Sorting, Packing and Creating

After a jewelry collection is completed there are trays of unused goodies lying around. I have been sorting through the piles of treasure selecting items for the next season of jewelry. It is always a fun task and inspires a sketch or two in my line book. This time around I have been packing up a few little goodies to sell. I have loads of bits and pieces that will be appearing in lovely packets at my next event. I am in a Roaring '20's frame of as I prepare for Kim Caldwell's next amazing art retreat. Her Artistic Bliss events are wonderful. Visit www.artisticblissdesigns.com to see her magical creations.

This is one of my very first collage pieces. I had to pack up my studio to paint last week and it was fun to see some of the earlier pieces I created again. So many memories were hidden away in that tiny room. Each tiny treasure has a story, each piece of jewelry shows where I have been creatively and the boxes of beads and brass make me wonder what I will create next. I love just being open to playing with the materials in my studio and letting it lead me to what is next.

I have also been setting aside some of my favorite things to create molds of them. I have been playing with making bezels from scratch and want to do some casting with Ice Resin (c) and other materials. I always do something outside of my box to grow my skill set after each collection is completed. So you might see some Ice Resin creations this fall

Box Full of Crafty Cards

A while back I was out hunting for treasure at my local thrifty store when I discovered a large index file box. At first I thought a box of recipes but upon further inspection it was filled with artsy crafty how to cards! Score. 

Theses are the cards from the how to make flowers section. Some are hideous and others show promise. 

The red rose is made from a solid red handkerchief.  Hmmmmm would any vintage hanky work?

 Here are the instructions. Might have to give this one a shot. 

I will share more from the box each week. Maybe I will even try some out. 

Xo

Tara

Patina Day!

After days of soldering work I always love patina day! This is when your designs come alive with color and shading. 

The silver pops against the rusty verdigris patina. 

Bunny house. 

Cupid's arrow. 

Love these sweet Victorian hands. Ready for their jewels.  These pieces are all in progress and will get another layer or two of color. Such fun. Next batch of shabby cream finish pieces are on deck. 

Valentine Heart Swap

This is the heart I created for a swap. I hand stamped fabric with music notes, added bling, lace, flowers, ribbons, tulle, mother of pearl heart button, flowers and lovely fabric from French General. I made 12 for the gals and I came home with 12 beautiful hearts. I will make a banner to hang in my studio. They are too pretty to just see once a year!  

Of course the packaging is just as important as the creation so I bagged my hearts up with a packet of flower seeds and some conversation hearts. 

Then I popped these in craft bags decorated with a heart doily, lace, a paper flower and a few vintage charms from my stash. 

Then off to swap!

One heart banner coming right up. More on that later. 

XO

Dreaming of Spring

I

The supplies have been gathered and work is in full swing for Spring!! My favorite season to design wearable treasures and art.  I love the colors and motifs. Bunnies and flowers. What could be better?  

What are you working on???

Xo,

Tara

Vintage Inspiration at Whimzy!

Today was a perfect California spring day! I decided to hit my favorite flea market in Tustin to do a little treasure hunting! For me, looking at all the little treasures gets my wheels churning. Imagining all the possibilities for giving these little treasures a new life.  When I am creatively stuck I often head over to my favorite antique stores. Today I was just going to enjoy a little sunshine and browse. I have been keeping a little mental list of things I would like to find when out treasure hunting and today was the day! I found everything on my list. I had been wanting a little 1950 bluebird and there she sat in a darling little stall just calling my name. I also found a little pocket shrine statue, two casket style jewelry boxes, four vintage hankies in pink, a hand carved wooden duck body, a composition doll with it's original outfit, vintage eyelet trim and of course my sweet little bird.  Well, the duck body was not on my list but it is really cool and only one dollar! I think she might need a doll head and some wheels. Because everything is more fun with doll parts and wheels!

Then all of the sudden appeared on of my other desires! Vintage hat stands like the type that would have been used in a store. I scored four of them. I was giddy to say the least. In my excitement I rushed over to show my hubby. His response was "those are really dirty". Ok maybe he does not always see what I see but,  I am so lucky that he supports my vision even when he does not get it! He loves vintage but he really only speaks Vespa!

I have put away all the winter supplies for creating and today begins spring design!! The winter jewelry line for Lulu Max is officially sold out!! The last few pieces found a home on Christmas eve. Thank you to all of my loyal and new customers. I adore creating and your thoughtful purchases allow me the honor of creating for another season.

This spring promises to be exciting. I will be vending at some of my favorite venues and a few new ones. For my Orange County crowd I will of course be at Glitterfest with jewelry and mixed media creations and I will be selling supplies for all of your creations at Create in the Spring.

So what is on my workbench for spring? Loads of rhinestones of course! Plus some beautiful laces and fibers, mother of pearl buttons, bakelite, lucite, trinkets and treasures of all kinds and some really unusual ephemera. Most of you know that there is usually a theme loosely woven into each season. This spring will be no different. Stay tuned for some hints and a preview!

This week I will be preparing the kits for my Enchanted necklace class at Whimzy in Tustin on January 19th. (Pictured above) Last I checked, there were a couple of spots available so come play with us. We will me exploring my new favorite medium for mixed media art and jewelry. A great way to start the new year with a new skill for your persona tool bag.  Join me and I will share my inspiration with you to jump start a dazzling and creative 2013.

I hope all of your holiday celebrations were filed with joy and love. May 2013 find you happy, healthy and inspired!

xo,
Tara

An Enchanted Necklace

Kim Caldwell will be working her magic again this spring creating another memorable event- The Enchanted Affair! I am already signed up to attend. Kim got me thinking about Snow White and all the other princesses of fairy tale lore. So of course, my new necklace is influenced by Snow white and the Huntsman. If you have not seen the movie the jewelry and costumes were amazing.

My workbench has been filled with new products and mediums this year. A particular favorite is a two part epoxy that is unlike anything I have ever encountered. So much fun playing with this new product! Now I am ready to introduce you- guaranteed to be your new go to product in all your creations. This necklace class will teach you everything you need to know about working with this magic clay!

Then we will transform the material using color washes and metallic finishing products to recreate the look of leather, metal or anything your heart desires. Your finished necklace will be wire wrapped together but no jewelry experience is necessary! So, will you create a good potion bottle or something for the evil queen? Everything is included for this class. Just bring your apron and I will bring the good messy fun! January 19th at Whimzy in Tustin 11 until 4.

Whimzy Classes

Check out Kim Caldwells's spring event!

Enchanted Affaire

Back to the studio!

Tara