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

Classes, Projects and Vacations! Spring 2015

We are just days away from Glitterfest and I am prepping for a very busy and fun filled spring!First up are some teaching dates I am really excited about. There has been such demand for my bunny girl necklaces I decided to teach a class so you can create your own altered bunny, mouse, or kitty frozen Charlotte necklace!

I had so much fun diving into my personal stash collecting bits of treasure for each student to create their own one of a kind piece. I included watches, rhinestones, tokens, charms, Miriam Haskell pearls and lovely vintage chain. The kits are really special and I know the girls will be thrilled. There will be plenty of left over goodies to use in other projects! So, you are invited to join us at whimzy in Tustin March 14th for a day of altered fun! Everything included $115 vintagewhimzy.com for all the details and registration!

MOLD MAKING!!!

One of my very favorite things to do is creating cabochons from little objects and pieces I love. Think of that great pressed glass button you just can't part with or a lovely old cameo. now you can recreate these items and use them over an over. We will make many molds for you to take home and use to your hearts content. I will share all my tips and techniques and resources. 

Each student will leave with a ring and a pendant made with their new cabochons!!

So many possibilities! What will you make? May16th at Whimzy in Tustin. Cost $65 includes everything. 

Then I head to North Carolina for a nice long rest at the beach!

xxoo

Tara

A Creative Time of Year

Christmas and holiday decor is the perfect opportunity to get crafty.  This time of year I just want to play in my studio creating decor items. I love the ornaments (vintage and mercury please), snowmen, tinsel, bottle brush trees and pointsettias. I love recreating snow globes and Christmas scenes. German glass glitter lends its sparkle to so many projects. Feeling inspired? Don't hold Bach-grab the glue and go for it! Decorate to your hearts content. More is more this time of year.  

Wishing you all a happy holiday season, merry Christmas and a happy Hanukkah ! May 2015 be filled with joy and possibility. Until next year,

cheers! 

Xo,

Tara

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