Well I am finally ready for my last market this year - the Boutique Christmas markets at Portside Wharf tomorrow. So, if you are in Brisbane - why not pop down and say hi - and do some Chrissie shopping at the same time!
Dec 12, 2009
Dec 11, 2009
V Style Earrings
I started to make a new style of earrings last week that proved to be very popular at last weekends markets - they are a simple V style that hook in the ear with some gemstone beads.
Here are some examples:
With Rhodonite and Swarovski Crystal
With Swrawberry Quartz
and with Phrenite
So what do you think?
Here are some examples:
With Rhodonite and Swarovski Crystal
With Swrawberry Quartz
and with Phrenite
So what do you think?Dec 9, 2009
New Chainmaille in my Store
I have now uploaded the first two of my new chainmaille bracelets into my Etsy store:
Festival Chainmaille Bracelet
Byz Cross Chainmaille Bracelet
Dec 8, 2009
Successful Market Weekend!
My blog posts have been suffering recently due to being very busy preparing for the Christmas Markets. Well, the first two have been and gone now and I'm delighted that they wqere both so successful!
First was the BiDM on Saturday. A market featuring members of the BrisStyle Etsy team, this was a very popular market with stall holders and customers alike. The market was a great atmosphere and even though some of us were suffering from the hot, dry, windy and dusty conditions, we wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else! My new style V earrings, still yet to be photographed, proved to be popular, leaving me frantically making some more that night for the next day!
So on to Sunday and the YDM at Southbank. Again, this proved to be a very successful market - in fact, it was my best ever! Again the V earrings were popular as were my cocktail rings - both of which would have made great stocking fillers.
So now on to the 13th and the Boutique Market at Portside Wharf Hamilton!
First was the BiDM on Saturday. A market featuring members of the BrisStyle Etsy team, this was a very popular market with stall holders and customers alike. The market was a great atmosphere and even though some of us were suffering from the hot, dry, windy and dusty conditions, we wouldn't have wanted to be anywhere else! My new style V earrings, still yet to be photographed, proved to be popular, leaving me frantically making some more that night for the next day!
So on to Sunday and the YDM at Southbank. Again, this proved to be a very successful market - in fact, it was my best ever! Again the V earrings were popular as were my cocktail rings - both of which would have made great stocking fillers.
So now on to the 13th and the Boutique Market at Portside Wharf Hamilton!
Dec 3, 2009
So Exciting - Exotica up for Votes!
I was very excited today to realise that my Exotica and Amethyst necklace had been nominated and included in the Etsy Blog Voter for this week!
Each week the Etsy blog (The Storque) has a theme for which items are nominated. So many of the nominated items are then put up for the Etsy community to vote for.
Well, the theme for this week was luxury items costing more than $500. One of my fellow Jet team members nominated my Exotica necklace and it was included!
I would love it if you could vote for me - here's the link: Vote Here
Each week the Etsy blog (The Storque) has a theme for which items are nominated. So many of the nominated items are then put up for the Etsy community to vote for.
Well, the theme for this week was luxury items costing more than $500. One of my fellow Jet team members nominated my Exotica necklace and it was included!
I would love it if you could vote for me - here's the link: Vote Here
Dec 2, 2009
December Giveaway!
So busy getting ready for the markets I nearly forgot - but its time to announce my December giveaway as well as the winner of my November giveaway voucher.
So, without further ado - Congratulations to Tanya904 - you are the winner of my November Giveaway of a $40 voucher! Thank you and commiserations to everyone else who entered.
My December giveaway is going to be slightly different as I am going to have a "destash" giveaway. This means I will be putting together a package of various beads and jewellery findings as my giveaway prize. I will also include a copy of my Geometric Squares Bracelet Tutorial which I will email to the winner. So whether you already make your own jewellery - or want to learn - this is your chance!
To enter this month is simple - all you need to do is let me know what type of jewellery you wear the most often.
You can get extra entries by doing the following:
Keep watching this space for details of what will be in the destash package!
So, without further ado - Congratulations to Tanya904 - you are the winner of my November Giveaway of a $40 voucher! Thank you and commiserations to everyone else who entered.
My December giveaway is going to be slightly different as I am going to have a "destash" giveaway. This means I will be putting together a package of various beads and jewellery findings as my giveaway prize. I will also include a copy of my Geometric Squares Bracelet Tutorial which I will email to the winner. So whether you already make your own jewellery - or want to learn - this is your chance!
To enter this month is simple - all you need to do is let me know what type of jewellery you wear the most often.
You can get extra entries by doing the following:
- Become a follower of my blog
- Become a facebook fan
- Blog about my giveaway (and let me know the link)
- Twitter about my giveaway
- Purchase something from either my Etsy or Madeit stores (will gain you 10 extra entries)
Keep watching this space for details of what will be in the destash package!
Byz Cross Weave Bracelet
Another of my new chainmaille bracelets - this one is my own weave made by playing around with the Byzantine weave. Each links forms a small cross shape hence the name I have given it for the moment. It is fastened with a lovely moonstone clasp.
Nov 30, 2009
Romanov with Padparascha Crystals
Back to my normal features next week but this week is all about the Christmas markets!
Another piece of maille I have made for the markets is the ever popular Romanov weave. This weave includes Swarovski crystals, making it a very pretty weave with lots of sparkle! The colour of the Crystals is called Padparascha which is a gorgeous orangy pinky colour.
Another piece of maille I have made for the markets is the ever popular Romanov weave. This weave includes Swarovski crystals, making it a very pretty weave with lots of sparkle! The colour of the Crystals is called Padparascha which is a gorgeous orangy pinky colour.
Nov 29, 2009
Festival Byz Ladder
Here is the first of my new pieces that I have been busy creating - it is a chainmaille bracelet in sterling silver that uses a variant of the popular Byzantine weave, turning it into a ladder design. The focal is a piece by Guru Creations entitled "Festival". It is Dichroic glass with a sterling silver link fused into each end.
Nov 28, 2009
Getting Ready for Christmas Markets!
With four markets coming up over the next two weeks I am very busy producing new stock, hence the reason for my lack of posts over the last couple of weeks.
I have completed some new chainmaille bracelets, am currently working on some new earrings, and hope to find the time to do a few more rings and pendants too!
I need to do some tumbling and photographing but hopefully I will be able to give you a few previews of my new pieces over the next few days.
In the meantime, pop on over to the BrisStyle blog to see what others are doing in preparation for the big BrisStyle Christmas market that's on next Saturday!
Here are some pics from some fellow team members to whet your appetite:
I have completed some new chainmaille bracelets, am currently working on some new earrings, and hope to find the time to do a few more rings and pendants too!
I need to do some tumbling and photographing but hopefully I will be able to give you a few previews of my new pieces over the next few days.
In the meantime, pop on over to the BrisStyle blog to see what others are doing in preparation for the big BrisStyle Christmas market that's on next Saturday!
Here are some pics from some fellow team members to whet your appetite:
Nov 25, 2009
New - Amazonite Shapes Necklace
I have just completed my latest 'Geometric' design - this time a necklace, and decided to give you a preview before it gets uploaded into my store.
My previous geometric designs have been based around one shape, that of a square/rectangle. I wanted to expand on the idea of building up shapes around a central bead and so decided to try and make three different shapes, including one of each in a necklace. I started with a square shape since that was what I am familiar with. I then moved onto a circular shape. Finally I moved onto a triangle.
Once each shape was completed they were wire wrapped and Swarovski crystals were added to create some sparkle.
I used the same links to make up the necklace chain as I had in my previous geometric design necklace since these diamond shapes fit with the overall theme.
So there you have it - my Amazonite Shapes necklace!
My previous geometric designs have been based around one shape, that of a square/rectangle. I wanted to expand on the idea of building up shapes around a central bead and so decided to try and make three different shapes, including one of each in a necklace. I started with a square shape since that was what I am familiar with. I then moved onto a circular shape. Finally I moved onto a triangle.
Once each shape was completed they were wire wrapped and Swarovski crystals were added to create some sparkle.
I used the same links to make up the necklace chain as I had in my previous geometric design necklace since these diamond shapes fit with the overall theme.
So there you have it - my Amazonite Shapes necklace!
Nov 20, 2009
Nov 19, 2009
BrisStyle Market - Not long Now!
Everyone here in Brisbane is getting very excited about the next BrisStyle market which is now only just over two weeks away!
I'm planning a couple of new displays and will give you an advance preview when they're done. I have my new coloured maille bracelets ready to go and hope to add a few more pieces to my stock before the big day. I'm currently working on a special new "shapes" necklace with sterling silver, amazonite and swarovski crystals - watch this space!
In the meantime, pop on over to the BrisStyle Blog and see what other team members are up to in preparation for the big day!
Nov 17, 2009
Monday Feature
Having missed a week, and with the next BrisStyle market happening in under three weeks my feature this week had to a fellow Brisstylette, one who will have a stall at the upcoming market. So my feature this week is Marilyn of MJ Mosaics.
A self taught artist Marilyn loves to create beautiful things, loving the process of turning an idea into a reality.
Marilyn stumbled into mosaics over 5 years ago starting out with ceramics, a hammer and little know how, little did she know how this art form would capture her. Marilyn found herself hungry to learn more and became obsessed with buying beautiful glass. In the past year Marilyn has got more serious about her artform, and finds that she loses herself in each creation.
From artwork, to bags, to frames and even to bookmarks, Marilyn has created a lovely variety of items using her mosaics - check out her store and see for yourself!
A self taught artist Marilyn loves to create beautiful things, loving the process of turning an idea into a reality.
Marilyn stumbled into mosaics over 5 years ago starting out with ceramics, a hammer and little know how, little did she know how this art form would capture her. Marilyn found herself hungry to learn more and became obsessed with buying beautiful glass. In the past year Marilyn has got more serious about her artform, and finds that she loses herself in each creation.
From artwork, to bags, to frames and even to bookmarks, Marilyn has created a lovely variety of items using her mosaics - check out her store and see for yourself!
Nov 15, 2009
Like No Place on Earth
Starting to think a lot about my family at this time of year, and these photos, taken on my last trip to see them, should easily identify the country that they live in!
Cabochon Rings
I made my first two cabochon rings last week, one with an adjustable band and the other with a fixed. I must have done something right because the one with the fixed band, made with an Onyx stone, sold before I even had chance to take a photo of it!
The adjustable ring was made using a Rhodocrosite cabochon. The cab was wire wrapped with the wire decorating the front of the cab, the wire was then wrapped to form the adjustable ring shank. The wrapping helps to make the ring sit very smoothly around the finger and because its adjustable you don't need to worry about swollen knuckles!
The adjustable ring was made using a Rhodocrosite cabochon. The cab was wire wrapped with the wire decorating the front of the cab, the wire was then wrapped to form the adjustable ring shank. The wrapping helps to make the ring sit very smoothly around the finger and because its adjustable you don't need to worry about swollen knuckles!
Nov 13, 2009
Nov 10, 2009
Musical Quaver Pendant
If you have read some of my earlier posts you will know that as well as being a Jewellery Designer I am also a musician playing both the violin and piano.
As such, I have for a time now wanted to incorporate a "Musical Collection" into my jewellery designs. Well, I now have my first design in what will be my collection.
I have started simple with a pendant in the form of a "quaver". The base or 'note' of the quaver has been formed with a Swarovski Crystal Rivoli wrapped in sterling silver. The silver wire then continues to form the stem and the tail of the quaver.
So, here it is - my Musical Quaver Pendant.
As such, I have for a time now wanted to incorporate a "Musical Collection" into my jewellery designs. Well, I now have my first design in what will be my collection.
I have started simple with a pendant in the form of a "quaver". The base or 'note' of the quaver has been formed with a Swarovski Crystal Rivoli wrapped in sterling silver. The silver wire then continues to form the stem and the tail of the quaver.
So, here it is - my Musical Quaver Pendant.
Nov 6, 2009
Nov 5, 2009
Mailling in Colour
I am in the process of introducing a new range of chainmaille bracelets to my jewellery range. These bracelets are in nice bright colours and they are stretchy!
Each bracelet is made with brightly coloured aluminium rings and with either black or white rubber rings. With the rubber rings adding some stretching ability to the bracelets there is no clasp required
So far I have made a selection of bracelets in three different weaves - Euro 4 in 1, Byzantine and Box Chain.
Check these out!
Each bracelet is made with brightly coloured aluminium rings and with either black or white rubber rings. With the rubber rings adding some stretching ability to the bracelets there is no clasp required
So far I have made a selection of bracelets in three different weaves - Euro 4 in 1, Byzantine and Box Chain.
Check these out!
Nov 4, 2009
DeWanda Shop
For customers in Europe who prefer to pay in Euros, I have a DeWanda shop as well as the other stores listed on my blog.
DeWanda is an online site started and based in Germany although there are also English and French versions of the site. Tapping into the European market, one of the benefits European clients have when shopping on DeWanda is that they don't need to use Pay Pal. DeWanda have a voucher system whereby customers can buy vouchers from DeWanda (paying by various methods) and then use the voucher in any DeWanda store. DeWanda then pays the seller direct.
I have just listed my Cloudy Day Bangle (the most picked up piece at my market last weekend) in my DeWanda store.
DeWanda is an online site started and based in Germany although there are also English and French versions of the site. Tapping into the European market, one of the benefits European clients have when shopping on DeWanda is that they don't need to use Pay Pal. DeWanda have a voucher system whereby customers can buy vouchers from DeWanda (paying by various methods) and then use the voucher in any DeWanda store. DeWanda then pays the seller direct.
I have just listed my Cloudy Day Bangle (the most picked up piece at my market last weekend) in my DeWanda store.
Nov 2, 2009
Monday Feature
My feature this week is a fellow Jet team member, Erika of Erika Price Designs.
Erika, living in a big old farmhouse in the English countryside with her husband and her dog, describes designing and making exclusive jewellery as her passion. Erika's work varies according to her mood and inspiration, though she especially love using artisan-made lampwork glass in her creations.
Incorporating her love of music into the naming of her designs and collections, Erika presents a Music Collection, contemporary designs in sterling silver and gold vermeil, a Virtuoso Collection, designs inspired by Victorian and vintage jewellery, a Fantasy Collection, a fun collection featuring fun glass critters, and finally a Sweet Candy Collection.
Erika is also inspired by her love of helping others and this is reflected in the fact that Erika donates all profits from the sale of her jewellery to charity.
So, if you not only want to browse a fantastic selection of jewellery, but want to help a good cause at the same time, then pay a visit to Erika Price Designs.
Erika, living in a big old farmhouse in the English countryside with her husband and her dog, describes designing and making exclusive jewellery as her passion. Erika's work varies according to her mood and inspiration, though she especially love using artisan-made lampwork glass in her creations.
Incorporating her love of music into the naming of her designs and collections, Erika presents a Music Collection, contemporary designs in sterling silver and gold vermeil, a Virtuoso Collection, designs inspired by Victorian and vintage jewellery, a Fantasy Collection, a fun collection featuring fun glass critters, and finally a Sweet Candy Collection.
Erika is also inspired by her love of helping others and this is reflected in the fact that Erika donates all profits from the sale of her jewellery to charity.
So, if you not only want to browse a fantastic selection of jewellery, but want to help a good cause at the same time, then pay a visit to Erika Price Designs.
Nov 1, 2009
November Giveaway
Well, its the 1st of the month and so time for me to announce my next Giveaway.
But first - we need a winner for the October Giveaway. So, having generated a randon number on random.org I am delighted to announce that the winner of my Dragonfly Necklace is Bachuchay! Congratulations - your necklace will soon be on its way to you.
Now, for my November Giveaway. This month I will be giving away a $40 voucher to spend in my Etsy store. The voucher can either be used to purchase an item up to $40 in value or it can be put toward the cost of a higher valued item.
To Enter:
But first - we need a winner for the October Giveaway. So, having generated a randon number on random.org I am delighted to announce that the winner of my Dragonfly Necklace is Bachuchay! Congratulations - your necklace will soon be on its way to you.
Now, for my November Giveaway. This month I will be giving away a $40 voucher to spend in my Etsy store. The voucher can either be used to purchase an item up to $40 in value or it can be put toward the cost of a higher valued item.
To Enter:
- Please visit my Etsy store and tell me how you would like to spend $40.
Extra Entries - 1 extra entry for each of the following:
- Become a follower of my blog (or let me know if you already are)
- Become a fan of my Facebook Page (again let me know if you already are)
- Blog about this Giveaway and give me the link
- Tweet about this giveaway and let me know
The Giveaway will run until the end of November with the winner announced on the 1st December. Good Luck!
Oct 31, 2009
Getting mold out of fabric?
Getting everything ready for my market tomorrow and realised that my table cloth has mold in the fabric. It got wet at my last market and stupidly I forgot about it. I have put it through two hot washes in the machine, the second time with stain remover, and its still there!
Any tips or ideas gratefully received!
Any tips or ideas gratefully received!
Oct 29, 2009
Markets Galore!
This will be a great weekend to start your Christmas shopping if you live in the Brisbane with a great selection of Handmade Markets to choose from!
First up is the monthly Young Designers Market at Southbank. This is on Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. I will have a stall there with my sterling silver jewellery. YDM features many up and coming designers in the worlds of fashion, accessories, homewares and art - something for everyone.
Then there is the Mathilda's Market at the City Hall in the centre of Brisbane. This market is also on Sunday and runs from 9.00am to 1.00pm. The Mathilda's Market specialises in handcrafted baby and kids goods including homewares, accessories, clothes and toys.
Finally there is the Finders Keepers Market making its inaugural visit to Brisbane. This market will be held at the Old Museum in Brisbane and is on Saturday from 12.00pm to 9.00pm and on Sunday from 10.00am to 5.00pm. As with the YDM this market features up and coming designers in fashion, accessories and homewares.
Different BrisStylettes will be selling at each of the markets so come along and see our goodies first hand!
First up is the monthly Young Designers Market at Southbank. This is on Sunday from 10.00am to 4.00pm. I will have a stall there with my sterling silver jewellery. YDM features many up and coming designers in the worlds of fashion, accessories, homewares and art - something for everyone.Then there is the Mathilda's Market at the City Hall in the centre of Brisbane. This market is also on Sunday and runs from 9.00am to 1.00pm. The Mathilda's Market specialises in handcrafted baby and kids goods including homewares, accessories, clothes and toys.Finally there is the Finders Keepers Market making its inaugural visit to Brisbane. This market will be held at the Old Museum in Brisbane and is on Saturday from 12.00pm to 9.00pm and on Sunday from 10.00am to 5.00pm. As with the YDM this market features up and coming designers in fashion, accessories and homewares.Different BrisStylettes will be selling at each of the markets so come along and see our goodies first hand!
Oct 28, 2009
Geometric Square Bracelets Back in Stock
My Geometric Squares Bracelet is one of the only designs that I have repeated, albeit with different gemstones - its a fun design to do and seems to be well liked!
Well, I now have two bracelets back in stock - one with Peridot Jasper, and one with Rhodonite!
Well, I now have two bracelets back in stock - one with Peridot Jasper, and one with Rhodonite!
Of course, if you prefer to "do it yourself" I also have the tutorial for making the bracelet in my store too.
Oct 27, 2009
Tree Agate Tumbled Stone Pendant
Sometimes it can be fun to use a tumbled uncut stone in a design rather than a nicely domed cabochon or cut gemstone - and that's what I've used in this pendant.
These uncut stones can be picked up quite cheaply since they haven't been cut to show off the gemstone at its best, but the very irregularity of the stones makes them interesting- and of course they are in a much more natural state.
This Tree Agate is a lovely stone, with a strong white background and clearly defined green markings and the stone proved to be a good shape to work with.
I wire wrapped the stone in sterling silver with three strands of wire sweeping down the length of the stone and swirls of wire on top of the stone.
So - my Tree Agate Tumbled Stone Pendant.
These uncut stones can be picked up quite cheaply since they haven't been cut to show off the gemstone at its best, but the very irregularity of the stones makes them interesting- and of course they are in a much more natural state.
This Tree Agate is a lovely stone, with a strong white background and clearly defined green markings and the stone proved to be a good shape to work with.
I wire wrapped the stone in sterling silver with three strands of wire sweeping down the length of the stone and swirls of wire on top of the stone.
So - my Tree Agate Tumbled Stone Pendant.
Oct 26, 2009
Monday Feature
My feature this week is another member of the BrisStyle team - Daneve of Chicuff.
A fun and outgoing individual, Daneve was born into a very creative family and gives that as the reason why she has a strong interest in Arts and exploring various creative concepts. Having traveled from one end of the world to the other before settling down, Daneve describes herself as a person who is always doing something with her hands.
Having used her crafting abilities to create many different styles over the years, Daneve recently decided she wanted to try and base her craft on something that was new and innovative. Exploring the popular concept of recycling Daneve came up with the idea of using Environmentally Friendly, Non-Woven material bags and transforming them into wearable art... and so Chicuff was born. Daneve's designs are ever-increasing and she hopes to keep broadening her designs to cover a larger cross section of people...
The stand out items in Chicuff are the wonderful fascinators but there are also a great range of hair ornaments, cuffs, rings, brooches and wallets - so go check them out - they are well worth a second glance!
A fun and outgoing individual, Daneve was born into a very creative family and gives that as the reason why she has a strong interest in Arts and exploring various creative concepts. Having traveled from one end of the world to the other before settling down, Daneve describes herself as a person who is always doing something with her hands.
Having used her crafting abilities to create many different styles over the years, Daneve recently decided she wanted to try and base her craft on something that was new and innovative. Exploring the popular concept of recycling Daneve came up with the idea of using Environmentally Friendly, Non-Woven material bags and transforming them into wearable art... and so Chicuff was born. Daneve's designs are ever-increasing and she hopes to keep broadening her designs to cover a larger cross section of people...
The stand out items in Chicuff are the wonderful fascinators but there are also a great range of hair ornaments, cuffs, rings, brooches and wallets - so go check them out - they are well worth a second glance!
Oct 25, 2009
Fused Cab and Sterling Earrings
With a bunch of cabs from Guru Creations still to use I managed to find a couple that were a near match so decided to go for earrings this time. Earrings are also a great way to use up the offcuts of wire from my bangles and pendants.
I used twisted wire to outline the cabs and then some more wire to shape in front of the cabs securing them in place. I then rolled the wire over all around the top of each cab. Jump rings were then used to secure the cabs to some hand shaped ear wires.
I used twisted wire to outline the cabs and then some more wire to shape in front of the cabs securing them in place. I then rolled the wire over all around the top of each cab. Jump rings were then used to secure the cabs to some hand shaped ear wires.
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