Thursday Sillyness!!! Get a new do - win a prize!

I can't help myself -this was just too much fun.

My brother and I spent an afternoon putting each other in hairdos and laft till we cried.

Not making fun of the site, and what they offer - because it is a good idea, taken as it is intended. We took it a step further, and used silly pictures of ourselves and put ourselves in outrageous hair :)

Here is the link to the site that had us in stitches Virtual Hairstyles

Here are a couple examples of what we did :)

My brother in his prom hair



Me with luscious long blond locks!! (and chicklet teeth)


Brave enuff to do a picture of yourself? Leave me a link to your photobucket or flickr page that has the image, and I'll put your name in the hat for a goodie package :)

I dare you :)

Back Pocket Designs - Pendants

I have this wonderful friend - who is an AMAZING artist - Davinia of Back Pocket Designs. I am a complete and absolute junkie for her work. Not only can you buy her beautiful creations, but she is now sharing her polymer pendants on her store as well!!!!

Look what I bought!!!! She posted the blue flower pendants and the large spotted one on her blog and I just had to have them. I can't wait to work with them. Then just to sweeten the pot - she added a couple more as a big surprise!


While I am on her shop - I can't help myself - I have to buy this necklace I have been ooogling over for ever! Seriously - can you blame me???



Being the dear she is, she snuck in this wildly adorable pin - Mort is so cute :) He has found a home amongst the pins and buttons on my jean jacket :)



Stop by Dee's store and see her wonderful creations or stop by her blog and see what is churning in the wonderful creative brain of hers!

Dyed magnesite and Coral Necklace - Feelin' Groovy

Some things just go together - butter and bread - spring and rain - and a beautiful turquoise blue and copper. Dyed magnesite beads just pop out of this necklace, giving it so much depth. The coral accents really help to bring out the orange in the copper - like flame.

Intended to be off center and have a look like you threw on several different necklaces to make a 'stacked' look.





Magnesite brings visions, emotional balance and helps us to hear our hearts desires. When used to better understand ourselves it helps us see ourselves as we really are, removing the perceptions we have of ourselves to reveal the truth. It helps us to relax and release stress or our need to control our surroundings. It can dissolve blockages, grief and release our need to dwell on the past and resistance to the future.

Coral can be used to reconnect with nature and its variety of wonders. Coral also attracts love and prosperity, particularly red coral, which is a stone of passion. Creativity and optimism are also qualities that coral brings out. Emotionally, coral brings inner peace, strength, and understanding of purpose

I had this song in my head while I was making it



What does this necklace make you think about?

Mama Went Shopping!! ArtBeads!

WoooWeee!!!
Oh kids - I done broke the bank!

ArtBeads had a cuh-RaZie Luck of the Irish sale and I just couldn't say no :) On top of the sale, they had the BEST items on clearance. I am having a trunk show the end of April and took advantage of the sale to buy new components for a new spring items. I stepped outside of my comfort zone and bout some really bright colors.


These were all on clearance!!! I wanted them all!! I already have them built in my mind into something gloriously loud, I just have to find the time to put them all together!



There are still several of these great stoneware beads still available and me still a week from pay day!!!!

Have a great weekend!

Uncharted Territory - Ice Resin

I am nervous............

Isis Inspiration - Copper and Rutilated Quartz Necklace

Anyone remember this??




I use to LOVE this show as a kid.

I drew inspiration from the necklace she wore to transform into Isis for this necklace.




This huge faceted rutilated quartz bead has a mystic feel to it. I free hand shaped 14 ga copper wire and hammered it, then used 20 ga copper wire through the bead, anchored it on either side, and did a decorative design with the rest.


I love the texture to the dyed jasper bead. It was not smoothly tumbled, so when dyed, the dye accents the crevasses of the bead and gives it depth.


Simple. Three beads, and chain, takes me back to my childhood, to a time where life was simple and magic was everywhere! Funny how those memories pop back up after years and years :)

Dreams Do Come True - Triumph Thunderbird

This post is nothing about jewelry, but everything about me :)

I bought a new bike!!!

I have been dreaming about a Triumph since I saw 'The Wild One' when I was a kid. Triumphs were the original bad boy bikes, were all bikers came from. What can I say - I am all about the Anti-Hero.



When Triumph came out with the Thunderbird cruiser - I knew that was the bike for me - it was just a matter of time.

On Sunday - I got her.



1700 cc's of pure delight :)








The road is my middle name kids and daylight is burning!!!!

Graphic Artist - I Am Not.....

Am working on a flyer for my trunk show coming up in April.





I would rather pick corn out of horse poop than make a flyer. I struggle so much with it.

So here is round 1.

What do you think? Too busy? Images: Yes? No? To the point? More info? Does it convey the idea?

Rings & Things Design Challenge!!!!

Yup, Rings & Things is at it again!

Look at this beautiful selection of brushed copper beads - and they could be yours!!!!




"Oh Tish!! How can they be mine?!?! " I hear you say :)

It's so easy!

Rings & Things will be drawing 15 names from the comments they receive on their blog. Want an extra entry? Tweet bout it, blog about it, Facebook it!!!!!

There's more!!!!

The winners will have one month to provide photos of the jewelry they made with these copper goodies. From these photos Rings & Things will pick a Design Challenge winner and you will receive a goodie pack for a prize!!!

Not only do you have a chance at the beads, but at chance at a goodie pack!!

Someone pour me in a 5 gallon bucket and take me home, this is too much, and I just had a melt down!

Good luck kids!!!

RIPT Apparel is helping Japan!

RIPT Apparel will be featuring a T-shirt tomorrow on their site, possibly one of these designs featured on their Facebook page.

Proceeds from the sales of these shirts sold tomorrow - will go to help Red Cross of Japan.

I think it would be cool to walk around in this shirt, and see other people in this shirt, and you know what a great place we live in, that we reach out to help.

I'll take it one step further - The first 100 people who post a picture of themselves wearing this shirt, on my Facebook Fan page wall - I'll send you a pair of earrings, or a keychain - your choice!

Happy St. Patricks Day!

I am such a terrible Irish girl.....
I let the day sneak up on me and me without corned beef and cabbage and a big round of soda bread!!!

I may have to swing by the store on the way home and get a can of corned beef hash, and some sour kraut and call it a day :)

Go n-eírí an bóthar leat.

Copper Wire Wrapped Cuff

I will say these are my favorite things to make. (this week anyways) They never come out as planned and you can never get too much color in them :)

Glass pearls and faceted glass roundels from Rings & Things are the focals for this cuff. Those blue glass pearls go GREAT with copper. Seed beads, fluorite, amethyst and crystals finish off the design.

It's big!
It's loud!
I screams - I double dog dare you!

I love having at least one piece that is outside my comfort zone, that pushes me over the edge to take a plunge and be free for a day. Do you have an item that is outside of your comfort zone? Post a link in the comments, I would love to see it!

Sandra A. Wills Glass Artist

My friend Sandra (we call her Sam) works with dichoric glass and oh the things she makes!!!!

I got a couple pendants from her a while back, and finally sat down and used it as a focal for a necklace. I paired up apatite, Swarovski crystals, fresh water pearls and green quarts to make a random accent for that wonderful focal!

The colors and styles of her pendants are breathtaking!!!!

See her site - Artistic Expressions by Sandra A. Wills -
and to see more updated items she has made, be a fan of her on Facebook!!!

Button Bracelet - Epic Fail

I have been kicking around this bracelet for well over a month now......

I want a button charm bracelet. I had one a million years ago back in the 80's, made with shank back buttons and jump rings. I wore it all the time.

I have some really fun spring colored buttons, and have tried several ways to attach them to this chain. This attempt, I tried using a brightly colored wire and wire wrap the buttons onto the chain.

FAIL!

I think the wire is too thin, and the color I was wanting the wire to add, as a compliment, seems to cheapen the design.

What do you think - How should I attach these buttons? I can make jump rings of various sizes and attach them that way, or should I try a different wire wrapping technique?

March Give Away Winners!!!

Congratulations to Elaine and Davinia!!! I have drawn your names for the March giveaway!!
Elaine you get your choice of one of these necklaces, and Davinia you get the goodie bag!!!!















Thanks for playing and making this a fun give away!!!!

Sweepstakes and Sales from Art Beads!!

Art Beads is giving away a trip to the Tucson Gem and Jewelry Show!!!!

There is less then one week left before the winner of the Artbeads Road to Tucson Sweepstakes will be drawn! This fun prize package includes round trip airfare for two to Tucson, Arizona to attend the Gem, Mineral and Fossil Showcase, 3 nights hotel accommodations and classes with renowned beading instructors. I don't want you to miss out on the chance to win this incredible beaders dream vacation. Entries will be accepted until March 16, 2011 at 11:59pm Pacific Time. Here is the link to enter the sweepstakes: Good Luck!!!!

Road to Tucson Sweepstakes: http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/88615

If thats not enuff!!!!
In other exciting news, Art Beads just launched a 20% Off Luck of the Irish Sale. As you probably can guess, these 20% off sales are super popular!! This storewide sale includes everything from gold-filled beads and sparkling Swarovski crystals to stringing materials and basic supplies. You can save 20% on your order of $60 or more. To take advantage of this sale, just enter the coupon code: ZZ-IRISH20 at checkout. But, don't delay because this sale ends on Monday, March 14, 2011.



Have a great weekend!!!
I'm going shopping!!!

Window Shopping at ArtFire

I have an addiction to ArtFire. The talent that is showcasing there is amazing.

I went for a stroll thru my hot list this afternoon of the items that make me drool, and I wanted to share some of them with you.

Another Era - surreal art pocket mirror by Big Helmet Head


Love in a Primeval Forest - Silver and Dichroic Glass Pendant - by Kells Creations




Floppit #39 - The Original Floppet by Karen Searls

Modern Abstract Huge Canvas Oil Painting40 by donspricly




Polymer Clay Toggle Clasp Necklace - by Back Pocket Designs


What do you have hotlisted at ArtFire?

March Birthstones - Aquamarine and Bloodstone

March celebrates two birthstones, aquamarine and bloodstone.

Bloodstone comes out of the ground like this:



You may be more used to seeing it polished for jewelry use like this (from Rings & Things):


Then you have stones that have been carved, faceted and shaped for other purposes.

I have a great example of a bloodstone pendulum:


Aquamarine - most of of think of these stones as this -



or as beads (From Rings & Things)




Then for the rock hounds in us, you may like to collect specimens like this:

Aquamarine right out of the ground, cleaned and perfect for display!

I have always had an affinity toward stones. I love them. I was the kid that always had a pocket full of rocks that I picked up during the day because one of them was going to be a treasure!

Happy Birthday March Babies!!!!!

Create Hype wants to help you!!!

From Justine Smith - Editor of Create Hype

"I'll have a killer place for you to submit your work to later this week BUT in the meantime, an exciting giveaway!

I'm giving away $100 cash (via Paypal) to 1 lucky winner to help you boost your creative business! I didn't want to give away something you may not need so use the cash to buy something you really want like new business cards, graphics, craft supplies and more!

To enter the giveaway, all I ask is you answer 4 super short questions so I can better understand who you are and what you need from Create Hype.

Enter the giveaway by answering 4 easy questions here:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KY8QZJY

*I'll announce the winner via email on March 18th*"


If you don't get her emails - sign up - it is free and a great way to boost your business!!!
Join at the Create Hype web site so you don't miss out!!!

Treasures Found

Out walking the dogs this morning, I find this






There were two triple hooks on the lure, I am so glad it didn't get stepped on. I picked it up, thinking I would throw it away, properly, and I began to look at it. This could be a focal on a really fun necklace.

What would you do with this lure?

March Crafty or Trendy Giveaway!! - CLOSED!!

Oh kids I got spring fever bad, so to rush in spring, I wanted to share one of my new spring designs with you, or a goodie bag of spring colored items!!!

How cool is that!

Here is what you have a chance to win -

Are you trendy and love fun jewelry? You have a chance to win your choice of one of my three new spring necklaces. Copper chain with copper wire wrapped lamp work beads in spring colors.


Fluorite and Swarovski crystals on silver tone chain. Front clasp design with a fun 'Dream' charm. Did you know fluorite is for stability, peace and calm, impartial reasoning, responsibility and concentration?




Copper and black aluminum chain with a glass pendant. The colors of the pendant are accented with the wire wrapped links of lampwork, Czech crystal and Swarovski crystals.


This one comes with earrings!

Or... are you crafty and want to have a fun random goodie bag full of spring colors?!? Buttons, faux sea glass, copper bead caps, faceted crystals, glass pendants and more!!!

Oh Tish!!! How do I enter!!!

To be entered to win your choice of necklaces, leave a comment to let me know you are trendy.
To be entered to win the goodie bag, leave a comment to let me know you are crafty.

That's it!!!!

But wait there's more!

Tweet about this give away and get an extra entry!
Blog about this give away and get an extra entry!
Point back to either my Fan page on Facebook or this blog from your Facebook page and get and extra entry!

You must let me know you if you have done any of the extra entry qualifiers by leaving a comment here or on my Fan page providing the link.

I'll be drawing a winner Friday March 11, 2011 - Good Luck!!!!

Friday Funny!

Come on Spring!! Lampwork Necklace

I am really eager for spring to be here. It is March - finally - and spring does hit hear early.

I am trying to change up my styles and give a broader selection to my necklaces as opposed to always the bulky trendy pieces.


I had a handful of lamp work beads that I used to make this asymmetrical design. The way I wrapped the focal, it is very similar on either side, so you will never wear the piece backwards.

I love buying bulk lamp work beads from Sedona Stones. They offer them by the kilo, and you buy them sight unseen. It is a lot of fun to receive a grab bag of goodies to stimulate your creativity.

Are you ramping up your inventory with new spring designs?

Celebrate March with Aquamarine and Bloodstone!

March birthstones are aquamarine and bloodstone!

Celebrate March w...

Curated By: JustATish

ArtFire.com

Craft Tutorials

Did you know.....

Aquamarine is a variety of beryl. It is the "stone of courage". It encourages the innate ability to "always be prepared". Aquamarine also accelerates the intellectual reasoning process.


Bloodstone is a variety of quartz. Bloodstone is also a "stone of courage"! It helps to demonstrate unselfishness and idealism, and to improve talents and creative efforts.

Happy Birthday all my March babies!!!!