Coming Soon To Artfire - "Collections"

Artfire are currently testing their newest "gadget" called "Collections".
Similar to Etsy's Treasuries, Artfire's Collections will allow users to browse the site and select items that catch their eye by clicking a button on the item page which will then be added to their Collections page. You then give it a title and set it free!

Easier than doing an Etsy Treasury as you won't have to look for the item url AND the shop owners whose items are picked will automatically receive an email letting them know! Other people can see, rate and leave comments for each Collection and they will be used on the Artfire frontpage. Fab!

It's still in the testing phase at the moment with the Artfire "mavens" doing the testing to find any last minute hiccups but will be unleased on the rest of us very soon. How fab!

I was lucky enough to have three of my items chosen for three collections so far. Thank you StitchnTyme, ShinyAdornments and Drunkenmimes.......................

Sunday Showcase! hello gorgeous On Folksy

Sue Hodgkinson is the founder and designer of Folksy shop hello gorgeous

A change in personal circumstances in 2007 caused Sue to have a "light bulb" moment and start making jewellery. She takes immense pleasure in creating individual pieces and devotes her time and skill to making sure only the finest quality jewellery is presented.

All Sue's designs are made with the finest components available - Sterling Silver, Bali and Thai Silver findings and beads, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, lampwork and glass beads and are sourced from amazing artists all over the world. Each piece is individually hand-crafted and promises to give as much pleasure to the wearer as it has given to Sue as she created it.

I asked Sue a few questions...........

Why do you make jewellery? Why not knitting or taxidermy?
I make jewellery for a number of reasons... it calms me - having to concentrate clears my mind of all the “fluff” that’s milling around in my brain! I also like to see something “come together” and the excitement of knowing someone will be wearing a piece I created and enjoy it just as much!

Who would you most like to make a piece of jewellery for?

I am happy just creating but, if the opportunity came knocking, I would love to create for Marilyn Monroe, Eva Longoria-Parker, David Beckham {not sure what I would create for him, but just to have him stand in front of me would be AS exciting!} Creating a piece or a range of jewellery for a family wedding would be simply awesome too!

What's your favourite gemstone?

There are SOO many gemstones out there which I am still learning about but I LOVE the Agates because of the variations in colours in any one stone and Jade, oh! and Jasper... and turquoise....and quartz.....and onyx.....and ooooo too many to pick just one!!!

Do you have any online bead shops you particularly like and would recommend?

YESS!! Semi Precious Beads (http://www.semipreciousbeads.co.uk/) is SUCH a fab place to visit, they have a HUGE range of gemstones to choose from at VERY reasonable prices and they are based in Devon!

I also love Palmer Metals (http://www.palmermetals.co.uk/) I have been so impressed by the quality of silver beads/findings ordered and also the speediness of delivery, a BIG thumbs up!

What's the best part of making your own jewellery?

Having a group of beads turn into something you can drape around your neck or on your wrist and show off to the world, secretly knowing that YOU created them when people are looking!

Now for the silly question........

Of the three people listed below which one would you -
a. Marry
b. Run off to Bognor for a dirty weekend with
c. Push off a cliff ....................

1.Wayne Rooney
2.Gordon Brown
3.Norris from Coronation Street

If this was my only choice then I would quite happily push them ALL off a cliff and enjoy my own company!! ;o)

☼ I think Sue chickened out with that question......if it was me the first two would go over the cliff and as for Norris, well, a nice pub lunch would be as far as it went!

Visit Sue at :
hello gorgeous design Blog
Facebook Fan Page
Twitter

Etsy Treasury - Copper Is Cool!

Two more pairs of earrings from my Etsy shop were included in Etsy Treasuries this week!

This one was chosen by Robin of Etsy shop MadAboutYarn. She loves copper and chose a few of her favourites. I really like the Rock Star bangle and the " .... loved" pendant. Thank you Robin!
I really must do one of my own ........

Simply Gorgeous Enamelled Jewellery

Browsing Etsy recently my eye was caught by a very colourful pair of earrings. On further investigation I discovered they were enamelled copper made by Michelle of Etsy shop Teka & Zoe, named after Michelle's two Chihuahuas.

Michelle is based in Gardnerville, Nevada and loves to fuse, pound, stamp, etch and wrap metal and now also enamel it too.......Enamelling is the process of fusing glass to metal then kiln firing it to achieve the beautiful results you can see here.

Michelle describes her jewellery as colourful, modern, organic and casual. There's one word she forgot......... G•O•R•G•E•O•U•S!!

Sterling Silver Headpin Destash!

Just a quickie to say I've just listed some 2" Sterling Silver 24g headpins in my Folksy Shop for a bargain 30p a pair.

I had a mini destash yesterday and found them looking all sad and rejected in my bead box. I tend to use thicker gauge wire these days so I've decided to offer them up to good beading homes.

Available in 10 and 20 pairs so ideal if you just need a few or fancy a change from silver plated headpins and at 30p a pair they are cheaper than lots of places I checked out on the internet!

~♥Available here ♥~

Another Etsy Treasury!

Checking my emails this morning I saw I had a message from Etsy seller Pam of P W Originals telling me she has picked a pair of my earrings for her Treasury "Im Feelin' In The Pink" ~ a lovely pick of pinks and greys. What a nice way to start a Sunday!

Check out Pam's shop for her very pretty handmade purses, totes and cushion covers.

Etsy Treasury! "Softly Speaking"

Wenche, a jewellery maker friend of mine from Norway very kindly picked my Pink Jade and Sterling Silver earrings to go in a Treasury she recently made on Etsy! She called the Treasury "Softly Speaking" and chose soft pinks, greens and blues. It's a really pretty pick and I was thrilled to hear from her. Fingers crossed it might appear on the front page..........

Thank you Wenche!

 

Look out for one of Wenche's necklaces that will be appearing in the July issue of Bead magazine!