Some new pieces....

I have been a very busy bee on many fronts lately.  Jewelry is included in those.  I've created a whole flock of new pieces.  I would like to take some time to feature a few of them here.  For the sake of picture sanity, I'll divide them into multiple posts.

This cameo is a tortoise shell vintage cameo surounded by a rose gold colored copper wire crocheted into a sort of basket.  I then wove colored freshwater pearls around it in two layers.  I have plans to do a Viking crocheted copper chain to accompany it.

In stark contrast to the above piece, here are is a simple pair of earrings.  I used swarovski bicones, freshwater pearls and faceted glass beads along with the silver plated wire and findings to create these lovely drop earrings.



Bead Trends and submitting photos for publication

In April 2009, a friend and fellow jewelry artist walked into my classroom after the dismissal bell had rung for the day.  She had with her a copy of a magazine called Bead Trends. 
"I think you should submit photos to this publication."
"Really?"
"they published my things and your wire work is way better than my bead stringing.  Submit something.  See what happens."
She dropped the April issue on my desk, smiled and walked out again. 
I flipped throught he magazine and saw all the wonderful things that people had created.  Could my pieces really compete with these seasoned artisans?  By the following morning I had decided to investigate the magazine further.  I went to their website and poked around a bit.  ALL their photographs were submitted by artists, some of whom design and create jewelry for a living and those who likeme are hobby jewelry designers. 
I read up on their requirements for submission and decided to try it.  I submitted three photos of pieces I had created and waited to hear back.  It was so simple.  All I had to do was send an email to the address listed with my name, contact info, a description of the piece in question and a photo of the piece.  Simple. 

Amazingly, they accepted one of my rings for publication!  I was thrilled! 
The editor wrote a letter explaining that I was to send the ring to their company in a secure box, well wrapped and insured to them within a specified period of time.  They would then have their photographers photograph the item and then would send it back when the issue with my piece feautred was released.  They also sent two copies of the magazine as well as a $20 certificate for me to spend at Fire Mountain Gems. I thought this was a great deal!
I have since submitted and had several other jewelry pieces accepted for publication, including a pair of earrings featured in this month's issue.  I highly recommend this publication for great jewelry ideas as well as a means for getting pieces published.  It's great PR and super easy to get pieces accepted. 
My next goal is to be the 16 page feature artist in an issue.  Still working on that idea though.

Trading!

One of my favorite things about handmade websites is trading.  The old system of bartering goods for goods is simply awesome.  I belong to the Trading Post Guild over on Artfire and we started out "Trade and Stay" event for September yesterday. 
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=forums&op=view_topic&tid=13079

Now I know what some of you are thinking.... Don't I have to be a guild member to join the Trade and Stay event?  NO!  You just have to trade with someone on our list and you're in!  Come on over and trade with us.... it's great fun and a wonderful way to get yourself something nice or to jump start your holiday gift shopping.
Here are a few of the things I traded for yesterday....




And LOTS more..... and hopefully.... LOTS more to come.
The event ends at midnight on Saturday Sept. 25th so get in on the trading fun NOW!