorts of jewelry techniques, hence the Beaducation name. All of the video's I've downloaded have been very thorough and easy to follow. I'm a visual person, so I have to see techniques done and when it's a video with close ups and step by step instruction like these, I do really well. There's nothing more frustrating than not being able to follow what an instructor is doing because you can't see them working or they're assuming you're at a higher level than you are.

The really cool thing about these video's is that once you buy one and download it, it stays in your queue on the site so you can watch it over and over. You've paid to download the video, not just to see it once, then it goes away. So it's a resource you can keep and refer to as needed.

This is a very smart company in that they offer free video's to show you some basic techniques. Once you get hooked by the freebie, you want to take all the more advanced classes! None of the pay classes are over $28.00, which is really a bargain. Some examples of classes are metal stamping and design, chainmaille, fusing, beading, PMC and wireworking.

I've mostly taken the chain classes and here are a few examples of what I've done:

I'm looking forward to taking more of their classes soon. Give them a try when you have the urge to try something new!

www.beaducation.com


www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
http://www.bearchick.artfire.com/

How Did All This Work Get Done?

Even though I was fighting a cold this week and working my butt off at The Day Job, I managed to make a few things and list them on ArtFire and Etsy. I kinda took a miss on Valentines Day. I intended to do a bunch of new ATC’s but that never happened… Since I had a couple of strings of these cute green shamrock beads, I worked with them to get a jump on St. Patrick’s Day. So, here’s an Irish themed bracelet on ArtFire:

And a cute pair of earrings on Etsy:

And I also experimented with gold and silver and made this flower design chain with a gold heart toggle, also on ArtFire:

And I FINALLY finished the travel themed Charm N Bead necklace I’ve been working on for weeks. It was one of those times, I guess, when I’d come up with ideas and just work on them, "you know, really quick… I’ll get back to the CNB tomorrow… " So here’s a sneak peak at the Travel necklace. It’ll be going on ArtFire soon.

The weather here is ridiculous! It was over 80 degrees today. We were driving around in shirt sleeves with the windows rolled down. My Massachusetts friends curse me, since they’re having a really cold winter. The subject line of my BFF’s last email was, “My face is freezing off.”

Well, back to work tomorrow for a week of craziness. They’re merging two companies into the payroll system, so there’s going to be a lot of checking and double checking of all the info that we’re importing for all these new people. I’ll be cross eyed by the end of the week.

Have a good one. Stay warm or cool, whichever applies!

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com
www.bearchick.artfire.com

Bear Chick’s Artfire Studio

Ok, I finally broke down and started an Artfire shop. I’ll tell you why. Two reasons.

1.) I wanted to be able to differentiate my chain work from my bead work. When I look at a shop, it’s a little chaotic when they sell a bunch of different styles or products. That’s why I opened BearChickArt for the ATC’s (which I haven’t been inspired to work on in a while--ATC muse is on winter break, apparently).

2.) I had just read an article saying the more places you are on the web, the better to be found in Search Engine searches. That ended my debate on whether I should just quit thinking so much and have everything stay on Etsy only.

So, I closed the Shophandmade shop because their beta never got better. I found them to be very uninspiring and just didn’t like the layout. Artfire is more like Etsy, in that they’re trying to foster a community of artists by offering forums and featuring articles by and about the artists themselves. It’s still in the Beta stage but I’ve heard a lot of good things and I follow the founder on Twitter, who seems to be very hands on. It’s a snap to add new items and I like the search feature. There are things I miss from Etsy, but it’s all good. Here I am:

http://www.bearchick.artfire.com

And here are two of the new anklets you’ll find at Artfire.

Pretty metal swirlies with a flower design chain

Sterling silver swirl connectors with a double chain pattern

So, come by and see me. We need all the traffic we can get. And tell two friends so they’ll tell two friends and so on and so on and Scooby dooby dooby. OK, I was up late last night…

www.bearchick.etsy.com
www.bearchickart.etsy.com

Just Posted on Etsy!

The Husband is waiting for me so we can watch the final two episodes of Deadwood - you know I'll be making something new as we watch! But I wanted to share a couple of cool things I just posted.

This is a resin necklace and it's so bright and fun! I confess I wear most of what I make at least once so I know (in my paranoid little brain) that it's not going to fall apart and when I wore this to work, I got a ton of compliments on it. I've been perfecting my wrapped loops. Plain loops, without the twirly layers of wire at the top of the bead, are fine for small beads and when I'm connecting to chain (see below) but I like to do the wrapped loops on bigger beads and long bead combinations, just for security.

And here's my newest thing, chains I've made myself using jump rings. I've always loved pattern and this plays right into my obsession. I've been making the one/two chains, with one ring, connecting with two rings, then one, then two. But the "flower chain" is really cool. It takes a little patience but it looks sweet and delicate, with three rings connecting to one. The turquoise necklace above is a good example.

Off to watch Deadwood and make a purple chain necklace!

www.bearchick.etsy.com

www.bearchickart.etsy.com