Turning Beads Into Wearable Art

A few weeks ago, I said that I would conclude my Etsy.com jewelry posts with the shop I thought deserved the title, "Best Overall."  It didn't take me long to figure out which shop I would feature.  When I came across Cindy Caraway's shop, I knew I had to show y'all more of her striking jewelry creations.  I wanted to do more than just another jewelry feature, so I decided an interview was in order.  This week, I have the privilege of introducing to you, Cindy Caraway.  I featured her shop in two of my previous blog posts, "What a Girl Wants, What a Girl Needs" and "Off the Cuff."  One of Cindy's gifts is turning beads into wearable art.  Take a look for yourself at her impressive attention to detail in her jewelry collection and enjoy getting to know a little bit more about the designer. 

When did you start creating jewelry?

I can remember buying beads and string at Woolworth's when I was very young and was into macrame jewelry when I was around 10 or so. I didn't really start making jewelry to sell until the 1990's. I was looking for a craft to fill spare time and found a book at the library on making wire jewelry. I started selling it in a record shop run by a friend. She suggested I add some beads for interest and that was the beginning of the end! Pretty soon I was more interested in the beads than the wire and then the beads got smaller and smaller. I sort of stumbled on bead weaving and am totally self-taught. I put the beads away for a few years because no one else was doing what I was doing - in retrospect, I see how foolish THAT was!!

Fire Starter
Beaded Pendant Necklace

How did you learn your craft?

I am a self-taught bead weaver. Some of the things I was doing with beads early on were techniques I was sure I had invented. Then I saw some beaded art made by Native Americans and some African art and realized that I was just a tiny stitch in a long tradition of beadwork.

Canyonlands
Beaded Statement Necklace

How did you get started on Etsy?

Hard to say - I can't quite remember. I had sold vintage items on "that other auction site" for several years and was becoming disillusioned with it. I think I found out about Etsy through an add in a magazine and decided to check it out. I opened a vintage shop first and was pretty successful and then opened my beadwork shop a few months later.

Dancers at the Fiesta
Beaded Cuff Bracelet



What or who inspires you?

Is it fair to say EVERYTHING?? OK, probably not...

Nature, movies, decorative arts of all forms, architecture, Chuck Jones cartoons, paint chips at the hardware store, illustrations in children's books, other artist's work... the list goes on and on. Although I love music - especially classical and new age music - I do not find too much inspiration from non-visual stimuli. I get more excited about beautiful things I can see and/or touch.

Egyptian Journey
Statement Charm Necklace

What do you do when you aren’t creating?  What activities do you enjoy?

I am a singer - professionally trained in opera but I am not an opera singer! My husband is a very talented guitar player. He and I have an acoustic duo and perform at wine bars, coffee houses and do the occassional wedding. We have a website at www.carawaymusic.com. I also sing with a local chamber choir of 24 voices and I love it!

Movies are a love of mine - my favorites are romantic comedies, fantasy and science fiction - and I enjoy theater, both doing it and watching it.

Mahogany Dreams
Beaded Cuff Bracelet

What are five things you want people to think when they see your product?

1. Wow!
2. How does she DO that!?
3. I could wear that.
4. I wish that were mine.
5. I would love to learn how to do that!

Chameleon
Beaded Statement Bib Necklace

Which item in your shop do you secretly want to keep?

Nebula. I love the color combo of pink and green. I have worn this piece out to functions and always get a great response to it!

Nebula
Beaded Ocean Jasper Neckalce

Aside from Etsy, how do you promote or sell your items?

I have a blog - Artful Living on the Bluff  http://artfullivingonthebluff.blogspot.com/ and a website at http://www.cindycaraway.com/.

Mardi Gras
Beaded Cuff Bracelet

Is there anything about yourself or your shop that you want to share with us?

I would love to teach beading techniques - especially bead embroidery and bead weaving. Beadwork has been passed down through the ages by oral tradition, passed from generation to generation - I feel fortunate to have "discovered" it. I would like to do my part to keep passing the tradition along.

As for my beadwork shop, I guess I would like everyone to know that I use repurposed and reclaimed materials in almost every piece of jewelry I make. Beads and findings are salvaged from vintage jewelry and I like to use vintage brooches and earrings as centerpieces for my necklaces. The leather backing on all my bead embroidery pieces is reclaimed from damaged leather clothing I find second-hand. You never know what little nick-nack or treasure unearthed at a tag sale will make it's way into my beadwork. I think it's important to use the materials around us because those are almost always more economical and eco-friendly. I try to reduce, reuse, and recycle in my life as a whole and try to incorporate that thinking into my art as well.

Tidepool
Beaded Statement Necklace

Thank you, Cindy, for sharing yourself and your time.  I loved getting to know a little bit more about the lady behind the extraordinary jewelry.  And I can honestly say that I have thought the five things that you said you want people to think when they see your jewelry. 

If you would like to see more of or purchase Cindy's jewelry click here http://www.etsy.com/shop/CindyCaraway.

I hope y'all enjoyed Garland and Grace's first blog interview.  Don't miss a post by Garland and Grace, subscribe or become a follower today.

Living Graciously,
Lisa







Garland and Grace Giveaway: A Monogrammed Pumpkin

Personalized Monogram Style

Happy Monday Morning!  I have some exciting news.  Every Monday, Miss Monogram features businesses that provide fabulous monogrammed products.  Garland and Grace is being featured in the giveaway this week on Miss Monogram's blog.  She is giving away a monogram pumpkin that I hand painted.  The winner will be able to choose between the monogram style or initial style.  A personalized pumpkin is a perfect addition to your autumn decor.  Miss Monogram says that all you have to do to enter is simply leave a comment, and a winner will be announced next Monday!  If you spread the word on Twitter, you will get an extra entry.  Let her know by leaving an extra comment.  Enter today to win.  This giveaway is for this week only.  Click here to enter http://www.missmonogramblog.com/2010/09/monogrammed-monday-garland-and-grace.html.

Personalized Initial Style

Living Graciously,
Lisa

When Is It Okay To Give The Finger?

Have y’all been wondering if it is ever okay to give someone the finger?  I have the answer.  But first, I want to talk about something else.  This is my third week featuring Etsy.com jewelry.  What I have learned about my likes relating to jewelry is that I like jewelry created by middle easterner's, exotic animal skin jewelry, cowgirl jewelry (could be another feature), and ethnic jewelry.  I have also learned that lampwork bead jewelry is amazing.  I will have to do a feature sometime just on lampwork beads.  They are a work of art.  I have also learned that just because a jewelry maker can make a stunning necklace, doesn’t mean they can make equally stunning rings, earrings, or bracelets, and vice versa.  After writing the posts on necklaces and bracelets, I would come across other equally amazing jewelry.  When I sat down to create this post, I wanted to make sure I had exhausted many of the layers of Etsy.  I say “layers” because it all depends on the “tags” used by the shops when they list their items.  The last two Etsy.com features, I showed you some amazing statement pieces in the category of necklaces and bracelets.  This week I attempted to feature the same level of, “Wow, that is a cool piece of jewelry.” There were MANY single pieces of amazing jewelry.  That was the problem.  Most of the shops that I would come across had only one “cool” piece of jewelry in the ring/earring category.  The challenge that I faced, was finding a shop that carried multiple pieces of cool jewelry in that category.  That brings me back to the question of “When is it okay to give the finger?”  My answer is, when you are wearing any of the following pieces from the first three shops. 

Rizzkstudios.etsy.com

Rizzkstudios is a mother and daughter team that customizes in one of a kind pieces such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings.  They also sell handbags and belts.  Their prices are very reasonable.  The following pieces are under $25.00.

Chunky Black 4ct. CZ Ring

/Turquoise Chip Cross Ring

(An example of "Cowgirl" jewelry)

Gaye Doser's Etsy profile tells us she is a Turk visual artist (beadwork and mixed media arts), glass bead designer/maker and educator.  She was born in İstanbul.  She studied about the natural stones, shapes of crystals, symmetry in crystals, etc.in Yıldız Teknik University, Chemistry, Minerology science.  The following pieces are examples of lampwork handmade jewelry.  Click here to see more http://www.gayedoser.etsy.com/.

Magic Dots Brown and Silver
Lampwork Handmade Jewelry

Grean Leaf Silver Ring
Lampwork Handmade Jewelry

 Sonomagem's Etsy Profile describes Cheryl and Roger Dandridge as specialists in the use of unalloyed precious metals.  They studied the arts in college, Cheryl at UCLA, Roger at San Francisco State College, and are self tought in the art of electroforming.  They live in Sonoma's wine country, where they converted a 19th Century farm house into their workshop.  Pretty cool.  I wish I had an extra farm house.  I would convert it into my studio.  I might even let my husband have a room.  Wait, maybe it's the other way around.  Wouldn't you love to visit their workshop?  To see more click here http://www.sonomagems.etsy.com/.

 Fine Silver Star Ring With Pearls and Saphires

One of a Kind Pure Silver Ring with Watermelon Tourmaline

 Karmeli’s Etsy Profile tells us that she was born in Belgium and moved to Israel some 20 years ago.  She lives in a small town in the hills of Jerusalem.  She has always loved craftwork, drawing, nature, horses and collects rocks and shells.  Click here to see more http://www.karmelidesigns.etsy.com/

 

Crust Windows Inside Earth
(An Example of using Lampwork Beads)

Spiral Islands

http://www.svajewelry.etsy.com/

Sonam Village Arts Etsy Profile describes the shop as a full time jewelry designing and lampwork/glass company that gets their glass from Murano Island, Italy.  They tell us that Murano glass refers to glass items made on the Island of Murano.  They also state that no one can rightfully claim a glass bead they have made themselves is a Murano glass, unless they've gotten the glass itself from Murano Island.  That is what Sonam Village Arts does.  To see more beautiful creations click here.

Golden Sunset
Handmade Murano Glass Earrings

Maroon, Blue, and Yellow
Handmade Murano Glass Earrings

 http://www.ederajewelry.etsy.com/

Edera Jewelry Etsy Profile describes itself as a collection of romantic designs that feature Ivy’s distinctive handcrafted lace.  Creating her own patterns, she meticulously crafts each piece of jewelry from scratch, forming intricate lace patterns with just a spool of thread and a tiny crochet hook.  Her designs feature rare real metal threads imported from Europe that are nearly identical to those used in the opulent embroideries of the Renaissance.  Interwoven with colorful silk threads, vintage beads, and luscious semi-precious stones, the jewelry celebrates the eternal feminine with designs that are beautiful, complex, delicate yet strong, and distinctive. 

DELOS Textile Earrings

Morgaine Chandelier Earrings
Velvet, Gold Lace, and Crystal

 Labor Day threw me off this week.  Usually, I write my post on Wednesday.  This week I was at my son's football practice, which he normally doesn't have on Wednesday.  Next Wednesday, I will have my first blog interview.  It is with a Etsy jewelry shop owner.  I have featured her pieces in one of the past three weeks.  Don't miss it.  By the way, it's never okay to give someone the finger, even if you have one of the fabulous pieces above.  It's not very lady like or kind.  I am off to get ready for a date with my wonderful husband.  We have free babysitting tonight.  Whoo Hoo!  Have an amazing weekend. 

Living Graciously,

Lisa

Is It Worth Waiting For?

http://www.downtownmesa.com/

Is it worth waiting for?  The question is referring to my Wednesday blog post, featuring Etsy shops.  If you are a regular follower of my blog and look forward to my Wednesday posts, I apologize for not delivering. Due to life, I didn’t have as much time to devote to writing my blog this evening.  I wanted to make it worth your while, so I am giving myself a couple of days to put my post together.  Look for my post FRIDAY, where I will answer the question, “When is it okay to give the finger?” As for if my blog post is worth waiting for, you’ll have to return to answer that.

Happy Fall Y'all

Here are some things I have been working on lately.  Look for these new items this week in my shop, garlandandgrace.etsy.com. There are many great gift ideas in my shop.  I have seasonal decor, pet leash holders, hair bow holders, children's wall decor and an original painting.  Take a look, you won't be disappointed.

6x6"

12x3"

12x3"

I know it's not officially fall, but I am already getting out my autumn decor.  I love the autumn season, and all the decorations that come with it.  I love the variations of the orange color.  It's such a happy color.  I hope you enjoy preparing for the autumn season in your home.  May God bless this "season" in your life.

Living Graciously,

Lisa

Heaven and Earth are Full of His Glory

*Sagrada Familia Church
Barcelona, Spain

I had communion at church yesterday.  This hymn has been on my mind since then.  The words are so beautiful, I wanted to share them.  In the picture above, the towers of the huge Sagrada Familia Church in Barcelona, Spain are decorated with the words, "Sanctus", "Hosanna", and "Exelsis."  Isn't it breathtakingly beautiful? 

The Sanctus

The prayer of consecration of the bread and wine during communion.

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God of host most holy both heav'n and earth are full of thy glory O most high.

Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the Lord Hosanna O Hosanna in the highest.

Heaven and Earth are FULL of His glory!

I hope y'all had a blessed Labor Day weekend.  We cooked out with friends last night, and today we finished off our weekend by going to the pool.  Have a wonderful week!

Living Graciously,
Lisa

Off the Cuff

One mistake you don’t want to make is looking like your outfit was thrown together, off the cuff, if you will. I know you all have heard the saying, “You get one chance to make a first impression.” If you want to give a good impression, you can’t afford to be impromptu about your jewelry. It should not be a second thought in your outfit but just as important as the outfit itself. From classic to eclectic, jewelry tells everyone who you are. It is an expression of your personality and sense of style, your trademark. You can take a plain outfit and turn it into a fabulous outfit, if you have the right piece of jewelry. How do you know if you have the right piece(s) of jewelry? The overall important decision when choosing jewelry is not to follow trends, but to stay true to your unique style. Pick a piece that glorifies your beauty in all ways. I personally love jewelry, but I don’t like to over do it. When I pick out a piece of jewelry, I like to make it count. I like it to be different, bold, look like it was made for me. When I wear jewelry, I like to keep it simple and then throw in a great bold piece, whether it’s earrings, a necklace, or a unique bracelet. It has to be great. For the next several weeks, I will write about the great bold and unique pieces that I find on Etsy.com. Last week, I featured necklaces. This week, I am featuring cuff bracelets. I found some exceptional pieces. The artisan’s that I chose have paid great attention to detail. The attention to detail and uniqueness of the jewelry are the factors in choosing the jewelry shops this week.  When wearing these wonderful creations, I can guarantee you will never walk into a room and find someone else wearing the same piece of jewelry.  They are like you, one-of-a-kind.

I found a rare tresure when I stumbled upon this store.  Custom, handcrafted, exotic leather goods and accessories is how Unearthed describes their products.
Unearthed "Where Style is Unapologetically Luxurious"
To see more striking pieces from Unearthed's shop click here http://www.unearthed.etsy.com/.

Green/Burgundy Stars Stingray Cuff 

Metalic Genuine Stingray Cuff Bracelet-Magenta

Whimsicals describes their jewelry products as art.  A wearable expression of your personality.
To see more ways to express yourself from Whimsicals, click here http://www.whimsicals.etsy.com/.

Metallica Cuff Bracelet

Garnet of Delight

I would love to express myself with the jewelry from Cindy Caraway's shop.  She describes her creations as wearable art and beaded adornment.
To see more wearable art from Cindy Caraway's shop, click here http://www.cindycaraway.etsy.com/.

In the Pink Beaded Cuff Bracelet

Amber Bear Beaded Cuff Bracelet

Serrelynda says she designs her jewelry for comfort, wearability, and style with an edge.
To see more of Serrelynda's stylish designs, click here http://www.serrelynda.etsy.com/.

Rhinestone and Filigree Wide Cuff Fashion Bracelet

Rhinestone Flower and Silver Filigree Cuff Bracelet

The Fashion Edge turns antique cutlery into wearable pieces of history.  Some of their antique spoons and forks that they craft their jewelry from are getting close to 100 years old. 
To see more of The Fashion Edge's amazing transformations click here http://www.thefashionedge.etsy.com/.

Silver Plated Spoon Cuff with Genuine Pearl and Crystals

Silver Plated Fork and Spoon Bracelet with Large Stone Bead

Beads of Aquarius also falls into the category of wearable art.  Jewelry pieces are one-of-a-kind.
To see more unique pieces from Beads of Aquarius, click here http://www.beadsofaquarius.etsy.com/.

Babylone

Teotihuacan Bracelet

The next two shops are honorable mention.  I usually choose six shops to feature each week, but this week I had two more that I wanted to share.  They both represent the category of hand knitted and crochet wearable fiber art jewelry.

Lavenderfield's shop states that it has handmade crochet jewelry like you have never seen before.  They were right.  Before I found this shop, I had never seen crochet jewelry.  This cuff bracelet is my favorite piece from Lavenderfield's shop.  I love the design, and the colors are cheerful and bright.
To see more crochet jewelry from Lavenderfield, click here http://www.lavenderfield.etsy.com/.

Arm Candy Cuff

Serebadesigns has hand knitted creations that are fabulous for every occasion.  To see more hand knitted jewelry by Serebadesigns click here http://www.serebadesigns.etsy.com/.

Band of Little Glass Seed Beads

I enjoy sharing with you the creative talent of others, but I also realize that is not what is important in life. The Bible says in Psalm 31:3, “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” Encouraging you to have a relationship with the One who created you is the most important message I can share with you. God is the one who gave you the personality you want to express. In the Bible, Psalm 139:14 says, “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.” Take pleasure in the fact that you are God’s masterpiece.


Living Graciously,

Lisa