Tent Rock, New Mexico - Destination Inspiration

We recently went hiking at Tent Rock in New Mexico.  This is such a neat location.  Although on a much smaller scale, this National Monument features slot canyons reminiscent of Bryce canyon--but with white rock.  I thought that the rock formations were so interesting and inspiring.  Here are some pictures.

Okay, so how can this inspire our jewelry design?  I found the earthy colors and simple geometric designs really inspiring.  I also love the Native American influence of the area.  Based on these ideas I tried out a whole new series of glazes that remind me of rock.  Check out these connectors.

I think they really reflect the inspiration location.  I love how the glaze is unpredictable and matte.  These would give a really earthy look to a jewelry piece.  I would love your thoughts and pictures of what you've been making. 

Happy Creating!
--Kathy

Laserjet Printer Decals - Art Bead Ceramic Connectors

Hot out of the kiln, here are some handmade art bead connectors using laserjet printed decals...

I love using decals printed from my laser jet printer.  You can do this using a special kind of water slide decal paper (check to make sure that your printer is compatible).  I purchased mine through www.nmclay.com.  They are awesome--they can even print some out for you if you don't have the right printer.  I then printed out a beautiful design on the special paper, cut it out and applied the decal to my glazed ceramic piece.  I then fired it.  Firing temperature will vary depending on the type of glaze you used.  (In this firing these turned out lovely but I had a set of white ones that turned out washed out and crackle glaze ones where the decals almost disappeared--I'm guessing because the glaze ran too much during firing).  I do know, however, that all glazes are supposedly compatible with these.  You'll just have to experiment with firing temps.  The iron in the ink turns to a sienna finish on glaze after firing.  You can use these decals for photographs or just cool designs.  I just fired these connectors last night and I love how they turned out.  I'm also happy with how the design looks on them.  These would make really cool earrings or connectors for bracelets or necklaces.  Hopefully they make you want to try out this fantastic medium.  I'd love to see how you've used this type of decal.
Happy Creating!
--Kathy

2-Tone Circle Clasps

Lately I've been experimenting with blending glazes.  I've tried out several combinations but I'm particularly enamored with the combination of these rustic colors.  You can check out a bracelet I made with one on day 7 of my Week of Bracelets series.  I'm planning to try out new colors or shapes, and possibly designs applied on top.  Here are some of my pieces.  I hope you like them.

Yellow on outside, bluish on inside, greenish toggle bar

Terracotta on the outside, bluish on inside, bluish toggle bar

Bluish on outside, terracotta in the middle, bluish toggle bar

Necklaceology Book Review

For Christmas I got a Barnes and Noble gift card, so I bought 2 jewelry design books with it.  The first was Bohemian Inspired Jewelry by Lorelei Eurto and Erin Siegel (see my review of it in my May 2013 archive) but to reach the $25 free shipping, I picked out another book that I knew relatively little about.  It is Necklaceology: How to make chokers, lariats, ropes & more by Candie Cooper.  It looked intriguing and the cover boasted 40 different jewelry designs, so I was excited to get it.  I wasn't disappointed.  Some of the designs were pretty traditional, but I found some of them to be unique. 
 
While I enjoyed looking at the designs summed up in words like "axis," "helios," and "stone's throw," what I liked most about the book is that it gave techniques for altering individual jewelry components.  So many times we see jewelry that is mass produced with recognizable components.  Candie shows us how to take these components and add color, patinas, texture, and composition.  These little changes can make a huge difference in making your pieces one-of-a-kind and special. 

Many of her jewelry projects in her book show the sketched piece and the finished piece.  I enjoyed seeing the translation from the sketch to the actual piece.  The sketch also helps reveal the structure of the pieces, so you can use it as a jumping off point for your own jewelry designs--change up the beads, add little embellishments, use a different cord, etc. 

The book is published by Lark Crafts (Lark also publishes the fantastic 500 book series), and was worth the money.  I have already looked through the book many times and I will be using it as a reference in the future.  Yay for great jewelry artists who share their inspiration.

Happy Creating!
--Kathy

Taos, New Mexico - Destination Inspiration

We recently took a trip to Taos, New Mexico, and stayed in a lovely little bed and breakfast (Hacienda Del Sol).  The feeling in Taos is quite unique.  It is a town of Native American and Spanish influence and has been settled for hundreds of years.  Currently Taos is also known as a mecca for artisans.  Color is big here and our B&B shows that.  Most of the decorative pieces were handmade by artisans and some are very old.  Here are some pictures of the building where we stayed. 

 

Gorgeous waiting room/hallway--every piece has a history.  The floor was original to the structure and had dips and slopes.

Yes that is my cute baby, but try to focus on the room--definitely a southwestern vibe but the room also touches on the catholic history of the location. The door was quite small--I (5'3") fit fine but my hubby (6'2") had to duck.

The whole B&B was covered in original art much of which was for sale.

 

There is nothing like a crackling fire and check out the lovely timbers on the ceiling.

So, how do we reflect a little bit of Taos in our jewelry pieces?  Perhaps fun colors, different textures--maybe weathered wood or stamped silver.  Maybe crosses, pieces reminiscent of landscapes, or Georgia O'Keefe inspired elements.

Based on my experience, (and my supplies) I decided to emphasize the Spanish flavor of fun colors in a necklace.  You can see the bright colors mixed with silver and a touch of turquoise stone.  The pendant looks a bit worn and has a design that could be old.  Here is my Taos inspired necklace...

I would love to see your pieces.

Happy Creating!
--Kathy

A Week of Art Bead Bracelets - Day 7

Day 7 (Final Day)

To finish off my week of bracelets, I decided to use one of my clasps as the focal art bead.  This is a new color combo clasp I've been working on and I love how the two colors come together.  I paired the ceramic circle with stamped brass for the toggle bar.  For this final bracelet I decided to do a cha cha style with lots of moveable parts.  I've added a chain with lots of wonderful medium sized glass beads.  They have so much play that this bracelet could jazz up any outfit.  I hope you like bracelet #7. 

I hope this week of bracelet designs has sparked some new ideas in you.  I'd love to see what you are working on.  Happy Creating!
--Kathy

A Week of Art Bead Bracelets - Day 6

Day 6

Today I'm getting in touch with my southwestern surroundings.  Here is art bead bracelet #6:

This bracelet features some glazed round beads with melted glass.  The glass makes a beautiful color contrast to the brownish glaze and also adds some crackling, which I think gives it more interest.  The four handmade beads are separated by spacers, attached to silver washer rings on either side and connected to brown leather suede.  I know that leather is hot right now, so I wanted to do a bracelet that included some.  Finally, I finished off the piece with a silver toned barrel clasp.  I like that it is about the same diameter as the leather and it ties in the silver end caps on the leather as well.  I hope you like bracelet number 6.

What do you think of this bracelet, and what are you working on?  I'd love to know or see pictures. Happy Creating!

--Kathy