Sunday, July 20, 2014

Jewelry Making

My creative outlet is jewelry making.  Simple stringing that develops into something that I am proud to wear, share or sell.  I spend a lot of time reading blogs and visiting websites to find inspiration and motivation.  One of those blogs is the  WINKblog by Swarovski. 

I enjoy reading the newsletter and blog to learn what's trending in the world of 
sparkling fashion jewelry.  I absolutely love including Swarovski crystals in my designs.  

Lucky for me that the world of jewelry making includes many types of mediums.

Handmade Ceramic Toggle Clasp Red Leaves

Mary Harding Jewelry

Over the past few years I've learned about ART beads.
Appreciating the skill required to create these precious beauties I began adding components from various artists into my designs, creating unique pieces of jewelry.   



This polymer clay toggle clasp from Mary Harding Jewelry with Swarovski crystals and Venetian glass beads is one of my favorites.

Humble Beads & THEA elements
While some folks are very traditional in their jewelry choices I have a wide variety of supplies in my workshop because often times it's the mood that shapes the creation.  
Color of Dreams Component & Swarovski
Fashion blogs are a great way to find what's trending in color and design.  Magazines and books always lend some good ideas too.  Whatever you choice I hope you find something inspirational here as well.  

Note:  I am not an ART bead artist I buy my components.  

Wednesday, July 16, 2014

Inspiration Found in Quilts

This week I've spent some time looking at other blogs and web sites seeking inspirational ideas for crafts. The color combinations that I've seen in many quilts has really caught my attention.  


MimmyMakes
Etsy has a great selection of shops with talented artists so I chose to highlight some quilts from their website.  The quilt from MimmyMakes highlights various prints from the same color palette.  These bright colors used here are an immediate mood elevator.  


Fairies Market

This fabric gives an illusion of depth in this Jungle Babies pattern.  The little details like the stitching and the color choices for the binding make these quilts more interesting.
Details matter....

CoolSpool

I love the beautiful blossoms in this fabric.  The red, orange and aqua combo, 
is a soothing combination.  I'm seeing these same colors a lot this season
in the beading world as well.

I hope this post has given you a little to think.  For me when I'm designing a piece of jewelry I am reminded that the details are sometimes the thing that catches someone's attention, color is always fun and choosing the right color combinations can make all the difference and adding texture or movement is important as well.  

Well friends I hope you've found some inspiration in these beautiful quilts of many colors.  

Have a great day 


Saturday, July 5, 2014

Quilt Show in Taos, NM

The Taos High Country Quilt/NeedleCraft Guild is hosting an exhibit of member's works on
July 5th and 6th at the Stables ART Gallery in Taos, NM.  
The show is open from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday. 
If by any chance you are in the Land of Enchantment stop by and see the show.

Anna Martinez quilting at the community center
Here's a picture of my mom sewing at the community center in Talpa, NM where the Guild meets weekly.  She will be showing her beautiful quilts at the show!!

 Jaguar Quilt
Have a great weekend

Karen

Wednesday, July 2, 2014

Enjoying Time With Family

This workaholic decided to take off to enjoy time with family. Both of my daughters are visiting so I'm SUPER excited to be in their company.  We've had a great time reminiscing over photos of friends and our familia.  We laughed and cried.  

We've also done a lot of cooking making some great meals.  Our goal has been to get out and see the beauty of New Mexico.   

One day we went to the Valle Vidal (Valley of Life)  which is a 101,794 acres mountain basin in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains within the Carson National Forest in Northern New Mexico.  The views were aammmaaazzzingly beautiful with wild flowers in abundance and healthy old trees in every direction.  We were waaay on top of the mountain.  It was breathtaking. 

I took some nice photos (see below) and did some fishing.  Yup that's me with my 18.5" trout!


Shuree Pond

Beautiful Vistas
Catch of the Day!!
I will try to share more pictures later in the week.  Until then......


Karen