Friday, December 30, 2011

Jewelry Making Classes Online at Beaducation: The Blog: Win a Set of Fusing Classes from Beaducation.com

I love Beaducation.  They have great supplies and wonderful online classes.  Some of their classes are free and the rest are very reasonably priced.  Plus you can get some of their classes on DVD now for those that want to be able to watch them over and over again without using up their internet (like me).  So check out their newest class giveaway.  But try not to enter too many times, because I really want to win. LOL  Jewelry Making Classes Online at Beaducation: The Blog: Win a Set of Fusing Classes from Beaducation.com: FUSING! Seriously, fusing fine silver wire is the best thing. Simple, classic, no firescale. Shiny! Can you tell that I have renewed my lov...

Sunday, December 4, 2011

Last HAF featured artist-Dahlish Knits

This weeks HAF featured artist is Dahlish Knits.  It's run by Gina, who lives in North Dakota, and has to divide her time between her knitting/creating and her husband and 2 children.  Looks like she manages to get it done though.  She also has a blog that she has to keep up with.  If you love handmade, and love knitted things, you need to check out her shop, Dahlish Knits for the most adorable items like these:







And if you're looking for some great Glass Kreationz, whether it's Stained Glass, Mosaics (like my birdfeeder that was featured in Birds and Blooms) or Fused Glass, or even some Beaded, Wire-wrapped jewelry, be sure to check out my shop, KayzKreationz.  Here's one piece I have up for sale.


Friday, December 2, 2011

Day 7-Last Day of the Virtual Craft Show

Today is the last day of the Virtual Craft Show.  The last of the 70 talented artists are listed along with their sales, discounts, and giveaways.  Be sure to check out Pretty Things Blog to see them and perhaps find a new artist you've never seen.  It's the last day to comment on her blog for the giveaways, so don't delay.Tomorrow will be the wrap-up with all the artists listed along with their links. 
Here's the link again to my DAY 5 with my giveaway.  While I'm at it, how do you like my Pot Charmers?  They're jewelry for your plants.  Are they something you would like for yourself or as a gift?  I'm trying to decide whether to make them a regular sale item in my shop. This is the pair of Pot Charmers I have listed at KayzKreationz and they come with free shipping.  So if you really like them, hurry over.  It's the last set I have right now.

Thursday, December 1, 2011

Virtual Craft Show Day 6 is live-Check out my Feature, too

Well, Day 6 of the Virtual Craft Show is here.  It runs for 7 days with 70 VERY talented artists being featured (10 each day).  There's giveaways, sales, discounts and lots of fun.  Check out Pretty Things blog for all the fun and be sure to leave comments there to be entered.  I was featured for 3 days starting yesterday.  Here's the link to my giveaway in the Craft Show.  Be sure to check it out.
On a side note, the Mosaic Birdhouse Birdfeeder featured in Dec./Jan. issue of Birds and Blooms magazine sold!I'm trying to get more made to list in my shop, KayzKreationz, so keep checking back here on my blog or in my shop.  I do have one last Texas Mosaic Birdfeeder listed right now, plus some other great Stained Glass, Mosaic and Fused Glass Kreationz and of course, my Beaded, Wire-wrapped Jewelry for yourself or as a gift.

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Challenge of Color Blog Hop is Here! Plus Day 5 of Virtual Craft Show-I'm Featured!

Not quite a month ago, Erin of Treasures Found blog issued a color challenge.  54 of us decided to take that challenge.  We signed up on her blog with a color we'd like to work with (or challenge ourself with) and she picked a color palette for us from Jessica of Design Seeds.  Jessica has wonderful color palettes on her blog to give you inspiration.  We had to make an accessory using one or all of the colors in our palette.  I picked purple and Erin picked Autumn Spectrum for me to work with.  Here is my color palette I was given:
I love the colors and had just the right beads to start this challenge off with.  I was wanting to design a choker to wear with purples so this fit right in.  I added the small purple czech glass crystals, the small muted green and purple oval beads, the purple/light green/bluish leaf beads to the gold chain and went to work.  I wanted to add some ribbon with it, but the blue/teal I had just didn't look right. I may add some later if I find the right color.  So without further ado, here's my piece by itself and on the color palette to see how well I matched everything up.  What do you think?  Be sure to check Erin's blog, Treasures Found for the rest of the participants and click through to their blogs to see what they created.





AND today is the day I'm being featured on the Virtual Craft Show! It's day 5 with 10 more great artists and their shops, sales, discounts and giveaways. Be sure to check out Pretty Things blog for the giveaways and the way to win! Here's my giveaway. Have fun.
So check out Pretty Things for the Virtual Craft Show and my giveaway.  Then check out Treasures Found for the Color Challenge Blog Hop and all the other participants.







Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Virtual Craft Show Day 4 is Here!

Have you been shopping yet?  Day 4 of the Virtual Craft Show is up and running.  10 more great artists frome the 70 artists that are participating are featured today.  You'll find an adorable Teddy bear, a gorgeous Turquoise, Amazonite, Coral necklace, Poinsettia pendants and so much more.  Plus chances to win these and other great prizes.  There's also sales and discounts on many of the shop sites.  So for your chance to win and find 70 Great Artists in 7 days, check out Pretty Things blog and follow the instructions.  I'll be featured starting tomorrow for 3 days and will have a giveaway for these cute Pot charmers.
Also, don't forget to check out my shop, KayzKreationz for that special Birdhouse Birdfeeder that was featured in the Birds and Blooms magazine this month to get the only nationally featured Mosaic birdfeeder for yourself or as a gift for a friend or loved one.  And the brooch that was entered in the Glass Headpin challenge in the post below will be going up for sale shortly.
See you all there.

Monday, November 28, 2011

Sue Bead Challenge and Day 3 of the Virtual Craft Show!


Susan from Sue Beads Blog recently promoted a challenge with some of her glass headpins.  She picked 4 contestants and send us each a pair of her headpins.  We had to create some type of accessory with her headpins and then post our creations today, Monday, December 28th.  So here's my creation.  I had a little bit of a time, trying to figure out how to attach the pin/brooch finding to the back of this Brass wire piece, but finally got it like I wanted.  I also used some silk ribbon I had and my first enameled Copper disc! (Enameling is sooo much fun.)  Then I added the little brass color feather to the end of the ribbon and attached Sue's wonderful Glass headpins with a copper chain and a little extra color for pizazz.  Hope you like it.  I loved coming up with something new.  Check out her blog, Sue Beads for the rest of the Challenge participants.



And don't forget I'm participating in the Virtual Craft show on Pretty Things blog.  My days will be starting Nov. 30th. Check out my giveaway here.  7 days, 70 artists with great sales, discounts, and giveaways.  So check out Pretty Things and comment to have a chance at one of the 70 giveaways by fantastic artists.  And if you want a Unique birdfeeder for your yard/garden or as a gift, My Mosaic Birdhouse Birdfeeder was featured in the December/January issue of Birds and Blooms magazine.  Get it for yourself and have the only Birdhouse Birdfeeder featured in a national magazine.  (Or get it as a gift for your birdfeeding family/friends).  You can check out my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz, for more great Stained Glass, Mosaics, Fused Glass, or Beaded/Wire-wrapped Jewelry.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Featured HAF Artist-Tams Jewelry

This week's featured artist from the HAFteam is Tammy from Tams Jewelry.  Although she has tried many different crafts, for her jewelry is the most addicting.  She loves playing with different materials and creating artwork through her jewelry.  Although she is married and has 2 beautiful daughters which take up a lot of her time, when you browse her TEXAS! (So do I, can you tell?)  She can be found many places.  Her Zibbet shop, Tams Jewelry, her Artfire shop, Tams Jewelry, her Etsy shop, Tams Jewelry, and her Handmade Artists shop, what else, but Tams Jewelry.  She can also be found on twitter and has a blog.  Here's just a couple of pieces from her shops.  So check her out and buy Handmade.

Virtual Craft Show-Day 2

Day 2 is live at Pretty Things.  Check out the newest Artists being featured today.  They're all wonderful.  Some Clay, some Glass, some Metal and even some great beading magazines you can win.  It runs for 7 days with 70 different Artists participating. Giveaways listed every day.  I'll be featured with a pair of my adorable Polymer Clay Pot Charmers later this week.  To see all the great artists and their sales, plus enter the giveaways, check out Pretty Things.
And if you're looking for some great Glass Kreationz for your Home or Garden for yourself or as gifts, check out my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz.  I make Stained Glass, Mosaics, Fused Glass and Beaded/Wire-wrapped Jewelry.  For the most unique gift, get yourself my Mosaic Birdhouse Birdfeeder.  It was featured in the newest issue of the Birds and Blooms magazine!  You'll have the only Mosaic Birdfeeder featured in a national magazine in your yard or garden.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Virtual Craft Show

It's here! The first day of the Virtual Craft Show.  There will be Giveaways, Discount Codes and More! 
Welcome to Day 1 of the First Annual Virtual Craft Show!

7 Days, 70 Artists, GIVING AWAY 70 things.  Can you believe it????
I hope you'll take the time to visit these artisans' shops and blogs, too.


Here's how you win: 

For each of the 7 days of the show, you get a point for each of the following (you don't have to do all four)....
Commenting on this page

Facebooking this page

Twittering this page

Blogging this page

Be sure to have either a blog with an email contact, or leave an email in your comment so I can notify you!  Your comment has to be on Pretty Things blog post about that particular day of the Virtual Craft show.  Click on the title or the box to the left to go right to the Virtual Craft show.

Drawing will be held a couple of days after the show.  So check out Pretty Things Blog for all the first great artists.  Stay tuned, because I'm participating in the Virtual Craft show and having a giveaway, too.

And if you're looking for that unique gift, check out my shop, KayzKreationz on Etsy.  My Mosaic Birdfeeder was featured in the newest copy of the Birds and Blooms magazine!  See the post below with all the details.  You'll have the only Mosaic birdfeeder featured in a national magazine for yourself or as a gift for a gardening/birdfeeding friend or loved one!  How great is that?

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

FEATURED: My Mosaic Birdfeeders in Birds and Blooms

YAY!  I got a copy of December/January issue of  Birds and Blooms magazine today and my Birdhouse Mosaic Birdfeeder is featured on page 38 for DIY crafts for birdfeeding and gardens/yards.  They contacted me back in April or May and asked about featuring it in the December/January issue.  I sent it in and it is the first feeder featured in the article.  There's also some tips on how to make your own.  Plus, it links to my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz for those that prefer buying one instead of making one.  So if you're looking for a unique birdfeeder for your yard or garden, check out my mosaic birdfeeders. The link in the title takes you to one that is like the one featured.  It's the Birdhouse Birdfeeder.  They also make wonderful gifts for your birdfeeding/gardening friends.  Here's a peek at the cover and the article.  It's so exciting to have one of my Mosaic Birdfeeders featured in a National magazine.

Monday, November 21, 2011

Color Challenge

Erin from Treasures Found blog, issued a challenge recently.  It was a Color Challenge.  When we signed up to participate, we told her a color we'd like to use.  She then picked a color palete from Design Seeds.  Jessica at Design Seeds designs wonderful color palettes.  I'm in awe of the colors she puts together and comes up with.  Anyway, Erin picked a color palette for each of us from the color we picked and we're challenged to come up with a piece of jewelry using any or all of those colors.  I picked purple and this is the color palette Erin picked for me.  Isn't it gorgeous?  Autumn Spectrum.   I love it.  I had some beads in my stash that perfectly matched the main colors of this palette and now am in the process of trying to put them together.  There will be a blog hop of all 54 Color Palette Challenge participants on November 30th.  So stay tuned to see what we all come up with from our color palette.  I'm trying to use all 5 of the colors, so we'll see if I can pull that off or not.

Sunday, November 13, 2011

HAF Featured Artist: trusk4u

This week's Featured HAF artist is Teresa from trusk4u at the HandmadeArtistsShop.  Although her first  crafting love was sewing, she now loves creating handmade jewelry using all kinds of materials, especially wire and recycled parts.  In fact she says it's her obsession.  She likes to learn new skills and try new techniques in her jewelry, also.  She has opened a shop in Mebane, NC called Hollyhocks, LLC which sells handmade items from local artists.   You should check out her online shop at trusk4u though for wonderful Jewelry designs like these:


Plus, her husband makes wonderful Key chains, Pens, and Shaving Kits in his workshop that she lists in her trusk4u shop on HandmadeArtistsShop.  So check it out.
And if you're looking for some unique Stained Glass, Mosaics, Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home or Garden or as gifts, plus Wire-wrapped, Beaded Jewelry, be sure to check out my shop on Etsy, KayzKreationz.

Friday, November 4, 2011

Making Metal Clay Jewelry-Review

I've been thinking of delving into the world of Metal Clay.  However, I don't really want to have to have a kiln to fire it.  So I started looking at Art Metal Clay.  Then I received the book The Absolute Beginners Guide: Making Metal Clay Jewlry by Cindy Pankopf and published by Kalmbach Books.  It is a wonderful book.  Cindy sets everything out very clearly, especially for someone who doesn't know anything about the Metal Clays.  Right from the beginning she gives you places you might find instructors or classes to learn from in your area.  Then she outlines what Silver clay is and what to expect from it as you work with it.  She also sets out a little warning to not skip ahead so you won't get frustrated with your efforts and waste time and money. Then she delves right in to the different types of clay and varieties of clay.  For instance, there's lump clay, paste clay, syringe clay and paper clay.  There's also ACS clay, ACS Slow Dry, ACS 650, even Copper clay (which is why I got interested in the first place, since I love copper, but would like to be able to do more with it than just cut pieces of copper sheet.)  She also mentions in the Basics that she designed all the projects in the book so as to be fired with a simple to use, inexpensive, handheld butane torch, which is great for beginners.  That way you can get used to the firing process without putting out a lot of money/investment in the beginning, until you know if this is really for you.  She also lists other materials you can use with your clay, like gemstones, wire and more.  Then she delves right in outlining tools and supplies you'll need. Cindy tries to keep start-up costs minimal by suggesting tools and substitutes that are inexpensive and easy to come by.  For instance, Freezer paper can be used for a nonstick work surface instead of Teflon-coated sheets.  And playing cards can be used to measure your gauge/thickness instead of buying graduated slat sets.  Olive oil can even be used as an oil to keep surfaces and your hands from sticking to the clay.  She talks about the tools you'll need for working with dry clay, firing, finishing and adding patina's.  There's even a section on specialty tools you might want/need.  Next is the Techniques section where she talks about an easy way to figure out gram size for scrap clay you will have, storing your clay between sessions and recovering your scrap clay.  There's tips about how to know if your firing too long and what to look for while you're firing.  And then ways to get different finishes on your fired clay.  And there's this handy shopping list you can print out for the projects in Part 2. 

Are you ready to go?  The projects start with the easiest and also grouped by the techniques you'll learn.  I really liked that.  At the top of the page it show you what technique you'll be learning with this project. For instance, with the first project: Stamped Charms, you'll learn Roll, Texture and Create a Satin Finish.  Plus, a chart tells you how big the charm will be and what you'll need for this project.  There's also extra tips with each project about how to do something easier or get rid of unwanted texture from your Teflex sheet.  The projects graduate to harder and harder projects, learning new techniques with each one, right up to working with Paper (sheet) clay and how to assembly dry clay with an overlay.  The final project is one with Copper clay, since it requires a few more tools and techniques.  There is only one that can be Torch Fired, so be careful if you want to work with Copper and make sure you get the right clay.  At the end is 'Beyond the Basics' with tips on Making connections, reconditioning/reclaiming clay, how to fix mistakes and how to repair broken pieces.  All in all this is a great book for the beginner.  It outlines everything you need to know and what you need to begin working with Metal Clay.  I think even ones that have worked with it for a while would enjoy it and perhaps learn something from it, even if it's just something they'd forgotten or hadn't thought about.  I highly recommend this book if you've been thinking about starting to work with Metal Clay.  Even if there's a class or instructor in your area, this is a great book to have on your bookshelf to refer to afterwards for more tips or reminders of what you learned.
Keep a watch on my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz for new Glass Kreationz and Jewelry that will be featuring pieces made with Metal Clay.

Disclaimer: I received this book from Kalmbach Publishing to read and do my review.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Starseed Jewelry: A Struggling Artist -- GIVEAWAY!!!

Aren't these pretty pendants?  They're made by Laurel Steven's from Polymer Clay.  She's having a difficult time right now and could use some help.  So Terri at Starseed Jewelry is hosting a giveaway of 2 of her own gorgeous (these 2) pendants from Laurel.  Go to Starseed Jewelry blog to check it out. Here's just a peek:  Starseed Jewelry: A Struggling Artist -- GIVEAWAY!!!: Last March I created a necklace which sold in a nanosecond. I think a lot of the credit goes to Laurel Steven's magnificant polymer clay...

And if you're looking for some great gifts, check out my shop, KayzKreationz for Stained Glass, Mosaics, Fused Glass and Beaded/Wire-wrapped Jewelry Kreationz.

Monday, October 31, 2011

This Week's Featured HAF Artist/Team-Reef Botanicals

I love handmade/handcrafted soaps and facial products.  That's why I really love this weeks featured HAF shop, Reef BotanicalsLarissa and Eric are the owners of Reef Botanicals.  It offers Handcrafted Soaps and other Indulgences.  They handcraft all the products themselves, from their own recipes without using any pre-made bases.  They use only all natural ingredients with essential oils, instead of synthetic oils. (I love essential oiles).  They use the same standard for any colorants used in the wonderful products.  Most of their soaps are suitable for vegans and they never test any of their products on animals. (As an animal lover, I really appreciate that.)  Doesn't this just sound Delicious?  Chocolate Decadence Pillar Candle?  As a Chocoholic, this one sounds good enough to eat. LOL
And what a great way to relax, with these Vanilla Latte Bath Salts, scented with Coffee Essential oil and just a touch of Vanilla Essential oil.  They also include Dead Sea Salt and its rare elements, unrefined Pink Himalayan Salt with its 84 minerals, well-balanced Organic French Grey Salt, Epsom Salt, and Dendritic Salt. They're formulated to give you the most benefit from the minerals and elements and to hold their scents better and longer than other bath salts. Just a scoop or two will make every bath an event.  So check out their great shop, Reef Botanicals.  I'm sure you'll find something to love.

Friday, October 28, 2011

Hammered Copper Wire-Wrapped Beaded Bracelet

I love Copper.  And copper is supposed to be a healing metal.  That's why my newest listing for this Hammered, Copper Wire-wrapped Beaded Bracelet is so great.  It's made of all copper and has a natural patina on it.  It basically is an adjustable bracelet.  The little dangles really add some bling to the copper and the wire wrapping.  What do you think?  Do you like Copper?  You can find it here:  Copper Bracelet
I also make Stained Glass, Mosaic and Fused Glass Kreationz for your Home and Garden.  Be sure to check out my shop, KayzKreationz for great pieces.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Featured HAF Shop-ME! KayzKreationz

Yay! I was pleasantly surprised this morning to wake up and find out I'm the Featured Shop for the HAFteam this week.  I love my glass. I make Stained Glass like this Poinsettia Panel, which I'm offering 10% off this week while I'm featured, if you put "HAF blog" in your convo to me on Etsy in my shop, KayzKreationz

And I make Mosaics, like this Mosaic Birdhouse Birdfeeder, which makes a great gift, either for yourself or a gardening, birdfeeding friend or family member.  In fact, one of my Mosaic Birdfeeders will be featured in the December/January issue of a National Magazine.  More on that later.

I also make Fused Glass items, like these Blue Tealight Candle Holders or this Bud Lite Beer Bottle Windchime, which would make a great gift for the Beerlover in your family or a friend.



So, if you're looking for something unique for yourself, loved one or as a gift, check out all my Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass items in my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz or my Zibbet shop, KayzKreationz.  Plus, watch for my Mosaic Birdfeeder feature in a National Magazine soon.  And watch for the First Annual Virtual Craft Fair I'm participating in Nov. 26-Dec. 3.  There will even be a Giveaway!  Thanks for stopping by.  Please feel free to leave a comment.

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

First Annual Craft Show


I'm so excited. I'm going to be participating in the First Annual Craft Show held by Lori at Pretty Things blog.  It's going to be going on Nov. 26-Dec. 3rd.  There will be 70 artists participating.  We'll have specials on our handcrafted items.  And there will be giveaways.  Stay tuned to find out more and see what I'll be giving away.  Meanwhile, check out my shop, KayzKreationz on Etsy to see if there's anything you want either now or during the Craft Show.  I'll be filling it up with more great Stained Glass, Mosaics and Fused Glass items, plus Jewelry before the show.  And coming in December, one of my Mosaice Birdfeeders will be featured in the December/January issue of a National Magazine.  Stay tuned to find out which one and get one of my OOAK handcrafted Mosaic birdfeeders for yourself and your garden or for a bird-loving friend.  Here's one for you to check out.
Check it out here:  Mosaic Birdhouse Birdfeeder

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

Another HAF Featured Artist-Jewelry By Janelle

I missed the opportunity last week to post about the first HAF featured artist-Jewelry By Janelle.  So I wanted to post here about her great work and shop.  Janelle was a passionate lover of handmade.  She has passed on, but her shop is still open with some of her great work.  She was unique in her work and made wonderful, remarkable things with wood.  All of the proceeds from her shop are contributed to her estate.  Zebrawood was one of her favorite woods, so check out some of these wonderful, beautiful Wooden wonders.  Like this Zebrawood donut pendant which was handshaped, sanded and buffed to a lovely shine and finished with a pretty brown organza ribbon:

She has many more great Wood pieces in her shop: Jewelry By Janelle for your liking.
And don't forget to scroll down to the next post for the Featured Artist this week: Colettes Boutique. Some wonderful Wire-wrapped Jewelry!

Sunday, October 16, 2011

Featured Artist: Colette Kimon

This week's featured artist is Colette Kimon from Colettesboutique on Etsy.  She hales from Morgantown, West Virginia and makes wonderful jewelry.  She started in 2004 while she was out of work and has kept right on.  She loves to discover and learn new techniques and likes her jewelry to reflect her personality.  She has even had her work featured in the September 2011 issue of Art Jewelry Magazine!  What an accomplishment.  She is a member of the HAF (Handmade Artists Forum) team and the Etsy Project Embrace Team.  She's also on Facebook at Colettesboutique.  Her favorite materials to use in her jewelry are Sterling Silver, Gemstones and Swarovski Crystals.  Isn't this Wisteria Sterling Silver and Amethyst bracelet gorgeous?  So be sure to check out her shop Collettesboutique on Etsy and find something you can't live without.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Interview with Etsy Seller mrhanz about his Luxury Leather Goods and Coupon

I recently found this shop on Etsy, mrhanz.  He's from Java Island makes and sells Luxury Leather Goods, wallets, belts, passport holders and more.  They're wonderful. He makes them out of exotic leathers like Python, Cobra, Buffalo and more.  So I asked him a few questions about how and why he got started.  Read on for his interview:
1. How did you get started making your items?   In the beginning, I started making watch straps for my personal use. Then friends started asking me to make other accessories (wallets, key chains, belts,etc).

2. How long have you been making them? And how long have you been selling them?  I've been making my items for a few years, but I only started selling them since last year. I've only started selling on etsy about 2 months ago.
3. Do you make these items yourself?  Yes, I make my items myself, although some of the designs were created by what my friends have requested.
4. About how long does it take you to make an item?  It depends on the designs and the availability of the materials.
5. What pushed you to make your items and sell them?  It was a personal hobby of mine, but I've never thought that other people would like to buy them. I take pride in my products, when I go out, I usually wear my own watch strap, wallets, belts, mobile phone case. That's how I get my sales from local buyers, actually. My friends see them and buy from me. When they wear my products, their friends will also be interested. So, I got a lot of repeat buyers.
6. What prompted you to use the materials you use? The calf leathers, buffalo, python skin, cobra and others?  I personally like leather products. I think they are more durable and can last longer than other materials. I use genuine materials only because I want to present my buyers with quality products. Snakeskin is one of the hottest trends this year, especially for women's products (wallets, purses, shoes).
7. How hard is it to get your materials for your items?  I purchase my materials from trusted suppliers. They have a higher price compared to other suppliers, but I can rest assured because their qualities are genuine. For me, I think it's a bit harder to find calf leather that suit my needs. As I hand-pick each leather and skin myself, I will only purchase the materials that are high qualities, something that I see I can wear myself. Which is why, I have limited products in calf leather.  For snakeskin, it's easier to find, but for some colors, I sometimes have to wait until it's available in my suppliers.
8. Where else do you sell your items?  I sell on etsy for international orders. For local orders, I sell using my facebook page. I also get regular orders from a boutique at a high end mall.  I've also been getting sales from local repeat buyers. 
Here's one of his great Passport holders from Python:
http://www.etsy.com/listing/82230088/python-leather-passport-cover-natural
Now, for my Blog readers, mrhanz is offering a 10% discount code valid until Nov. 7th.  Just use OCTMRHANZ909 for your coupon when you check out.  Be sure to check out all his other great items.  2 more are featured in the Featured Shop of the Day at the top right of my blog.

Friday, September 16, 2011

Bead Soup Blog Party-My Kreationz

There's this wonderful thing I found last spring called the Bead Soup Blog Party (BSBP for short).  It's created by Lori of Pretty Things.  People sign up, are assigned partners, exchange beads and then create something out of the beads they receive.  The partners are supposed to try to find out something about their partner and then something from their Bead stash that would push their partner to create outside their "comfort zone", think "outside the box" so to speak.  The only Bead requirement is you send a Focal and a Clasp, (something other than just a lobster clasp). The creativity of the people that participate is just beyond words.  Anyway, I decided to "play" this time and was assigned Loretta Carstensen, of Designs by Loretta, from California.  Here is the wonderful soup she sent me:
It consisted of Smoky Quartz nuggets, a Dalmation Jasper strand, some pretty little gold seed beads, some 14K gold filled spacers, a 14K Gold filled clasp, and a shell/MOP focal, that I haven't figured out what I want to use for, yet.  Anyway, here's what I created.  A Fan Pull with one of the Smoky Quartz nuggets, a Necklace with the Smoky Quartz Focal and other nuggets and a pair of earrings to go with the necklace.  I wire wrapped the nuggets, made my own link with a bead I had for the Focal, added some other of the same beads as links with the Dalmation Jasper and Gold seed beads and  used Brass wire to bring out the gold as links to attach the Gold filled clasp.  The only thing I'm not sure of is whether I want to leave the Fiber I added in the necklace or not.  Although I like the extra color and texture it adds, I'm not sure I'm really fond of it in this case, since it seems to take away from all the wire work.  Anyway here's my Kreationz.  Hope you like them.  And when you're done looking at them and hopefully leaving me a comment, you can visit the rest of the BSBP participants by clicking on the list below.  (If it's not clickable, please visit Pretty Things Blog for the full list)
This is the one with the fiber. 
Without further ado, go to Pretty Things for the list for you to visit:
Click on each name to go to their blogs. These are the partner pairs.

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

I'm so sorry, I had the list here, but it wasn't clickable, so I didn't do something right.  But if you click on Lori Anderson or Pretty Things it will take you to the full list of participants and is clickable. Please visit all the blogs as you have time.  Enjoy.

Soup's On

Stay tuned. Tomorrow the Biggest Bead Soup Blog Party ever starts.  There's over 360 participants this time.  Hopefully (if I did it right)  my list will be clickable so you can just go to the next participant after viewing my 'soup' from my partner, Loretta.  You'll love all the creativity.  We got paired up, traded beads and then had to create something from those beads.  So check back in first thing tomorrow a.m. and see all the wonderful "soups".  Here's a peek at what I was working with.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Beaducation class Winner!

I'm so sorry. I was out of town last weekend and just got home late Monday night.  And I thought I would have internet access to post the winner Saturday or Sunday, but didn't.  Then yesterday we had some friends show up to help us replace our gate and a wildfire started about 10 miles from us.  We had to watch it and start packing up some stuff to put in our Travel trailer in case we needed to get out, so we'd save at least a few things and have a place to live if they didn't get it under control.  So I didn't get this posted yesterday like I was hoping.  So without further ado, the winner of their choice of class from Beaducation is:

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 25
Result:


3

TaDa!  It's bwHeather!  Yay!  Congrats for Heather.  She wanted to take the  Pearl Hope Online Class with Dallas Lovett.  So I'll be e-mailing you about your win and Kate at Beaducation.  She'll get in touch with you about what to do.  Stay tuned all.  Hopefully I'll be able to do another giveaway before long.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Beaducation Class-Hammered Textured Metal and Giveaway!

Ever wanted to take a Jewelry class of some kind, but couldn't because there wasn't anyplace within 60-100 miles of you that taught any classes?  Or couldn't because they were so expensive, you couldn't afford the drive and the class?  Then this website is for you.  It's called Beaducation.  And it's wonderful.  I first heard of them when I entered a giveaway for a class on another blog.  I checked them out and they have a multitude of classes.  From free classes on how to make your own ear wires, or even introduction to Chainmaille, to classes you purchase on Metalwork, Chainmaille, Mixed Media, Seed Beads and so much more.  After winning my class, Kate from Beaducation contacted me about doing a review.  I love metal, so I checked out their classes and they put the Hammered Textured Metal class in "My Classes".  After watching the class all the way through (they recommend that so you can become familiar with the class and everything you'll need)  I printed out the PDF sheet which tells you all the steps and all the materials you'll need.  The great thing about the Beaducation classes is, that once you purchase/win your class, it's always yours and you can watch it anytime and as many times as you want.  After gathering all my materials I "took" the class. I have to say, Kim St. Jean is a wonderful teacher!  She explains everything very thoroughly and even gives extra tips.  I LOVED this class!  My hubby says he thinks it's one of his favorite pieces that I've made. And the best part is I can watch it again and again.  Some of their classes even have DVD's you can purchase now to have it right in your home.  I think every time you watch one, you pick up something you may have not caught the first time or that you've forgotten.  The texturing was easy to do. Although I didn't have but 2 texturing hammers, Kim explains very easily how to texture and enough ideas/tips so you can figure out how to use what you have to make do.  Also, I didn't have any LOS (Liver of Sulphur) to patina my piece, so I just left it.  It will patina itself eventually, and I don't mind the bright copper look for the time being.  I'm hoping to use these techniques to add to my Glass Kreationz and Jewelry for my Etsy shop, KayzKreationz, shortly.  So without further ado, here's my Bracelet I made with my Hammered Textured Metal class from Beaducation.  I did make mine a little different.  Being from Texas, I couldn't resist stamping my center piece with "I ♥ Texas" (I love stamping metal too, and they offer the classes and the stamps to do this.)  In fact, I'd love to have some more of their stamps for my metal work.
Now for the good part.  You can win a class of your choosing from Beaducation
First, you have to become a follower of my blog, then go to Beaducation and come back and tell me what class you would take if you win.  This step is mandatory.  Leave one comment telling me you're a follower and what name and then your class choice.
For extra entries:  Follow Beaducation on twitter and let me know what name.
Follow KayzKreationz on twitter and let me know what name.
Follow Beaducation's Blog and leave them a comment telling them KayzKreationz sent you.
Share this Giveaway with your friends/family and come back and let me know how you shared it. You can do this once a day till the Giveaway ends.
You can't leave anonymous comments and must leave a way for me to contact you if you win. Make sure you leave separate comments so I can keep track of how many entries you have, Thanks.
This Giveaway will run until Friday, Sept. 9th.  I'll post the giveaway winner soon after that.

I did receive a class from Beaducation to review for this post and giveaway.  I did not receive any other compensation from them.