WHAT'S NEW .... images of my latest jewelry creations can be seen here

Thank you for visiting my site. I hope you find much to interest you and that you will return often to see "what's new". I would appreciate any feedback you would care to send me regarding either my artwork or the site itself. In particular, I would like to know if any page takes so long to load that you want to give up on it, or if any link doesn't work as you think it should. click here to send your comments. Thank you. Carol

4-29-10 Even more major life changes and NOW perhaps I am ready to settle down and update this page ... eventually the entire site... and perhaps get back on track.

First, I moved into a new home and am really enjoying it. Second, I have been kept busy with preparing and teaching new classes, making the samples and the printed materials is time consuming. Good thing I enjoy it. The keum-boo pendant at the left is my favorite "sample" for the week end workshop that I taught in March.

Last month I photographed three artists work for their jury submissions. I will get some of that onto the photo page soon. Today I am working on making jewelry for next week's sale at the college where I teach.

 

11-7-09 Major life changes have kept me from updating this site, and this is the start of getting back to it. The bead at left is one of my favorites from my latest series featuring murrini I made myself. They are my attempt at a not too realistic jelly fish... those magical looking "drifters" in the ocean I live so near to.

The silver rich glass has a mother-of-pearl shimmer and a translucent quality to it.

8-14-09 Still spending most of my bead making time creating large holed beads for silver lining. Nearly all of these beads feature the silver rich glass from Double Helix. And now with yet another new color available from them, I have even more possibilities to play with.

I have also started working with murrini (tiny slices of patterned glass cane). The bead at left features murrini made by FenG Frit Factory... a design named "Belly Dancer". These are much more complex then the ones I am just learning to make. I have managed to make a few beads with my own murrini that I like, and will photograph those next. Meanwhile, here is my most recent "favorite" bead made with a purchased murrini. Two sides of same bead named "Water Ballet".... keeping with the dance theme. The blues, greens, and purples, are all from the same rod of glass and they shimmer like abalone underwater.

7-5-09 These two rings were made as examples of the "spinner" style of ring (some call it a "rotating" style). I am teaching a ring making class this summer and am updating my samples for demonstration purposes. I used a tube rivet to hold the bead to the roll printed silver band. It is surprisingly comfortable to wear, considering the size.

The top ring, "Ocean Spinner" , features one of my favorite beads from the "Sea Stone" series. The bottom ring, "Black Gold Spinner", features a bead from my newest series of bead styles. Pure gold foil is fused to a bead made with silver rich black glass. The silver creates a satiny, pearl look rather than a shiny surface. The texture and the shape is reminiscent of a water worn pebble. It feels so good on the skin, I am planning a bracelet made from these.... similar but different to this one.

6-17-09 Oh my! has it really been that long since my last "What's New" posting? Either my life (and business) is really dull and slow, or I am way too busy to keep up with things. Both are my excuse... if one is needed.

Big news for today at least... just had my first sale on ArtFire.com. The set of pink beads in the last update are headed to Arizona.

Still making the silver lined beads and still hooked on the Double Helix glass. I have learned how to get the pearly shimmer under the clear encasing nearly every time... almost too much sometimes. This bead (at left) is an example of that.

 

4-1-09 Making the large holed beads each time I have a chance to spend time on the torch. Adding the a silver lining to the best of them, photographing them when I can fit that task in with my other jobs. This pair are on the Silver Lined Beads page.

The shimmer, or pearly, look is nearly impossible to capture as it really only comes to life when the beads move in the light. These two beads were made to match a beautiful Thai silk scarf that my daughter's student gave her. I think the bead on the right captures the quality of the hand dyed threads.

2-22-09 Continuing to make beads with the special glass from Double Helix in the shape and techniques shown in bead at left. About 30 of them have been lined with silver and are waiting to be photographed and added to the "Silver Lined Beads" page.

I got a bit carried away with buying new glass colors this month, looking to expand my color palette with more "warm" colors, and have yet to test them all. Of the colors I have tested, about 10% will become new "favorites" and the rest will no doubt gather dust. One new glass color is especially satisfying and I plan to make a bunch of disc shaped beads with it the next time I torch.

 

2-1-09 What's new? A lot and nothing. Still very busy with photography for others, lots of family stuff (I am the "sandwich" generation... only this sandwich is a double decker!), the Holidaze of course .... and every moment I can steal from all of that is devoted to making beads. It has been so long since I updated this page that I have forgotten how! My most recent bead making passion has been with the Double Helix silver laden glass and using silver tubing to line the beads. Some bead makers create these for use with special sized bracelet chains. I just make them because I love them. The 1/4" or 3/16" hole can accomodate either the chains or small beads. Some of the beads I made seem to be calling for small pearls. The bead at left is part of the "Indigo Mist" series. These silver lined beads will have their own page, "Silver Lined Beads". More photos to come.

 

11-8-08 I moved the very popular "Cowboy Beads" to a page of their own. So much "romance" attached to the word "cowboy" I think perhaps this has helped this bead series to attract its fans. My grandson Serge named this series and he was definitely inspired by his favorite "stories".

I made beads for a couple of days last week and then back to the photography "job" and some wonderful work by Jeanie Pratt that I will add to the "Photography Page" eventually. Finished that job and now starting on photographing Sara Burns' newest jewelry. I'll pick three images from each of these artists to add to the photo page when I can find the time. Jeanie exhibits at Mobilia Gallery and Sara sells at varous venues and soon will have a web page of her own. I'll link to that when it is available.

The beads I made are really luscious. The silver laden glass from Double Helix is so full of surprises... always special. I love to work with glass that is not too predicable. Seems more magical somehow. I feel it combines the precious with the "wabi-sabi" and the beads will need a "category" and name of their own.

 

10-29-08 It is a great thrill to see a photo of one of my bracelets included in the November issue of Lapidary Journal's JEWELRY ARTIST. One of three images used with the press release for the MBMAG's EXPRESSIONS IN METAL exhibit mentioned below.

Thank you to the editor(s) and graphics person for a beautiful page.

10-25-08 Can't believe how long it has been since I have added new things to the site. Blame it on the fact that I have a new computer... switched from a PC to an iMac!... and new software including a new version of Dreamweaver that requires more learning than the old brain can keep up with. Looks like I will need to buy a new "how to" book for the new DreamWeaver program... just too many things are different with the ways things work.Today is the start of making the effort, and bit-by-bit, I'll fill in and update on all that has been keeping me busy these past four months.

One thing has been an exhibit for the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild. I was part of a team that produced the exhibit and I also created some new work to show. The opening reception last night was a great success. Read more about the MBMAG and the exhibit at www.mbmag.org . The small sculpture, "For the Journey" pictured at left is one of the new pieces I created for the exhibit.. the first sculpture I have made in several years. The "Tropical Storm" bracelet was also made for the show and features my newest "favorite" beads. I'll write more details on another page eventually.

I have also photographed some great jewelry and sculpture for friends and will update the "Photography" page once I get the hang of how things work now.

The beads I made before I got side tracked by all of these distractions are still waiting to be photographed and the last batch of the newest silver rich glass is also waiting (not so patiently) on my bench.

I presented two Photography Demos this month that required more prep time than expected. Good thing I always learn a lot when I prepare for teaching what it is I do. Some of that will be shared on this site as soon as I figure out the best way to do that. Looks like I am making many promises (to myself) for "tasks" to make up for neglecting this site for so long. I don't know how anyone can write a daily blog and still have the time to live a life worth writing about. Since I read a number of great blogs written my artists I admire, I know it is possible.

 

6-1-08 Two new sets of the popular "Cowboy Beads". More in the works. Playing with the newest glass from Double Helix. Beautiful blues and greens with lots of variety make this a really special glass. As soon as I have enough to make a few sets I'll get some photographed.

5-3-08 I finally added photos to my Studio Tour page. Scroll down to the Photo Studio Tour section and click on the left photo to go the the page where the new "how-to" and examples of finished photos are. Or click here for a faster way.

I have spent the last several weeks preparing for a demo on lighting that I presented today. Lots of time spent creating a PowerPoint presentation (my first). Fun but time consuming. Now I can get back to making beads and jewelry....so check back later for new beads in my "store".

4-10-08 Still very busy doing photography for other artists, and not yet caught up on up-loading all of the new photos. One example of a recent photo is this ring made by Su Tallarico, a former student of mine. Click here to go to Su's site and see more of her wonderful work.

Kim S. sent an image of a bracelet she made featuring beads recently purchaced from my site. Scroll down this page to find a link to her new web site.

3-2-08 Oh dear! What became of February? Good thing this is not a blog or I might feel a total failure for not posting "What's New". Actually, I continue to be very busy meeting other artist's deadlines for photography. I'll eventually get more of those images onto my "Photography" page. Meanwhile, here is a new one for Gloria Shannon. Lovely copper earrings.

I did manage to complete a new ring and submit three pieces to the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild (MBMAG) show that is about to take place at the Collector's Gallery of the Oakland Museum. I also up-dated my Artist Statement and submitted it for the show.

11-24-07 I recently photographed several wonderful pieces made by Nancy Yee. The piece in the photo at the left, a reliquary, is about 8" high. The figure is a pin that rests inside the box. More work by Nancy can be seen here.

I continue to work on making the "Primitive" beads as well as small spacer beads to go with them. Lots of interest in copper lately, and this series looks especially perfect in combination with the earthy color of the copper.

10-23-07 I have been extra busy with photography this past month, including photographing some amazing work created by Earl Bushey. The Tsuba (sword guard) at left features mokume gane created by Earl. This piece, along with several other wonderful pieces that I have photographed this past month, will be part of the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild show taking place at the Oakland Museum's Collector's Gallery early next year.

I am also working on making new wire work jewelry using copper and the "Primitives" that are my newest bead series.

8-11-07 New "Sea Stones" in the "pebble" shape and one set with whirlpools in the design. The "whirlpools" add motion and the pebble shape is really comfortable to wear. I am so thrilled with these that I am making more each time I light the torch. Some beads yet to be photographed have a bit of blue "gold stone" to add sparkle. Check back next week if you love (just a little) glitter.

8-11-07 More "Sea Stones" added. These are my newest "favorites", although I continue to love the range of colors that come from a single rod of the "Raku" glass.

I have made (and sold) several copper brangles featuring the coral and turquoise dot beads. "Copper Celebration" is one of these. The "Rio Grande Cowboy Brangle" was a special order that was fun to make. If you would like to special order a piece of jewelry made from my beads, just contact me and we can discuss the details.

6-16-07 I certainly have fallen behind on my "what's new" updates. I have been extra busy these last few months, doing lots of photography for others, teaching a new class, etc., and only managing to make beads a couple of times a week. Still the collection continues to grow and now it is time to photograph the newest beads and get them in the "shop". Some can be seen on this "temporary parking" page for now.

I purchased many new colors from various glass manufactures and done some playing with it all when I can find the time. I really do like the richness of the new colors and plan to expand the palette soon.

1-14-07 With the holidaze behind me, now it is time to get some more beads onto the site and to work on the long promised tutorials. First the new beads.... three sets in the newest series, "Silver Matrix". The beads shown were created with ivory glass, silver leaf, and a new clear frit (tiny bits of glass). Colors all come from the reaction of the metal oxides in the glass, the silver leaf, and the flame. Also new beads on the "Raku" page and the "Twist Designs" page, including sets that have been etched for a stone-like surface.

11-27-06 I am continuing to photograph beads to add to the "Beads" page, adding new styles and categories. The focal bead at the left can be found in the "Mineralogicals" and another new category is "Companion Beads". More of everything to photograph and sort, so please check back again. I welcome comments and suggestions for making the process of selecting and purchasing easier... short of an actual shopping cart. Thanks for any ideas you care to send.

11-10-06 Added four sets of beads and re-organized the bead sets for sale pages. Now each style of bead will have its own page, making it easier to find related sets and colors. Still many more to photograph, and more new styles to add, but this is a start on the goal of more beads for sale on this site.

I have also moved sold bead set to the "archive" page. This has cleaned up the beads for sale pages a bit.

9-20-06 Lots of new jewelry and beads made and photographed since my last update here. Now I simply need to get it all onto the site. I created a page for "new work" where I will feature my latest creations as they are added to the site.

I am very excited about the new direction my work has developed this past month and hope to expand on some of the designs. More metal with my beads, more "play" in the work. New bead series as well. Lots of reactive glass experiments.

8-02-06 New photos added to the "photography" page. The piece at left, created by Shari Seger, will be included in the Monterey Bay Metal Arts Guild's upcoming exhibit titled "Trapped".

I have been very busy this summer, photographing, making beads, getting Mom moved into new senior housing, gardening, and teaching three classes. Just two weeks before classes begin again at MPC. My plan is to photograph more bead sets to add to the "store", attempt to master the newest glass I bought, and walk on the beach every day.

6-01-06 Added seven sets of beads in two popular styles. First are four sets of the etched "Earth" series with lots of coral and turquoise for a Southwest look. Three sets are in the "Raku" water style. The raku glass is applied to a black base and then encased with a crystal clear layer, creating a wonderful depth to the bead. Many more beads waiting to be photographed including the much requested black and ivory twist style.

2-18-06 Adding new sets and changing the look of the "Bead Sets" page. Please let me know if the page is "too slow" to load with the larger images instead of thumbnails as I had before. Thank you.

This bead set is from the "Raku River" series of beads.

 

7-19 Added four sets of beads including one with lots of gold. 24k gold foil under the transparent glass and 24k plating on the spacer beads. Quite lucious! I photographed ten new pieces for Barbara McKinder and am becoming more comfortable (and hopefully adept) with my new digital SLR. Now if I can master all the new software for processing images, I'll be on my way!

6-23 I added more images to the "Photography" page to show that I photograph more than jewelry and beads. The tea bowl at left was made by Andy Ruble, an instructor at MPC, the college where I also teach. A nice addition to my collection of tea bowls and other functional clay art. More photos to follow.

I installed the Adobe Creative Suite 2 on my computer and am busy trying to master it, along with my new camera, starting with Photoshop.

 

5-30 Added a few focal beads (two in the wabi-sabi series) and one more zipper pull. Also made quite a few focal beads in the "chrysalis" series (yet to be photographed). I am intrigued with the idea of "change" and "becoming" that the chrysalis symbolizes and am experimenting with various techniques for creating a somewhat abstract (but hopefully suggestive) appearance of a chrysalis. See the pendants page for the first examples of this series.

 

4-6 Five sets of beads added. Three feature bright and summery colors, the other two sets are etched (matte surface) beads in turquoise and black. One brangle made with the new "wabi-sabi" beads, and one in a very different look added to the "brangle" page.

3-30 Added six new pendants. Four feature the "Chrysalis" design. These are created using a technique that Michael Barley shared in the "Spotlight on Silver" that Corina produced. I couldn't think up a more fitting name for the design than what Michael uses on his beads, so stuck with "Chrysalis". They really do look as if a butterfly might be about to emerge. One of the new pendants is a long, thin bead featuring the "raku" glass that looks so different each time I use it.

3-27 I made more beads in my latest favorite technique and am starting to photograph them to add on a new page of their own. The surface of each bead is rich with detail, yet so subtle as to invite close viewing. The macro photos make them look monumental when really they are quite small. They remind me a bit of the tea bowls I collected when visiting Japan, and thus the name for the series in honor of the Japanese aesthetic,

Wabi-Sabi

1-23 I am now set up to accept credit card payments through PayPal. This is an easy and secure method for you to order items from this site and for me to quickly receive your payment. You do not have to have a PayPal account in order to use this service, although you may choose to set up an account. Instructions for using this service are on the "how to order" page.

10-31 New beads to be added to the site soon. Meanwhile, here is a sample of what I have been making recently. Like so many other bead makers, I am totally enamored with the "Raku Jitterbug" (aka Reichenbach 108, color shift opal orange, and Iris orange) glass. Although I have done nothing to enhance the colors in this photo, they are different than how the bead appears in person. I think that the digital camera simply does not "see" some colors the same as our eyes do. There is less yellow and more dark purple in the bead. Overall, a "quieter" color combo than appears here. Before I post them for sale I need to make as accurate a photo as possible. Wouldn't want to mislead anyone.

On raku pond beads (made from the same glass stringer), my goal was to make the beads as "calming" as possible. This is not a glass that can be fully controlled; it is full of surprises which is why I love playing with it. My favorite is the one on the left.

 

6-21 A couple of new bead sets added and changes made to an existing set.

6-10-04 I have lots of new enamel sea stars and some new beads to add to the site.... just as soon as I can resize and rename the files. Meanwhile, here is the first one. I am also attempting to re-organize the folders and make other changes in the appearance of the site. No doubt this is going to take a while as I have forgotten some of the steps. This short term memory stuff is no joke!

8-21 Added instructions for measuring a wrist for proper fit of a bangle with clasp. Any bangle pictured may be sized to fit any wrist correctly. Instructions are found by clicking on the link that appears on each "bangle" page, along with price and ordering information. The link looks like this: refer to these instructions

8-10 Throughout this site I have used small images ("thumbnails") on those pages that have multiple photos to insure that all pages load quickly. A friend informed me that it is not obvious that clicking on a small photo will take you to a new page with a larger images, more text, and/or ordering and price information. To correct this oversight, I added instructions on each page to "click on photos for details". I hope this makes the navigation of my site clearer.