Holidays Are Here Again!

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Hello and Season's Greetings to All!

Gee, it's been a while since my last post. Guess you guys thought I'd moved away or something. Not really, just having personal issues that have been more than distracting!

But I'm back now and plan to be around a lot more in the future. I've been working on my skills while I've been on "hiatus" and I've improved! :-) I'm putting up a sample for you to see:

This cuff bracelet is made with blue crazy lace agate rounds, with pewter and silver-filled beads on memory wire. Makes a great gift!

Thanks for being around and I'll be back soon. Got some new things in the works to share with you!

Have a fabulous Holiday Season!!!



Patrice
https://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com
https://designsbymayanna.com

Product Review: EuroTool Dual Crimp Pliers

Hey There!

Welcome to another Product review! Today we have a great, indispensable tool for any jewelry maker, Dual Euro Crimpers. These crimpers are made to fit smaller crimp bead sizes! Check it out!
 

 http://jewelrymaking.about.com/od/toolequipmentreviews/a/dual-eurocrimpers.htm


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com
https://designsbymayanna.com

Video Tutorial - How to Make a Fumed Implosion Pendant

Hi There,

Okay, this is the second part of last week's tutorial. This is an advanced glass blowing technique but I just found the whole process fascinating. The music sets a certain tone in this video, too. The resulting pendant is absolutely gorgeous, so stick around!

If you like this one, please let me know by clicking the "Like" button at the bottom of this post. Also, if you would like to see something demonstrated here let me know in the comments box. Well enjoy and thanks for stopping by! And if you really like this, grab my button and tell a friend!





Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Video Tutorial - How to Make a Fumed Implosion Pendant

 Hi There!

The implosion technique in glass blowing creates the effect of multi-colored fingers of glass within another piece of clear glass. This video glass blowing tutorial shows how to use this style to make a jewelry pendant. Watch as the glass is shaped over a flame to recreate the fumed implosion technique resulting in a necklace pendant.

This is a more advanced video than I've placed here before, but I found this completely mesmerizing. This young man has talent and skill! (His taste in music ain't bad either.) This is Part 1, the second part will be next week.

Let me know if you like it by clicking the "Like" button at the bottom of this post. And if there's anything you'd like to see demonstrated here, let me know in the comments section. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com
https://designsbymayanna.com

Here's a Sneak Peek at the Newest Attractions at Designs by M'Ayanna

I've been a speculative fiction addict for more than 40 years. I was into Heinlein, Tolkien and P. K. Dick back in the days when they were considered down right weird. Now they are more than acceptable, they're fashionable. This is due in no small part to today's fascination  with the industrial revolution and the fascinating possibilites represented by that era. The influence of science fiction writers from the late 19th century like Wells and Verne is still alive today in steam punk fashion and lifestyle. I'm putting my own spin on the style as part of my New Vintage collection.

Skeleton keys are a big part of the steam punk look. This 3 inch brass key embellishment is combined with 25mm antique brass wheel elements, red and clear faceted glass rounds and hung from an oval linked antique brass chain. I think it's a cool, rather elegant piece and great for dress or casual wear!

Look for it and more new items at Designs by M'Ayanna!

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Preview: Up Next at Designs by M'Ayanna on Etsy

 It's been a Lo-o-o-ong time coming, but the new line is finally here!

Last fall I started a line called "New Vintage." It's my take on the vintage craze with some unique elements and mixed techniques, styles and colors. I found some fabulous raw brass filigree with fresh from the forge patinas and I used one to create this little number.

Okay, can you tell it's a Steam Punk style design? I'm calling these pendants "Pretty in (Steam) Punk." (I twisted up that bail myself, been working on my wire techniques, too! I know I'm supposed to be all artsy and stuff, but I'm having so much fun I'm bouncing in my seat!) It's a cold connected piece fabricated by yours truly! This raw brass pendant is composed of a beautiful 35mm filigree medallion, a 25mm 5-spoke brass gear wheel and a lovely amethyst-colored 5-petal Czech glass flower. It hangs on three lengths of silk embroidery ribbon. My daughter keeps looking at it with puppy dog eyes, so it's definitely got appeal!

Coming soon to Etsy!

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Oh, So Lovely! - Bits 'n Beads by Gilliauna: A BESTeam Feature

      If I had to use only one word to describe Bits n Beads by Gilliauna it would be just lovely (okay, maybe two words). She creates exquisite and unique handmade artisan jewelry rich in color and quality including necklaces, earrings, bracelets, eyeglass chains, beaded lanyards, charms, zipper pulls, rosaries and more.

      Like me, Gilliauna loves color. And color and quality are what her shop is all about, her items are all well crafted and beautifully displayed. A testament to her experience and skill, her site holds a myriad of beaded jewelry and gift items that display a remarkable sense of artistic balance, patient craftsmanship and attention to detail.

      Bits n Beads by Gilliauna often uses cleaned, re-purposed and vintage jewelry parts and beads in many of her colorful creations. This helps to help keep waste to a minimum, and shopping for vintage materials at places like the Salvation Army helps the community.

      An artist with over 20 years experience, Gilliauna is a US citizen who lives and works in British Columbia, Canada. Her lovely creations can be seen at craft shows both across the border and in Washington state, as well as a variety of venues on the web.

      Here we have a piece that caught my eye right off. This Agate Dragons Vein Necklace Handmade in Bronze is a really striking piece. Notice the little bronze filigree beadcap at the bottom of the pendant and the little dragons vein bead that dangles at the end of the chain. It's these types of details that make Gilliauna's work truly unique. Great for Mom or Mother of the bride!
 

      These Gold Hoop Earrings, Amethyst Gemstone caught my eye because they're purple, of course. But they are also set to dangle on gold plated "Adik" hoops with a safety hook clasp. Again, it's in the details! A great gift for Mom, a new graduate or something "new" for the bride!

     Here's a bit of colorful whimsy any bookworm or new graduate will adore! This Handmade Beaded Book Charm - Dragonfly's Kiss, a one-of-a-kind silver-plated bookmark, boasts a dragonfly and a two-tone faceted glass bead of green and blue. Useful and pretty to boot!

     With summer just around the corner, what could be more apropos than this adorable Ladybug Love Handmade Charm Bracelet in Red, hm? Bright and cheerful, this charm bracelet was created using red coral beads, glass pearls and wire wrapped red glass beads; with little lampwork ladybugs and a matching silver plated toggle clasp on a silver plated chain. A sweet graduation or birthday gift for some lucky girl!

      These Frosted Amber Teardrop Earrings, Gold Wire Wrapped are a Gilliauna signature design called "The Elixirs." The glass drops in these earrings have been hand-dipped in clouding solution to create a satin sheen before being set to dangle on delicate matching gold-tone hooks designed by hand for a unique and graceful shape.

    

    As you can see, Bits 'n Beads by Gilliauna is a marvelous place to find well-made, handcrafted jewelry and gifts! She also maintains a wonderful blog with guidance and inspiration for gift shoppers. And be sure to become a fan of hers on Facebook and follow her on Twitter! So many lovely items, so little time!

     Speaking of lovely, do you love to blog? Are you on Etsy? Well, the BESTeam wants you! Stop by and see what lovely things we have to offer!

All the best!

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Originals from Our Home to Yours - Another BESTeam Feature

     If you like original and one of a kind items, look no further than Our Home to Yours. It’s the place where you will find a most eclectic assortment of items from footwear and jewelry to home décor and linens. What these items all have in common is the mother/daughter team of Debbie and Amanda. When they create something, they almost never re-make it.
     You will never see a piece of jewelry from Our Home to Yours sold and re-listed. Debbi, a busy mom and foster-mom (yay!), doesn't draw a design first and rarely buys in bulk. She just piles her beads in front of her, and lets the jewelry design itself. She feels that “if you wanted to look like everyone else, you would be shopping at Walmart.”
     Amanda, a third generation artist, has a toddler, a degree in Graphic Design and a Fine Arts background. She handles the shop's graphic design and signage. Together, mother and daughter create unique treasures through stringing, crocheting, appliqués, paint and multi-media. All with a homey feel that speaks of the love in each and every creation. (Debbi's great at finding vintage treasures, too!)
     Just take a look at these handmade crochet blue flower flip flops! They are way too cute and just in time for summer!

      Here's my favorite! This bridal shadowbox is a custom order item and a lovely keepsake of your special day! Remember, June is Bridal Month!

      Now, here's a little piece of vintage! Debbi found this Jeanette Lombardi footed punch bowl. It's just right for your next graduation party or springtime soiree!

     This one is a Debbi original! Turquoise is one of my favorite colors and it's shown off very nicely in this Handmade Indian-Style Necklace. Just perfect for Mother's Day!

      Here's a wonderful item just in time for the bride and groom in your future! This precious Butterfly Quilt Coverlet is full size with a box pleat skirt and lovingly hand-stitched around each butterfly and dragonfly.

     Thanks, Debbi and Amanda, for bringing your home to ours at Our Home to Yours! Be sure to join them on their lovely blog. Fan them on Facebook and tweet them on Twitter, too, won't you? I know they'll welcome your visit!

All the best!


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Make a Beaded Tangerine Cuff

Hi There!

     I'm a self-taught beader and am constantly learning new techniques and patterns. So in my constant search for new stuff to make, I came across this bracelet tutorial just in time for spring and I thought I'd share. I found this one on about.com.

 

 http://beadwork.about.com/od/beadedbracelets/ss/tangerine-cuff-pattern.htm


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

New From Designs by M'Ayanna

Hey There!

     Well, I FINALLY put something new up on the site. I haven't done that since before Thanksgiving 2010! Yeah I know, if I took better pictures I'd have more stuff up. Nevertheless, I put a couple of pretties up that you might like.
     I like drama and a  little history in my jewelry so I went for the gusto! Here's my new Egyptian Cartouche Bracelet in black and gold.

     I put a lot of love into this particularly because of the beads. I've been looking for some good-looking cartouche beads and actually found them a little difficult to find. Finally, though, I found these ceramic babies. They're just about 1-1/4" long and I combined them with some gold seed beads, black tourmaline rounds and flat gold disk spacers to make this cool-looking bracelet. 


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Product Review: Crystal Crafter Hot Fix Crystal Setter

Hi There,


     I know there are a lot of crafters and jewelry makers who use hot fix crystals for embellishments. Here's a thorough review on a tool designed to make that job quick and easy! Found this one on craftique.com!

http://www.craftcritique.com/2009/08/crystal-crafter-hot-fix-crystal-setter.html

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

How to Make A Polymer Clay Mold

Hi There!

     I'm back once again! Went home to see my Mom and it's taken a little time for me to get back in the swing of things. The trip was a little disheartening for me but seems to have done Mom a world of good. At 93 years old, it's good to hear a smile in her voice!
     I've heard that you guys really like the tutorials I've put up, so here's another one you might like. This is a tutorial on how to make a mold of a bead using polymer clay. I thought it was a pretty cool way to recreate a button or bead you like. I found this little gem on howtomakejewelry.com. Hope you like it! (By the way, I love comments so leave one, okay?)

http://www.how-to-make-jewelry.com/push-mold-for-polymer-clay.html


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

From Desert Sands on Mystic Wynd: A BESTeam Feature

     When you own a business, there’s nothing like having a grip on who your customers are “In my case, it was obvious,” says Mystic Wynd owner/operator, Karen, “everyone!” Indeed, Mystic Wynd sports a large and eclectic mix of handmade jewelry and gift items designed to appeal to just about everyone.
     An artist and poet Karen has one basic philosophy, "An awareness of peace and love rose anew, As the spirit found truth and the Mystic Wynd blew..." a line from a poem she wrote, Karen embraces the idea of being true to oneself and not worrying about the opinions of others.
     Currently based in Scottsdale, AZ, this transplanted Chicagoan’s creations “are designed in the hopes of igniting that special spark of uniqueness that lies within us all," she says. "Some things are elegant, some are fun, some are outlandish, some are colorful, some are calming - but the great thing is that I know there is someone out there who will recognize something that just makes them feel good about themselves!”
     Karen’s designs take in other factors besides style. She’s designed a number of necklaces with easy to close clasps and front closure that are fashionable and unique to meet the needs of customers who have trouble with clasps. She also creates earring designs that easily convert to non-pierced style. Rings at Mystic Wynd are either adjustable or can be created to size.
     Whether your style is simple or bold, classic or trendy, elegant or glitzy, Mystic Wynd has something for you at a price you can afford. And speaking of mystic, hear's one of my favorite stones, Botswana Agate, in Mystic Wynd's Gemstone Necklace Botswana Agate, Onyx, Mookaite - Earth Expressions. Did you know Botswana agate is said to bestow insight, wisdom and guidance to the wearer?

 

     Here's another lovely classic retro piece just right for evening. Karen created this stunning Black Czech Glass Necklace and Earrings Set - Ebony Brilliance with Black AB bicones and tiny gold seed beads.

     I'm a bit of a nut for purple so this purple floral piece really caught my eye. Purple Rose Necklace w Pearl, and Glass Beads - Reverie in Indigo is a lovely vintage style necklace with glass pearls and purple glass foil beads.

      Karen also maintains a dynamic blog so stop by and see what she has to share. Or become a fan on Facebook or follow her on Twitter. Please be sure to see her shop on Etsy and check out her fabulous array of handcrafted goodies at prices you can afford!

     All the best!

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Jewelry Photo Editing Tips for Professional Results

Photographically challenged? Don't worry, you're not alone! Here are a few tips on how to photo edit your shots and some suggested freeware to help you do it. Got this from home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com.

http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/photo-editing.html


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Taking Photos Getting You Down? Try Scanning!

It's no secret, I can't take a photo for love nor money. But here's a little trick I'm going to try and you can, too.  Got this from home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com.

http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/scanners.html


Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Making Egyptian Jewelry

Hi There!

I found this interesting little article on designing Ancient Egyptian-style jewelry. I'm a major history buff and have always admired Egyptian artifacts, (spent many days in the bowels of the art museum as a teenager). This article literally dispels some myths about the symbols used in making Ancient Egyptian-style jewelry in the modern age. Check it out!

And please, take a moment and tell me what you think about it, okay?

http://www.ehow.com/how_4612575_make-ancient-egyptian-jewelry.html

Thanks,

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Product Review: Super Clear Resin

Here's a review for resin jewelry makers from crafttestdummies.com!

 http://www.crafttestdummies.com/craft-product-reviews/craft-product-review-superclear-resin-by-resin-obsession/

Patrice http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com

Hemp Jewelry

 Hi There!

Here is a great little video from ehow.com on the basics of making macrame hemp jewelry. Since going green is part of being a responsible world citizen, using hemp is relevant. I used to make wall hangings and such when I was younger, so this had some appeal for me. I hope for you too!

http://www.ehow.com/video_4433730_make-hemp-jewelry.html

Patrice
http://www.designsbymayanna.etsy.com