Derbyshire Open Arts 28th - 30th May 2011

I'm getting very excited as I've been invited by Leabrooks Gallery to take part in their activities for Derbyshire Open Arts weekend. The event is taking place from 28th to 30th May with loads going on. There are five artists taking part in the weekend who will all be demonstrating their skills as well as having some of their work available to purchase.

Dave Turner who is a traditionally trained artist/blacksmith and although he still work using centuries-old techniques the design doesn't have to be. Sometimes a traditional design can look right ... sometimes not. Each piece is designed and made for each customer so that it fits and looks right in its own particular spot. Whether your requirements are a simple hook, a gate, or a huge garden sculpture Dave can create the perfect piece. Here are just a few examples of his work:

Kat Davies is a wildlife artist who specialises in creating beautiful pastel drawings of big cats. Kat has also recently developed a range of handbags that feature her drawings.  

Chris Mannering is a self taught artist who has been drawing and painting for as long as he can remember. He initially concentrated on portraits but has explored many media and styles and now works mainly in oils, pencil and ink.

John Connolly aim as a visual artist is to produce contemporary art that can be enjoyed by not just the ‘seasoned art collector’ but anyone who has an appreciation for the aesthetic. His aim as a visual artist is to attract a ‘new audience’ who appreciate his exhilarating, mixed media sea and landscapes which communicate his enthusiasm for the natural world. Look for the quiet understanding - and sometimes the hint of a story - which lie, half hidden, behind his exuberant use of colour.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
You will also of course, be able to see me creating some jewellery designs using semi precious gemstones. I will also have some of my work available for sale including:
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

There will be plenty to see and Leabrooks Gallery also has a fabulous garden to wander around and a great little coffee shop.
 
Hope to see you there!!

May Madness!!

As we are all aware life is pretty tough for many of us at the moment!! Cuts going on everywhere and job loses make the news on a daily basis. This means no treats for many of us too! However, I've discovered that there are some fabulous bargains to be had on Folksy. It is possible to spend very little money and still find that special, handmade gift for someone. Do you or someone close to you have a special occasion coming up soon or do you just deserve a special treat for yourselves then why not take a look at Folksy. There are some great gifts available to suit all budgets!

Here is just a small selection:

Bertie Bear by Pud Bears

Green and Purple Striped Cowl by The Crafty Bride

Cranberry Pill Box Hat by Imogen's Imagination

Black Bow Necklace by Rock Princess

Turquoise Earrings by Mrs Jones Handmade Jewellery

Prissy the Pig by Top Sock Drawer

Malachite Sterling Silver Ring by Unique Beaded Gems










There are so many other gorgeous, great priced items but if I showed them all you'd be here for hours!! Here are the links to some more great shops on Folksy that have some fantastically priced items:

Audrey's Cat - Collection of items made from vintage fabrics

Treasure Box - Range of findings for jewellery making

TJS Jewellery - Collection of handmade jewellery made from semi precious stones

Aunty Joan - Gorgeous handmade cards

Lynwoodcrafts - Embroidered accessories and jewellery

RTCraft - Collection of handmade items using lovely fabrics

ChippedTeacups - Handmade jewellery using a variety of materials

Claire Wood Jewellery - Stunning handmade Sterling Silver jewellery set with gemstones

Little Knits - All things knitted including really cute baby items

Cosmic Eden - Unusual handmade jewellery

Trinket Box - Handmade jewellery made from many different materials

Oh Sew Quilt - Distinctive quilted items

Cherry Tree - Ecletic mix of handmade pieces including cards, accessories and textile pieces

Gladys and Albert - Gorgeous handmade teddy bears

Enjoy!!

Big and Bold is Best!!

Sorry it's been a while since I've done a blog. It's been a very busy few months with some very exciting things happening at Unique Beaded Gems. I attended the Liberty Open Call in April. Although my jewellery didn't get picked for their store, I got some great feedback that has encouraged me to keep going with it! I'm now looking for stockists so if anyone knows of anyone who wants to have their own exclusive range of gemstone jewellery in their stores please do let me know!!

Anyway, it can hardly go without notice that all the celebs seem to be wearing big, statement rings at the moment. Everytime I turn on the TV or look at at a magazine there they are! I decided, therefore, to have a look on Folksy and see what I could find in the way of big rings there. I was disappointed!! Here is just a small selection of what I found:

Yellow Buttercup Ring by Mary Elliott Jewellery

Little Black Bird Ring by Cheap Thrill Seeker

Pure Silver Clown Ring by Precious Jewellery by Karen

Silver Butterfly Ring by Artigiana Jewellery










Finally two of my favourite rings:

Mother of Pearl Sterling Silver Ring by Unique Beaded Gems

Tiger Eye Sterling Silver Statement Ring by Unique Beaded Gems










There is a great range of prices with these pieces so there is a ring suitable for any budget!! Go on, why not give Folksy a look and join the celebs with their statement rings?

Folksy and Etsy Sellers Help Japan!!

It's heartbreaking to watch the news and see the devastation that is happening in Japan. The dignity of the people there is incredible! I can't imagine that I would stay so calm in such traumatic circumstances. There are several fabulous sellers on both Folksy and Etsy that are helping to raise money for relief funds by donating some or all of their profits from items sold. Here are just a few of the items that you could purchase and help the Japan relief effort at the same time!



Card by Accidental Vix on Folksy

Bracelet by Flame Haired Jewellery Designs on Folksy

Travels to Japan PDF File by Asking for Trouble on Folksy

Jade Dragon Carved Keyring by Nofkantscurios on Folksy

Ipod Cover by In Paper Clouds on Etsy

Heart and Rabbit Print by Elephant Dancing on Etsy

 Blossom Print by Saturated Canary Art on Etsy

Picasso Jasper by Unique Beaded Gems on Etsy







Please do check out both Folksy and Etsy as there are many sellers who are donating to Japan fundraising efforts. This is just a few small selection!!

Men's Valentine Gift Ideas

Looking around I realised that there are a lot of suggestions for Valentine gifts for women on the internet. However, the men seem to have been neglected! I have therefore decided to focus this Folksy Friday blog on some gift ideas for the men in our lives. There are some great ideas here. Simply click on the shop link to be taken to details of these great ideas from Folksy sellers!

Circuit Board Pendant by Leopard Print Bee. These can also be adapted into keyrings

Cute Dalmation Card by Aunty Joan's Crafts

Mother of Pearl Cufflinks by Me (Unique Beaded Gems)

Newspaper Yarn Framed Design by Zygotegifts

Recycled Skateboard Belt Buckle by O'Blue Thrashion

Skull and Crossbone Bracelet by JCU Designs

Valentine Card by Paper Kutz












Vintage Brass Watch Pendant by Artisan Silver 

Wood and Sodalite Stretch Bracelet by Cosmic Eden

Framed Multi-Fossils by Nofkantscurios












Don't forget the men need some love on the most romantic day of the year too!

Say "I Love You" this Christmas!!

I listed this bracelet on Folksy today. I've described it as the perfect way to say "I love you" to someone special this Christmas!!

This got me thinking - what else could I find on Folksy that is also a perfect gift to say "I love you"? When I searched I found lots of lovely things. Here are just a few of the really unusual things I came across.

I Love Ewe by by Giggles Animal Gifts

I'm So in Love with You Canvas by My Pip Squeak

Love Bag by Taurrano

Love Conquers All Cufflinks by Much In a Little

Love You the Mostest Picture by Dotty Doo 

Vespa Love by Ialbert

Hope you like my choices! I'm sure someone special to you would love to receive one of these gifts on Christmas morning!!



Folksy Friday

I was supposed to be doing a jewellery party for my best friend tonight but due to heavy snow being expected later on today I decided to cancel it! I have a very busy weekend planned with a fair at Chellaston, Derby tomorrow and a jewellery demonstration at Leabrooks Gallery, Somercotes on Sunday! This meant that I would have to drive home tonight, over 100 miles, and the thought of that in the snow and ice was just too scary!!

Anyway, for this blog I have decided to feature snowflake items as this seems to be quite an appropriate theme for today!! All of these stunning items can be found on Folksy, the place for your handmade Christmas gift shopping!!

Snowflakes in a Snowflake Pendant - Precious Jewellery by Karen

Red Snowflake Decoration - Talking Beads

Snowflake and Mouse Card - Lock Stock Boutique

Snowflake Christmas Bunting - Door77

Snowflake Soap - Soap Perfection

Snowflake Scarf - Loves a Good Yarn!

Snowflake Gift Tags - Little Bits of Paper and Sparkle










And of course I couldn't complete a Folksy Friday blog without featuring one of my items! This snowflake obsidian ring is available in both 18x13mm and 25x18mm cabochon. 

Unique Beaded Gems