Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Wire-Wrap Jewelry Artist :)


One of the first jewelry designers I was inspired by is Kim Miraglia, her handcrafted jewelry at ebay became a favorite shop to visit. She has a signature style in wire-wrapped cabs that often feature flowing spirals and open wraps that accentuate the beauty of the stone. I have purchased several of her silver wire-wrapped cabochons AND in celebration of my "50th", a gorgeous intarsia earrings and pendant set ;) All are of fabulous workmanship! In appreciation of Kim's artistry, I asked her if I may feature her work and she graciously consented. Here is an excerpt from Kim's Etsy store:

"I specialize in customizable sterling silver wire and gemstone jewelry. I also have a website at Kim's Jewels if you would like to take a look to see more about what I do, and I'm loving it here on etsy! I've been an eBay seller since 1999 under the ID kmitch747, but while eBay is a business for me, I'm finding Etsy to be way more fun! I've got a BFA in Graphic Design, but found that silver wire jewelry was my calling. I'm excited about my new Etsy venture!"
~Kim's Jewels

I have many, many, kind, inspiring artists to thank on this journey, but I will always remember how the spark was ignited by Kim's Jewels. Thank you, Kim!!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Artists Among Us

Don't you love receiving emails of breathtaking landscape pictures, amazing works of art, exceptional performances, things that you'd have to travel the world over to discover, I do! Dee, a dear friend and co-worker, forwarded an awesome slide show to me last night of Bruno's Art & Sculpture Garden in Australia. At work today, we learned that it burned in a bushfire in February which also took lives of those in the township. I knew I had to do something to bring these extraordinary images to more people, hence, I am opening a new link list, Facets Of Artistry. A tribute to the creatively imaginative minds of gifted, talented, and hard-working artists of our time. You will find my list of links at the bottom of this blogspot. Please join me in celebrating these marvels of ingenuity. Visit Bruno's Art to be truely inspired. I'd love to see alot of additions so feel free to contribute with your comment. Many thanks, I hope you enjoy them as much as I have!

Friday, April 10, 2009

Dreamin' of Summer










With the temperature finally warming here in West Michigan, visions of colorful blooms are racing through my head. The crocuses have come and gone, saw the first forsythia in blossom two days ago, I hope the little daffodil buds haven't been harmed by this week's overnight frosts! Added some photos of last year's new daylilies at My flickr. I'm anxious to greet the newest varieties that bring the garden assortment to nearly 30 :) July is the happiest time to linger in thrall of their delight. Each morn brings the excitement of knowing I have only this day's light to photograph, smell, taste, and revel in it's short life. I live for color, my garden themes include a full array of peach, pink, rosy pink, purple, orange, yellow, white, and even some blue. I believe that pretty much covers the rainbow except for red, oops, I have a little of that, too. Ready to set off to tackle the first of the overwintering weeds, hmm...the smell of fresh worked soil. Now if I can find my flower garden design lay-out, I'll be all set!

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Most Recommended Websites

My favorite website was created by Eni Oken, a jewelry artist with a great passion to share her knowledge and talent and that of many other jewelry designers who contribute tutorials, articles, and photos of their work. I am tremendously inspired by the creativity of these independant artists from all over the globe. It is the most helpful and welcoming website for jewelry designers and there is no cost for membership. Here's the link, enjoy your visit:
Jewelry Lessons

I also participate in the Rock Tumbling Hobby website and forum, all about rocks and their use in jewelry design!

I've included some awesome sites for inspiration and getting started with this craft under my Fave's links :) My most recommended sites are triple starred*** Mind you, I've only purchased from a short list of all the sites I have posted and cannot attest to the reputation of the rest. I have come by them through blogs, forums, and searches and find them of interest. Placing them here REALLY freed up my bookmark list!!

Saturday, April 4, 2009

My Precious ;)



Way past time for an update! Thought I'd share pics of the many semi-precious stones I've been collecting that are anxiously awaiting inspiration and wire. Many have been purchased online and the rest have come from local shops and rock & gem shows. There are focal beads (drilled), designer cabochons (to be wire-wrapped), and many strands of beads. Also included in my stock are natural and dyed pearls, mother-of-pearl, coral, shells, tree nuts, and a few glass beads. One of my favorite stones are the jaspers. In fact, I thought it would be a pretty name for my last granddaughter, but her mother said it reminded her of Casper "the friendly ghost" lol!









I hope you enjoyed browsing my little shop, now off to create...
Sheree :)