How My Art Beats

Pretty Ladies....

2012-01-18T23:54:00.000-08:00

This is my lovely step daughter Cindy...picture taken at Christmas.

Cindy is in a two sided soldered frame with scroll work at the top and on the

the sides little "S" hooks for the dangling crystals.

All the pictures are gifts for Ann her mom...who celebrated a mile

stone birthday on Sat. not tell'in ages here, but she was cutt'in the rug and

putting the younger set to shame. Go Ann!

This is my lovely step daughter Chrissy. Her photo taken at Christmas also.

3D soldered frame because there is a tuft of baby hair tucked around the

the photo. I soldered the scroll work above the frame and the little "S"

hooks for the dangling crystals.

Here are the two beauties hanging from the copper wire stand I made.
These are two school pictures of these cuties on the reverse side. Sweet huh!
I love working with my family's pictures. If I have pictures your fair game.

bPod...thats baby bracelet in a pod

2012-01-17T20:01:00.000-08:00

You start with this small seed pod...drill tiny holes all around the edge of the pod.
Begin to work a blanket stitch in and out of each hole in layers....

The bracelet it tied in with the first thread which is blue. I made a string of bead flowers that are strapped to the top of the stitch with fine gold wire, making a tiny wire bow to top the end of the pod.

Using 18 ga. copper wire I slipped through two of the holes drilled at the top of the pod. Bending and forming the wire to create a cradle to hold the pod in an upright slanted position.

A sweet way to show off a family heirloom.

Tea anyone?

2012-01-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

Small tea cups made from a template furnished by Ann Wood. She does some incredible art work using vintage fabrics and paper. You must check out her site. I was inspired by her little tea cups so here is my take ...I do think I will design a saucer for them. I used vintage sheet music cut into strips for theses and Mod Podge. When using old delicate paper it take a bit of patients figuring out just where to hold this wet Mod Podge cup so as not to pull off the strips you have just put on. I heard from the peanut gallery about the "smell" of the Mod Podge, although I didn't notice a thing with my head hung over the work table.

I love the way they turned out and have already made 2 more, which i will add to the blog soon. These 3 are containers for gifts I have yet to give.

Get Well Shirley S

2011-11-20T21:46:00.001-08:00

A get well for my dear friend Shirley....vintage double color taffeta heart with heat treated red scarf fabric appliqued on the top. Hand sewn seed beads and vintage pearl buttons.

Long tassel made from same fabrics.

Note: Shirley is doing well, Thanking God for His blessings.

Art Beat STORE....Where's the Beef #1 of series

2011-11-09T15:27:00.000-08:00

"Where's the Beef" is number ONE in a series of jewelry made form genuine sliced cow bone. A leather cord runs through holes at the top of the bone and is secured with tightly wrapped copper wire. The picture of the cow is from a vintage dictionary and is placed on top of the first risen layer that has copper fabric embedded. A second layer of risen is pored over the cow image to the edge of the bone.

The bone is studded with 5 ruby crystals...adding the right amount of bling.

A hand forged chain of copper wire with many links for an adjustable neck chain. Copper forged hook for closure.

$45.00

Vicki's Nest....

2011-11-02T23:20:00.000-07:00

One of the first "Nest" i made went to my long time child hood friend Vicki. She is going through cancer treatments and what ever Vicki wants, Vicki gets. Just looking through my blog this caught her fancy so of course it was sent out to her pronto. Prayers for Vicki appreciated.

Each "Nest" is unique with it's own charms and accents gracing the neck chain. There are no two alike. i can incorporate a treasured earring or charm into the necklace for a very personal note.

The tiny brass heart I painted for just a bit of color and the small ring is hand forged. A chandelier crystal dangles from above the heart and ring. All of the large chain loops are hammered copper soldered together. There are a number of scavenged pieces from old costume jewelry re purposed in the chain.

Two tiny nest for earrings. All of the leaves on both the earrings and the necklace nest are hand made. I form the mini leaves from fine copper wire and then fill with silver solder. They are then painted with alcohol inks for the subtle color. With in each nest there are three pearl eggs.

Assemblage for Doug

2011-10-30T21:27:00.000-07:00

Putting together assemblage is great fun and challenging . This one was for my son Doug. He welds Jeep bumpers and lots of other things related to Jeeps and off roading in his spare time. The base is a water faucet handle, body is a lamp light bulb socket with a mechanics socket for the head.

I tweaked the pic a bit. Arms are wire coils, hands wire and he is holding soldering tips. The face protector is one lens from a pair of glasses with soldered edges. Wire for his hair.

See the welding sparks...some shiny holographic tinsel.

Teara for Granddaghter Kellsa's 18 birthday

2011-10-25T01:05:00.000-07:00

The teara was made for Kell's 18th birthday, not really wearable, but a grand dust catcher. I chose pics of her and her friends and placed them behind glass. The ones in front i used beveled diamond shaped glass.

The scroll work is hand tined and formed copper wire. Flat marbles with pictures are soldered into place along with some wooden tiles.

This is looking at the front of the teara, but from the inside where you see more pics of Kellsie and friend.
The middle wood tile has my signature stamped on the metal.

Soldered tearas are quite a challenge, but worth the time and of course this sweet patootie is very special to me...

Kitchen fairys .... watch over my kitchen and salt shaker

2011-10-23T22:19:00.000-07:00

Some time back i made two kitchen fairies...one for me and one for my daughter in law Brenda. they have spoon heads, with paprika hair and the netting from an veggie bag. the arms and legs are mini spoons and forks each holding a tiny coffee cup (i'm sure it's a coffee cup). the wings are whisk that i formed from wire and the body very old spice cans and lastly the legs are nut crackers. Oh i for got they have necklaces made from colored seed pods.

my clove fairy hangs in the kitchen keeping guard over the spice drawer and holds me back from over salting every thing.

Trisha's birthday doll....LAMP

2011-10-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

Long glittered fabric arm-lets, vintage button as a ring.

Vintage button on right arm and she also has her own charm bracelet

She is soft sculpture with a hand painted face, sparkle through out the fabric bodice. Vintage tassel gathered up that swings from her head.

The lites are tiny LED's with crystals spread through out the cord.

This doll was crated for my granddaughter Trisha. Trisha when young always had a doll or two in her arms, so i found this to be the perfect gift for a young lady. The doll has a couple of antique buttons attached to her arms and a pair of earrings that were given to me as a child by my mom. Just the right glitz for a budding sparkle plenty girl that i was and still am.

Granddaughter Kellsie's 17th birthday..."light it up"

2011-10-11T15:34:00.000-07:00

A blast from the past:. Lots of tiny pictures of Kellsie encased in glass and soldered...with broken windshield glass soldered and used as connectors. the base is vintage from a great yard sale. This was a building experience like non other i had encountered.

Love this little tune...speaks to my Art

2011-09-08T23:15:00.000-07:00

Friends for a lifetime ...... Friends N Eternity #2

2011-09-07T22:22:00.000-07:00

For my dear sweet friend Vicki...a journal, thoughts in ink here. a tad bit of history on the cover and lots of scripture and quotes on the inside.

Vicki water skying the summer of 1961...yes way back in the old days we wore bathing caps...a real statement back then, didn't want to muss up our hair. the pictures are flooded with resin to preserve them with a tough shiny finish....a n d don't ya think it looks watery.

On inside cover page is a personal note and the opposite page a wonderful poem.

I was looking on the back of the journal the perfect place for this wonderful stamp (that i fully believe in) and when i found it just put it there, unfortunately when reassembling the front, pages, and back it was upside down...so bloopers and all...here it is.

I thought she needed a large bag just to through "stuff" in on the way for treatments or for what ever reason, so this is the bag...several pockets on the inside for pen and paper. two long handles to sling over her shoulder as she rushes off....

unzip the bag and there is one more box....inside the box....

A copper heart which i have chemically etched and added a small brass branch with leaves. the chain has etched copper elements, with hand twisted soldered brass rings, crystals and beads on one length of the neck chain.

On the back of the heart engraved is "Friends for a lifetime....Friends N Eternity"

Friends for a lifetime.......Friends N Eternity

2011-09-05T23:38:00.000-07:00

This is an embroidery folder for my dear child hood friend Vicki who has breast caner. She loves to embroiderer so i made this folder to hold all her supplies.. The front has an old embroidered piece sewn on. the buttons came from my mom's button box including the tiny button of two best friend little girls on the stuffed heart.

Inside is a pocket for the floss and an a photo copie of the envelope of embroidery transfers from the 40's. I used the last 4 transfers on some small finger towels for her to start on. the opposite side, 2 hoops from my moms collection are tied on along with a small bag that holds the finger towels. the stuffed heart is for needles and scissors are tied on under the little bag.

Finger towels here and also the scissors and needles visible.

"The lovely Ginkgo leaf"

2011-07-30T00:40:00.000-07:00

Pretty in pink...... photo a bit tweaked here, but i love the effect...
and she's hot off the press.
The center is "a poor girls rose gold" copper that is chemically etched and has begun to take on the green verdigris color. an tiny optical lens is affixed to the copper along with a little figure "8" copper do dad. Inside the small circle i placed a chandelier crystal, and on the opposite side is my fabric bead with seed beads wrapped around it. the lovely leafs are iridescent Raku fired ceramic ginkgo leafs.
The earrings are the etched copper with the tiny optical lens and Raku fired ceramic ginkgo leaf.
Here is a close look at the rings and the chandelier crystal placed in the center
Here you can see the copper wire do dad and the lens.

Shimmering water, starfish, sand dollars and rinestones ...what else does a gal need for the beach ..

2011-07-16T21:48:00.000-07:00

Using Mylar wrapping paper with an iridescent finish give the look of the water with the sun bouncing off. through in a couple of starfish, sand dollars and of course a few rhinestones now i have some splashy (pun intended) summer earrings.
The Mylar is yellow with a strip of green on top all of the Mylar is rosin coated to add firmness.
Mylar on this pair is purple with lots of blues passing through. Splish splash !!!

Just experimenting...with macrame and brass

2011-07-15T21:46:00.000-07:00

Old becomes new again....
The brass barrels and disks were cannibalized from an old necklace, just plopped them in my etching solution to see just what would bubble up...has a bit of a sparkle to them. my granddaughter said they look like candle sticks...upside down...sure enough they do.
A found object here the washer and a crystal from an old chandelier with some macrame along the sides...it's been a long time sense i have done macrame.
More macrame this time a knock off , but using a wavy bangle as the base.
the jewelry is sold under the name of Anthropology i believe....

Happy Birthday Jaysik

2011-07-14T23:55:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Jaysik...great grand baby. water bottle carriers, Jaysik's choice and then one for each brother, Jonis and Jerick. each case had a bottle of bubble soap.
I love the summer canvas colors...

Copper the "poor gals rose gold"

2011-07-10T18:39:00.000-07:00

Copper and more copper, seams i just can't get enough of ' a poor gals rose gold" . the copper plate is hand formed and etched chemically. the vintage bras frame is anchored with copper hand made studs and inside the little frame is a beautiful link from an old bracelet anchored with the studs as well. the chain is hand forged and the circle clasp is a vintage pearl buckle.
leather is adhered to the back to make it comfortable especially in the summer.
details...No glue was harmed or used in the making of this scrumptious cuff bracelet.

Get Well Aunt Norma

2011-06-27T22:58:00.000-07:00

I have a wonderful Aunt Norma who is in her earlie 90's and a kick in the pants kind of gal. She has battled some serious illnesses in the last couple of years so this is a Get Well gift for her.
Love you Aunt Norma.

A different kind of wire work here inspired by my bead magazine.
oh here it is...hiding out in the plant....looks almost as lovely as my tiny flowers.

Happy Fathers Day

2011-06-26T20:28:00.000-07:00

For the men in my life a little something...no, not jewelry but something to hang on a key chain or?
Circle M, Circle J and a Circle D...although i forgot to to photo the D. darnet ! Used the meme torch for these a first time to "sweat" the connections...will be doing more of this stuff.
One for my DH John, son Doug and son n laws, Mike, Jay and grandson John J.

Happy Mothers Day

2011-06-26T20:09:00.000-07:00

My beautiful mom! To honor her and 3 wonderful women in my life. Daughter n law Brenda, and two daughters ,Cindy and Chrissy . the photos are sewn on a fabric base and then i selected several different scraps from mom's collection placing them around the photos , adding lace and of course some sequins. each memento is a bit different, all have 2 pins, one with notes and one a piano these came from mom's jewelry box. Music is what made my moms heart beat.

2011-06-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

In June i get two birthdays for one...my granddaughters best ever friend for always Gracie celebrate hers. so here's Gracie's bracelet. more copper, velvet ribbon , hand forged clasp and a beautiful filigree findings wired to the copper.
just playin' with the special effects here.

Happy 21st birthday Kellsie

2011-06-17T00:03:00.000-07:00

I can hardly believe that Kel is 21 now....goodness how the years flew by. what a blessing she is. all the little funny things she use to do as a little one. the beautiful little girl i once held close in my arms. i treasure the memory of her tiny arms wrapped around my neck......i think that feeling could heal any thing that ailed you. the world is yours grab it with both hands, hold your head high and make it yours. I Love You Sweetie.....mammie

little make up bag or a "what ever bag" with two copper and fiber bracelets....Hello Miss Kitty
a little kitty on the pocket...kitty's are appliqued

the copper bracelet with the engraving on it says"Europa Europa". the name of Kel's Photography Business....An artist eye she has. the other bracelet adorned with a pearl...birthstone for July.

How It's Made....sorta....................................also see: yourn.mysite.com

2011-06-04T23:31:00.000-07:00

A set....Necklace, bracelet, earrings and 2 rings. don't ya just love the "HOPE" wannabe diamonds in the earrings, and necklace.
I love the green cording with the wonderful color of the etched and fired copper. I call copper the poor girls "rose gold". i love working with it and the effects you can achieve with a torch are so pleasing and now with the etching...oh my goodness is my head spinning with ideas.
Etched copper tubing, the cording and hand forged clasp and cord ends. the cording passes through the tub.
what if.... i used aquamarine or an emerald in the earrings?
what if.... i used a ruby or a blue sapphire ?
copper after it has been in the etching solution and sanded just a bit , bring up the raised design.
the copper right out of it's etching bath...looks pretty dull, not very impressive. I had the etching solution on my fingers...you would have thought that i worked in a garage....yuk. some "Bar Tenders Best Friend" worked wonders on my stained fingers and nails, a bit drying, but at least i don't cringe every time i look at my hands...guess i'll be waring those lovely yellow gloves from now one.
the copper is stamped with a resist ink to keep the etching solution from eating way in that area.
it's ready for a dip, the bottom copper piece is etched, some sanding and a patina using liver of sulphur to darken the etched areas is applied .

More fire and chimicals .................................also see: yourn.mystie.com

2011-06-01T21:30:00.000-07:00

New etched copper band ring...this was painted with alcohol inks. it almost has the look of cloisonne. the long slender copper piece with the "HOPE" wannabe diamond will become a pendent.
I just didn't get my fill yesterday so it was back to the fire and chemicals today, still have the earrings in the chemicals to etch...I think i see an obsession coming on here.....ya think?

ring and pendent

Earrings to be with more "Hope" wannabe diamonds (missing from the picture right now)...not sure what the bottom slender piece will be....

What a Blast !!!

2011-06-01T00:32:00.000-07:00

several pieces of copper sheet metal and a small copper tub stamped with a pattern and then put in chemicals for etching. they were sanded a bit, and then torch fired for the wonderful colors. oh my goodness is this fun....have plans for these.
custom ring made in the same manner, the first piece i etched. NOW it's MINE !! love the look and it is very comfortable. there will be more.
torched some filigree pieces that i have had for some time and the tiny brass vintage leaf was a vintage gold before it put the flame to it...the colors are very soft and gorgeous....
more of the heat treated pieces. i just started grabbing metal from my cast offs and hitting it with a flame....if it wasn't so late i would have torched more.
Killer colors !!! tomorrow is a new day, guess what i'll be doin'.

The Bold an The Beautiful...............................also: yourn.mysite.com

2011-05-29T21:37:00.001-07:00

This Ring is not for the timid at heart. loads of bling. the "Rock" is dicroic glass and is a part of the space industry. dicroic has been around for jewelry makers for some time now, and the colors are very iridescent, a real magnet for us magpies who love all things shinny. The ring is copper: formed and secured with copper wire which also holds the filigree setting.
See what did i say....SHINNY !!!!!! Oh be still my heart.

Mesh type Rings...................................................also: yourn.mysite.com

2011-05-29T21:23:00.000-07:00

Just one bead at a time to form these little beauties...very pliable and comfortable to wear. some made with Delica beads that look just tiny tubes. and some made with seed beads that are a bit larger.
Well i guess you could stack'um....just showing off. you can see that blue's are at the top of my list in favorite colors.

Congratulations Trisha on to a Big new world

2011-05-29T20:57:00.000-07:00

I made a little coin purse for Trisha's graduation...put a coin or two in (an old tradition ya know...i think bills count) from my son's empty M&M bag and lined it with fabric from an old pair of jean's , zip it up and your ready to go
Front of purse a bit tweaked using Picnik ...the heart made from copper wire.
Back side of purse. didn't know they had "Dark Choc." need to try them...yumm.
And two tiny delicate heart bracelets, one with crystals and one with blue beads. done in copper wire, patina-ed and tumbled to get a great satin color. Love you Trisha Baby.

Pipe Dreams for Judy

2011-05-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

A mothers day gift for Judy, from Doug.
Happy Mothers Day Judy...

Pipe Dreams for Judy

2011-05-05T12:41:00.000-07:00

July's Pipe Dreams necklace

The first Pipe Dreams sent to Utha was for Sarah...so now here are mother, daughter versions.

Sisters....Flat Fannie and Flat Lillie

2011-05-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Lillie sure like my nasturtiums.
Lill on a walk about
Lillie's first steps outside my home.
Sister, sister

Lillie is Flat Fannies little sister and she belongs Vanessa a little sweetie at church. Vanessa fell for Fannie who was taking the long journey to So Asia on a missionary trip with Jennifer. So Flat Lillie was born and makes her home with Vanessa and family. Some shots of her before meeting her new mama.

Introducing Flat Fannie on an Asian missionary tour:

2011-04-21T22:38:00.000-07:00

I thought that Jennifer should have some one to keep her company while in Asia on a missionary tour for 2 yrs. someone who could blend into her life style and routine, and take up very little space in her suite case, but maybe help fill the space in some one's heart if they want to learn about Jesus. Fannie is just that companion.
before Jennifer finished her schooling for the tour, Fannie had a great time here, she sang in the church choir, went to girlfriend time, hung around with church friends, sailed a sail boat, and of course when to Disney Land...this fabulous flat friend has a history. and to show off her life she has her own memory book...
May i introduce Flat Fannie
Fannie first steps on my side walk..
rings on her fingers and bells on her toes
Is that a "tat" ...and a signature ?very proper...always has her hankie ready in her back pocket
Fannies humble beginnings....drawings
faces to choose from above and below there is a plastic place mat for stability on the inside. and flannel table cloth will covers both sides of the place mat to give some softness.

Married: Judith and Ken....doll's , they are

2011-04-20T22:40:00.000-07:00

Judith and Ken were married on the beach in So Cal. so the beach theme continues. remember the pre engagement ring made from a shell they found on the beach many dates ago, and then the tiny wind chime made with a shell and sea glass. keeping in sink, the wedding picture is framed using watery colored fabric, snippets of iridescent papers, beads and crystals and a couple of shells from "their" beach, the small vile holds sand "their" sand. the fabric is hand sewn in place and hand made cording is placed around the center to frame the picture.

2011-04-20T22:27:00.000-07:00

among the waves of the fabric are tiny crystals and beads, a heart tucked away here.
the tiny bottle of sand from the beach, shells and vintage glass make up a pretend sea urchin.
beads, star fish is a must, more beads and crystals.....told netting represents the sand
Judith and Ken place in the frame...almost ready to sew things down.

Beach theme beginning

2011-04-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

some of the fabric sewn on...working on placement of the beads, crystals and "stuff"

Brenda's "HairLoom Birthday" * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * also see: yourn.mysite.com.....

2011-03-19T23:05:00.000-07:00

The hair from my two
beautiful granddaughters lines the inside of this
locket made from an old watch. a birthday gift for my daughter in law Brenda. this kind of locket was popular during the Civil War days.
Kellsie's hair in the braided on the outside and
Trisha's hair braided and centered. it was a tough i know for them to cut their hair.... Thank you girls...it's a keeper.

Prayer box for Carol and Tom..................................also see: yourn.mysite.com

2011-03-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

A little fabric prayer box made from a vintage quilt in pretty poor shape. inside the box are 4 hearts with scripture written on the back side to be of encouragement. Get well my Family!!! a few altered photos .... just can't help playing with them... using some free programs available to everyone. picnik and befunky

Movie link to "9"

2011-03-10T22:55:00.000-08:00

If you want to see some clips of the movie "9" check it out here

#"9" Birthday Greeting Sean .............................also check: yourn.mysite.com

2011-03-10T22:25:00.000-08:00

After watching the movie "9" i knew i wanted to make a soft
sculpture figure and sean my son thought that was a good idea.
So with a Birthday around the bind this was my goal. with out a pattern
flying by the seat of my pants (so what's new) i tackled "9".
three body's, two arms, and three heads later it began to look a bit
like "9". sean carved the shoes for me. i have to remember that the movie is a computer generated charcter and i'm working with sewing a cloth look a like. loved the challenge.

Wedding Bells and wind chimes...........................also see: yourn.mysite.com

2011-03-02T22:41:00.000-08:00

Continuing the beach theme for Judith and Ken, i picked out a small shell with holes along the side to make a mini wind chime. from the holes using fishing line (of course) i hung sea glass to which i glazed on the back side the words from an old hymnal " The Best Is Yet To Come" and each piece is guiled on the edges with gold. i love the the warn appearance of the bubbly old glass shards. God's Best blessing for the two of you.

Journey Necklace for Jennifer.........................also yourn.mysite.com

2011-02-10T23:18:00.000-08:00

Jennefer is off to Asia for 2 years of missionary work. the necklace is made of hand cut copper with Romans 10:15 in part engraved in the center srounded by a filligree brass stamping. the copper tags on the neck chain have "For God So Loved" stamped on them. the rest of the chain has garnet beads along with other little dangles. praying for you Jennifer as you serves God in a far off place.

Birthday Tin...........................also see: yourn.mysite.com

2011-01-19T22:21:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Joyce.
A commissioned piece from Becky for a very dear friend.
Worked a little computer magic on the pictures Becky sent me of
her friend and of her and her family. Red is Joyce's favorite color so there is plenty of red and her birthday is in the month of Dec. which inspired the use of a tiny vintage Christmas bulb and on the inside "screw type" ceramic earrings of holly berries and leaves. Just perfect.
The hair clip is a vintage Howdy Doody Princes clip. A must for every little girl of the 50's. The birthday greeting on the tin is pieced from a vintage dictionary. Thank you again Becky for the pleasure of creating something special for you.

Becky's Victorian Purse ...............................also see: yourn.mysite.com

2010-11-23T22:21:00.000-08:00

The tiny tri cornered pouch turned Victorian purse for my friend Becky. the outside body is a patterned brocade, lining is burgundy velvet to which i ironed a flowered pattern filling each overlapping corner. the corners have a vintage iridescent button with a hand made tassel dangling from it and at the very point is a tiny butterfly. love the end of each draw string...made from filigree bead caps and sewn into the knot using metal copper beads. what a joy making someones idea come true. thanks Becky for the opportunity once again.

Beetle Mania ~~~~~~~ other site: yourn.mysite.com

2010-10-28T21:33:00.000-07:00

did i say Beetle Mania? yes, but not the ones that sing.
i have enshrined these Figeater Beetles (Cotinis mutabilis) in copper ovals and resin pored over the beetle, filling the copper oval. the oval has no backing so the beetle will appear as if it is on your skin...
every spring and summer they fly the friendly sky's until their work is done, dropping to the ground to die. i have to find them before the ants do or nothing but wings will be left.
they are dried for a number months and then dipped in the resin, after that the magic happens. one for me and one for my daughter in law.
they are like Gods emeralds...to me.

Trisha too !

2010-09-16T23:24:00.000-07:00

more beautiful copper disk to play
with. very feminine and long for my
Trisha baby...is there no end? nope
i have more jewelry to make with
these tiny copper jewels... keep an
eye out...

Sid's earrings

2010-09-14T23:44:00.000-07:00

i just love these...such swing and the colors are
fantastic. thanks Brenda for sharing the copper disk.

Nesting done for Ginny

2010-09-13T17:34:00.000-07:00

hand wired nest with 3 pearl eggs, some special
green beads from an old necklace and a wonderful
little emerald backed frog sits upon some mother
of pearl leaves from Ginny's stash of jewelry. and the beautiful small red cloisonne heart from Jerusalem completes the look....

Bren's Beautiful Earrings

2010-09-12T21:25:00.000-07:00

Brenda purchased these most gorgeous heat treated and etched copper disk...with earrings in mind...OF COURSE ! they are killer earrings with lots of fling to them. some drilling and wiring made these one of a kind show stoppers.

Heir loom art jewelry

2010-09-04T20:53:00.000-07:00

i love working with the vintage pictures of my mom and dad,
aunts, uncles and cousins . Mom ma left me a treasure
load of pictures and memorabilia. over the past couple
of years i have scanned, cropped, special effects,
cut and pasted them in many an Altoids tin and
adhered under and in glass. many to wear and some
to hang. it has been a very healing process working
with these treasures. i have used many buttons from
mom ma's button box and her old earrings. (the ones
i would allow myself to attach to the tins and hang
from chains.

I'm Nesting again....that is "The Nest" necklace

2010-09-01T22:08:00.000-07:00

The beginning of "The Nest" necklace and earrings. Copper wire formed into a large nest for the necklace and two tiny nest for the earrings. This one is for Ginnie. will be working on the miniature soldered and painted leaves next. lots more to go....stay tuned.....

Jennifer on a mission to Japan

2010-08-30T20:56:00.000-07:00

With some change in her pocket home she came.
Jennifer was doing mission work in Japan for almost 4 weeks..."Come and speak English for 5 minutes" .... what a wonderful way to involve the Japanese in conversation and the word of God.
From the coins a necklace and bracelet to remind her of the many contacts made in the name of Jesus.

Sea glass and coral rings

2010-08-30T20:39:00.000-07:00

these were fun and a challenge to make. the ring bands are made from sheet copper, cut and drilled at the top side edges. the coral already had a hole drilled horizontally through it. Copper wire is run through the hole in the band and through the coral to secure the band to the coral edges. lots of wrapping and the addition of a small chunk of turquoise wrapped in it also.
the REAL see glass i drilled two holes in the top and secured with balled copper wire through each hole. again wrapping it to secure on the band. this one was a bit harder to work with. the sea glass had a mind of it's own......there will be more coming...a fun ring to ware for the not so timid.

A day at the beach

2010-08-30T20:28:00.000-07:00

A unique ring made from a shell found at the beach by two special people. It became a gift from a great guy Ken to a lovely gal Judith.
Blessings for this cute couple.

Mourning Hair Jewelry for Becky

2010-08-20T13:51:00.000-07:00

It's a small world indeed.
Through Face Book , Becky contacted me after viewing my blog
"How My Art Beats". Becky had taken piano
lessons from my mom more that 40 yrs ago and recognised my name. Her main interest was the Mourning Hair Jewelry. For this necklace she supplied the locket and a vintage picture of her mom. It was scanned and reduced it to size and enclosed it in the locket along with just a tiny bit of hair left from the main locket. The lovely green buttons were her moms.
Thank you Becky for the privilege of working on this necklace for you.

NorthWinds...and going away

2010-08-02T23:31:00.000-07:00

fabric tassel make as a gift for some wonderful
church friends of ours, Frank and Ginny in our old church NorthWinds.
this was the emblem for our church and on the cover of every bulletin. i used copper and heated treated it for the wonderful patina that appears. then sewed in to the fabric. notice the Cross that is there....and i might add that it also looks like the sail on a
sail boat....
Happy sailing home Frank and Ginny.

Mourning Hair Jewelry #3

2010-07-18T23:23:00.000-07:00

Working on mourning hair jewelry is a real ministry for me. It's a blessing to consider the person receiving the jewelry and adding to the small continued connection to the person who has passed away. Like keeping them close to your heart when waring the jewelry. these were made for my son in law's sisters after the passing of their mother Glenda.
the hair is braided and hand sewn in a small circle, and placed in the empty watch case. Each necklace is placed in a small hand made box formed from satin wall paper.

God Has Blessed America « Videos « The Skit Guys

2010-06-30T15:20:00.000-07:00

God Has Blessed America « Videos « The Skit Guys

Mourning Hair Jewelry #2

2010-06-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

Here is my second mourning hair jewelry necklace. again this is done for a special friend at church who is courageously going through the treatments to fight this ugly decease. my prayers are with you Elaine. and i know you are in the hands of the Great Physician.

Mourning Hair Jewelry

2010-05-03T15:53:00.000-07:00

During the Civil War days 1860's as deaths were mounting, mourning hair jewelry became very popular. Often a lock of hair was snipped from a fallen soldier and then the hair was made into memorial jewelry. Lockets, rings, broaches, flowers and pictures were made for the hair of loved ones. These pieces are very symbolic of that time period.
I made in honer of Shereen a locket with her braided hair. She is going through chemo and radiation therapy for breast cancer. The rose quartz bead and pink crystals represent the breast cancer awareness drive. My prayers are with her through this weary some ordeal.
She is in God's hands and mighty they are.

Happy Birthday Mikie

2010-04-11T22:43:00.000-07:00

The handsome young man to the right is also my grandson with a birthday in March also. Look who is in his family...a Real Pro Ball Player.. Ryan Perry!! Playing for the Detroit Tigers of course ya have to show him off.

Cappuccino for John

2010-04-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

Delivered Easter....the cappuccino
assemblage to John as a thank you for the surprise
microwave oven at Christmas time.
the soldered chukka of more coffee "stuff" of course for a
belated birthday.
Thanks John and Happy Birthday!

Baby gift for Lindsey

2010-04-11T22:16:00.001-07:00

New mom ma and baby Dylan.
An old sheet is used to cover cotton cording and hand stitched in place. beautiful silver cording is woven in between.
The leaves are made using wire and seed beads. Tiny glass flowers make the banquet. Each white seed beads is sewn in and around the corded frame.

Birthday Books of Granddaughters for my daughter in law Brenda

2010-04-09T00:41:00.000-07:00

This is Kellsie. the star of this little book. sweet memories of my first granddaughter, from 19Th. birthday back to her baby dedication.
grand children are a true blessing from God. Thank you Lord for these precious young ladies.
it is a privilege to be a mammie.

Birthday Books of Granddaughters for my daughter in law Brenda

2010-04-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

What a joy it was to work on these little books. each book has pictures of each beautiful grand daughter. This is Trisha my second granddaughter. what a sweetheart she is. you follow her from her 16 birthday back through the years to her baby dedication. it's so hard to narrow down the pictures, they bring back such wonderful memories and stories.

Thank you John Jacob....

2010-02-18T23:55:00.000-08:00

A special thank you gift for a generous grandson.
after our Christmas dinner and a casual
discussion about our micro wave
dying with our grandson john jacob,
the ups man rang our door bell two
days later and a huge micro wave
oven sat on our door step..
so very thoughtful. i had help "building"
this cappuccino machine from my dear husband
and son. my dh cut the hole in the copper
for the tower, did some wire bending and in general helpful.
my son did the trimming on the prescription
bottle in the tower...so we all
worked on this baby. this was a real
"thinker" ya had to be sure that you went
through all the steps to get from A to Z.
so many little pieces to make it a fair
representation of the real thing.
loved doing it, and i'm sure glad
that is it done now. this was the most detailed
assemblage i have ever under taken. i formed
2 eagles from femo clay before i decided i needed
a metal tube exiting it's feet to prevent it from
swaying on the ball...so i have 2 extra eagles...
wonder just where they will end up?
i'm sure i'll think of something.

Happy Valentines Day....

2010-02-13T23:34:00.000-08:00

little fabric hearts for my family
across town...all hand sewn and quite primitive. love the soft
look combined with some metals, buttons and pictures.

Sleeping "Tink"

2010-01-17T20:00:00.000-08:00

Shhhh....i see "Tink" is still sleeping...soon it will be dawn and up she will be. Flashing from one place to another. We'll just wait a bit.

"Tinks" on the move

2010-01-17T19:49:00.000-08:00

Look there she is flying just above us.

Just how is the houseing market...up or down... "Tink" is looking.

2010-01-17T19:35:00.000-08:00

"Tinks" looked at a lot of places, but this one is "it". Fit for a fairy...a very special fairy...

"Tinks New Digs" New spin on an old tale.

2010-01-17T19:19:00.000-08:00

"Tink" is finally settled into her new digs...with all the amenities a fairy could ask for...a glittering garden full of wonderful twinkling lighs and tiny mirror shards suspended from the top so a fairy can look her best at all times.
nity nite "Tink"

Eye Spy....

2010-01-15T21:07:00.001-08:00

what a fun piece of jewelry this one was. commission work for cira a fellow beader friend who at this time was unable to bead. very cool necklace. the eye is a vintage prosthesis eye and a part of a kit from designer is laura mc cabe. a very talented bead artist. and in this month (feb-march) of beadwork she offers a new bead design and is designated as "designer of the year"

2010-01-15T20:39:00.000-08:00

A close up of the wall hanging...words by nina babley. the process was involved and a joy to do....one of those that you almost couldn't put down, except ya need to sleep at some time. i used tea died muslin and ironed on a backing of pellon to work the project. lay ed everything out several times and took pics along the way so i could refer back to them as i did each step. words were written first on fab. then machine embroidered. torn muslin sewn on by machine and by hand in places and the pics were copied on fab. using my scanner and ink jet copier. the top pic is my daughter in law, the right center is my sister in law and the left bottom is nina bagley and the very end of fab is my signature pic.(oh to look like that again....just dreaming) lots of sewing, which i hadn't done for my own art in a while....didn't realise how much i missed my good ole singer machine, and the challenges it presented. a seam at the top for the stick i found in the year to slide through for hanging. what a joy this was to make. it started ALL the Christmas sewing i did this year. just couldn't get enough.

Christmas Gift...

2010-01-15T20:37:00.001-08:00

Kids and grand kids...a few more of the fleece blankets, and silky scarves...every one is warm this year.

Christmas gifts and kids

2010-01-13T23:38:00.001-08:00

Christmas with the kid's, granddaughters, and boyfriend.

Here's Trisha sporting her apron, Travis and his tied flees blanket, Doug with his tied flees blanket and Brenda with the wall hanging. verse is from Nina Bagley her blog: Ornamental her words and jewelry are so inspirational.

Christmas Gift

2010-01-09T22:42:00.001-08:00

made several scarves for very special friends and family...the long black one for shirley...long flowing fringe at the bottom.

Christmas Gifts

2010-01-09T22:42:00.000-08:00

a vintage dragon pin made into a necklace for my friend cari...earrings to match.....she's a dragon sort of gal.

Safe to put Christmas pics up now

2010-01-09T22:33:00.000-08:00

made form my brother sam. i used an old tea towel with hand embroidered flowers. the buttons and rusty snaps are from mom ma's button box. the old horse shoe magnet was perfect...of course we all had one in the 50's. metal wire scrolls done some time ago and were just what i needed. every thing is sewn on including the picture.

Merry Christmas

2009-12-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

"Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship Him".

Gifts...this for my nephew

2009-12-10T22:57:00.000-08:00

for little joe...made the garden 3D, by duplicating the photo and cutting out the daisy's and adding them with 3d spots to each flower, some of the foliage is done the same way. the dried flowers are from mom ma's garden 2001.

Gifts...this one for my niece

2009-12-09T22:45:00.000-08:00

i have added the pin that mom ma wore and the rat tail it hangs from was from her stash.

Christmas Gifts...

2009-12-08T22:59:00.000-08:00

wild about scarfs this year...will add more of my creations after Christmas.

Christmas Gifts...

2009-12-08T18:28:00.000-08:00

"The Kiss".... my mom and dad. i am so blessed to have this and many more pictures telling the story of my growing up. Real Treasures.

Kellsie and Trisha scrap book page

2009-11-18T22:30:00.000-08:00

Kellsie and Trisha

2009-11-18T22:14:00.000-08:00

the fifth page of a duplicate scrap book ...this is going to my cuz carol in florida. then to make the same page for my book...
i printed the pictures, covered them with a plastic stick um paper. then the sewing began..using some upholstery sample and muslin that i had previously done some machine embroidery on. the emb. will be scrapped in this manner now....using various words from that on kellsies page.
trisha's page sewing her down with silver thread. grandma quotes and some information on the long tags that hang from vintage buttons. covered the paper tags with the plastic and then took my fire stick to the edges, then sewn on muslin.
i really enjoyed sewing the work...love the effect it gives.

Lifting up Holy Hands....Banner II

2009-10-25T20:41:00.000-07:00

Second banner designed for our church...CrossPoint in Fontana.
had Rene' draw the hands, my DH John was the man who keep the
lines straight, and hung up the banners. Shirley, Cari and i cut out
leaves and letters, sewing...lots of sewing, Shirley and i...we sewed, laughed, and ate,
sewed, laughed and ate...for 6 days. want a privileged to create
something for the Lord.

Faces

2009-10-05T21:20:00.000-07:00

Painting faces at the park...our church had "Movie at the Park" Sat. it is such a joy to paint these little faces.

Momma and Trisha

2009-10-05T20:53:00.000-07:00

Made this Birthday gift for my granddaughter Trisha.
My Mom, her GG....great grandmother.
Using an Altoids tin and the earrings that she was waring in the picture are placed in the tin. Torch the tin, apply picture and glass glitter.

Jib Jab

2009-09-25T00:25:00.000-07:00

This was a far out scene, Mom and I really dug it. We jived to the grove sounds. We even appeared on the happen' scene. Can you dig it!

If Star Trek ran on Windows

2009-09-19T17:21:00.000-07:00

ya got'a take a look at this...a hoot!

We understand Captain Archer

http://videos.komando.com/2009/09/19/

Something for Sarah

2009-09-07T19:41:00.001-07:00

Spider Mania

2009-09-02T23:41:00.000-07:00

The spider broach was my grandmothers and i have had it sense i can remember. Thanks to "Bill"at DreanStonebeads.com
made the wonderful pair of spiders and i just knew they would be perfectl earrings. this gave me the ump to get going on my Spider Mania Necklace. the copper leaves are made from roof flasing, torched, wired and felted on the back...i found out when fiting it that is was rather rough...i have a bracelet i made several years ago with a black spider on it...wll be a collection...
don't ya just love it when a plan comes together.

Momma's new bag 2

2009-08-04T23:48:00.000-07:00

finished it late this afternoon. i'm liken' it. will definitely work more with the fabric transfers and lots of lace, fibers etc. love the experience....the lovely vintage stone buttons add to the weight of the bag...but they were a MUST!

Momma's Got a Brand New Bag!

2009-08-03T23:43:00.001-07:00

Well almost. I'm so inspired by all the photo's used in the fabric books, purses and the like, just had to jump in and DO IT! i have made 4 purses the last couple of years and have been itchin' to do another. Totally different this time. the lining is separate from the outer cover and that is just what it is...a DUVET for my liner. the liner will last a long time and i can change the outside on a whim...of course when i make a new Duvet. the flap is also independent, that's where most of the 'ART' is...the Duvet and flat are connected using buttons and what beautiful buttons they are...lots of sparkle with vintage crystal buttons. Did i say i used buttons here? I have the buttons to sew on the lining yet and finish the flat a little more sparkle to add, button holes to make and i'll be making the change over tomorrow....

Tri Corner pouches...

2009-07-29T00:01:00.000-07:00

A new look for the Tri Corner Pouch. thought this would be a great little extra gift for the main gift made for my Aunt Norma...i put a new spin on this little pouch...hand work with beautiful gold threads... made tiny tassels with it one one bag and wonderful fluffy fibers on the second.

Gilding the Lily Class...Fullerton Calif.

2009-07-11T22:09:00.000-07:00

More that just "Pipe Dreams"....want a wonderful bunch of ladies. We really turned up the heat working on copper pip for a necklace and earrings. Wonderful day...how sweet it is to be surrounded by kindred souls, and how blessed i am to be a part of it all.

2009-07-03T11:17:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kDA9NbPAK8o&feature=related

COPY AND PAST LINK TO SEE

Celebrating the 4th of July with the right attitude and Muppet!!
ENJOY

Family Jewels

2009-06-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

i have finally finished the cover to the my album that my cousin and i are collaborating on. each of us has our one altered book in which we add the others pages of family or what ever we want to alter and make a duplicate for our own books as well. is this clear...?? Carol is the fastest of the two of us and i'm one page (my second) behind her. i'm working on it Carol!! this is such a blessing and i'm enjoying the experience. i want to learn to be more spontaneous (now is that right i want to LEARN spontaneity?) well i do!

SABLE COLLECTION....more

2009-06-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

finished my copper medallion with inset jewel...on mine i filled the jeweled center with a rosin product...the jewel is lost now, and the effect if different. will do some more soon...try different things. the earrings are shoulder dusters, a bit long, but i had these vintage bugle glass beads for a long time and wanted to use them. i think they were meant to hang on lamp shades..., but what the heck....maybe they will brighten up my face. have the necklace and earrings in a bag with liver of sulphur to give a gentle patina to them...the copper wire chain is just a little bright right now...