Dear Friends and Semi-Frequent Readers --
I cannot believe how long it has been since I have written. You don't know how many times I've sat down to write and something else comes along to take my attention away from this little corner of my world.
I've made a promise to myself....I will write everyday (if it kills me!)
Sometimes we just need a push in the right direction. The Hubster has always told me I have a talent for writing and is always encouraging me to sit down and write. Well...push he has done and I'm hoping that this forum will give me the room to tell things -- not just jewelry-related but life related. Things I do, things you do -- sharing stories, photographs, recipes, hobbies...and yes work, from time to time.
Take care and thanks for allowing me this hiatis I've been on.
And remember.....Pass it Forward!
Jill
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Contest Winners, and a Few Findings
Greetings All!
It's been an interesting couple of weeks.
Let's take our Jewelry Challenge which included a little scroll-filigree ring and the beautiful shades of purple. As you will see, we had not nearly as many entries as in past events. Perhaps we all had a case of winter blues, I am not sure but entries were slow coming.
We did receive four beautiful pieces of handmade jewelry. Carol gave us a gorgeous necklace design which someone commented to me should be a necklace worn by the new First Lady. Truly -- that comment was received! Deborah created a bracelet with sweet little fleur di lis and purple ribbon. Loved it! Maureen took polymer clay, inks and other potions of her trade and made some really unique, OOAK earrings with her scroll rings. Kathy dazzled us with swingers of hoops, scrolls and gems.
All are winners! First place winners receive a $25.00 gift certificate from the Brass Bouquet. The most votes for earrings came in for Maureen. Kathy receives an Honorable Mention. Thank you all for entering and applying your gifts of creativity to this project.
MORE JEWELRY CHALLENGES AWAIT YOU! If you do like jewelry challenges. This one might intrigue you. You will receive a kit of beads, baubles and "the Muse." This kit asks you to explore what all the pieces mean to you and create something that is unique and yet based on the same materials as everyone elses!
Scarlett's "Use the Muse" Contest can be found at her website/blog: "The Beader's Muse". The cost to enter (the kit you will receive) is really reasonably priced and the prizes are incredible!
Speaking of Kits: This month, while February drags on into the winter, I am working on jewelry kits which I will soon feature at the website, http://www.brassbouquet.com/. The kits will come complete with all "ingredients," and complete directions for a fun and easy project.
Personally, I love kits like this especially when I'm in the mood to do something totally different than the norm but don't want to spend a fortune getting set up to do one project. It's an economical way to explore a new style or use of beads or crystals....I get one or two charms and don't need to buy 12 when I only needed the one or two to begin with. So, I'm hoping by March 1 to have a few of them posted on the website.
So....that's about it for now. Do what you can to make the world a better place. Oh yeah...and keep beading and stringing! -- Jill
It's been an interesting couple of weeks.
Let's take our Jewelry Challenge which included a little scroll-filigree ring and the beautiful shades of purple. As you will see, we had not nearly as many entries as in past events. Perhaps we all had a case of winter blues, I am not sure but entries were slow coming.
We did receive four beautiful pieces of handmade jewelry. Carol gave us a gorgeous necklace design which someone commented to me should be a necklace worn by the new First Lady. Truly -- that comment was received! Deborah created a bracelet with sweet little fleur di lis and purple ribbon. Loved it! Maureen took polymer clay, inks and other potions of her trade and made some really unique, OOAK earrings with her scroll rings. Kathy dazzled us with swingers of hoops, scrolls and gems.
All are winners! First place winners receive a $25.00 gift certificate from the Brass Bouquet. The most votes for earrings came in for Maureen. Kathy receives an Honorable Mention. Thank you all for entering and applying your gifts of creativity to this project.
MORE JEWELRY CHALLENGES AWAIT YOU! If you do like jewelry challenges. This one might intrigue you. You will receive a kit of beads, baubles and "the Muse." This kit asks you to explore what all the pieces mean to you and create something that is unique and yet based on the same materials as everyone elses!
Scarlett's "Use the Muse" Contest can be found at her website/blog: "The Beader's Muse". The cost to enter (the kit you will receive) is really reasonably priced and the prizes are incredible!
Speaking of Kits: This month, while February drags on into the winter, I am working on jewelry kits which I will soon feature at the website, http://www.brassbouquet.com/. The kits will come complete with all "ingredients," and complete directions for a fun and easy project.
Personally, I love kits like this especially when I'm in the mood to do something totally different than the norm but don't want to spend a fortune getting set up to do one project. It's an economical way to explore a new style or use of beads or crystals....I get one or two charms and don't need to buy 12 when I only needed the one or two to begin with. So, I'm hoping by March 1 to have a few of them posted on the website.
So....that's about it for now. Do what you can to make the world a better place. Oh yeah...and keep beading and stringing! -- Jill
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
Votes are Needed!
Who would have thought?? I hold a jewelry challenge -- have good prizes to give away and we get four entries! Well, kiddies, that's what happened. Interestingly, after the jewelry challenge date closed, I began getting inquiries on how to enter, etc. But, alas too late.
I have been getting some wonderful comments about the jewelry -- more comments and votes than entries, as a matter of fact.
So, here's the deal. There's a winner for the necklace division, the bracelet division and the earring division. What happens between now is up to those readers who want to send in (brassbouquet@comcast.net) their vote on the best earrings.
We had one necklace entry. The good news is -- the necklace is GORGEOUS!! We had one bracelet entry. Again, beautiful work! Those two are winners. They've received a $25.00 gift certificate to the Brass Bouquet. Congratulations to both Carol and Deborah. Thank you for entering and making some really beautiful pieces.
Thanks to Kathy and to Maureen....again both great entries. Help me choose which is the winner on the earring entries. I'll be waiting to see your votes!
Until next time.
Jill
The earrings are still up in the air until Friday, February 6th.
I have been getting some wonderful comments about the jewelry -- more comments and votes than entries, as a matter of fact.
So, here's the deal. There's a winner for the necklace division, the bracelet division and the earring division. What happens between now is up to those readers who want to send in (brassbouquet@comcast.net) their vote on the best earrings.
We had one necklace entry. The good news is -- the necklace is GORGEOUS!! We had one bracelet entry. Again, beautiful work! Those two are winners. They've received a $25.00 gift certificate to the Brass Bouquet. Congratulations to both Carol and Deborah. Thank you for entering and making some really beautiful pieces.
Thanks to Kathy and to Maureen....again both great entries. Help me choose which is the winner on the earring entries. I'll be waiting to see your votes!
Until next time.
Jill
The earrings are still up in the air until Friday, February 6th.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Jewelry Challenge Entry-Necklace Category
NECKLACE CATEGORY: This beautiful necklace was created by Carol from New Jersey. Below the photograph is Carol's comments about her creation:
"PurpLe Rain" Charm Necklace:
Eclectic blend of old & new materials. Brass Bouquet "2 Scroll Filigree Rings", filigree ring for clasp, ladder chain & smokey topaz chain links. Vintage buttons, chains, beadcaps, 1920's purple pearls & faceted glass beads, glass flowers, antique brass filigree balls, czech glass beads, shell, Melitzania mykonos Greek Ceramic bead chips, and mykonos Greek fine silver coated beads (I oxidized).
Entries are due by January 31. Get yours in today! Email your photos to: brassbouquet@comcast.net.
Three categories are available: Earrings, Necklaces and Bracelets. A $25.00 Brass Bouquet shopping spree will be awarded to winner in each category and voting is done by the viewers!
Visit the website at: www.brassbouquet.com
Email: brassbouquet@comcast.net
-- Until next posting, Jill
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Jewelry Challenge Entry-Bracelet Category!
BRACELET CATEGORY: This entry comes from Deborah, in St. Louis. When I opened up the photograph, the first words out of my mouth were "OH how fun!" She's used the Purple Passion Ribbon!
Deborah says about the bracelet: "I love the way it came out. Your items are stunning, it almost looks medieval and not just vintage. "
The items Deborah used from the Brass Bouquet for the contest: Jump rings, Ribbon yarn: "Purple Passion," Love knot toggle, Scroll filigree ring, Fleur de lis drop charms and Rollo chain.
Thanks for your entry, Deborah.
Visit the website: http://www.brassbouquet.com/
Email me YOUR entry: brassbouquet@comcast.net
Until Next time.....Jill
Brass Bouquet Challenge Entry!
Here is another entry into the Brass Bouquet Jewelry Challenge. Deadline is January 31 -- so get to snapping those photos and sending them in.
EARRING CATEGORY: This entry is from Kathy Noda of Florida. Kathy has used the Scrolled Filigree Ring in a layered affect which moves and swings along with our hammered rings as the earrings are worn.
Kathy's description: Garnets Accent Earrings With Round Filigrees and Pounded Brass Rings. Beautiful Deep Pomegranate Red 6mm Garnets are showcased with Lacy Brass Filigrees and Pounded Brass Rings.
Email your photos to: brassbouquet@comcast.net
Visit the store at: http://www.brassbouquet.com/
And, until next time: "Pay it forward." -- Jill
EARRING CATEGORY: This entry is from Kathy Noda of Florida. Kathy has used the Scrolled Filigree Ring in a layered affect which moves and swings along with our hammered rings as the earrings are worn.
Kathy's description: Garnets Accent Earrings With Round Filigrees and Pounded Brass Rings. Beautiful Deep Pomegranate Red 6mm Garnets are showcased with Lacy Brass Filigrees and Pounded Brass Rings.
Email your photos to: brassbouquet@comcast.net
Visit the store at: http://www.brassbouquet.com/
And, until next time: "Pay it forward." -- Jill
Monday, January 26, 2009
"Scarlett's Style" Jewelry Challenge!
So many jewelry challenges -- so little time! I was recently contacted by Scarlett Lanson, a contributing editor for Beadwork Magazine. She is an incredible beading artist who has a column in Beadwork each issue.
She has begun a most incredible opportunity for those interested in getting in on Jewelry Challenges! It's called "Use the Muse."
SO WHAT IS THE MUSE ANYWAY? The MUSE is the central component in Scarlett's contest! Each participant will purchase a contest kit, with an assortment of stunning beads, from crystals, to pearls, to seed beads, and more. From this kit, they will create their own design entry. They are allowed to use as much or as little of the kit as they choose, and are encouraged to incorporate their own beads and elements to create the most unique piece possible. The main rule however, is that they must USE THE MUSE. The MUSE is a mystery component that participants do not get to see until their kit package arrives in the mail! It is a design element that is carefully chosen to be interesting and usable by both stringers and beadweavers. The element complements the rest of the contest kit and may be a focal, pendant, art bead, or unique design component.
The Prizes are INCREDIBLE! Click into Scarlett's Website to see the prizes she has put together. Tons of gorgeous Swarovski crystals, palettes to make the eyes pop! Along with some very specially chosen Brass Bouquet elements.
If you are interested in challenges and have always wanted to join in -- don't be intimidated....this one is easy, inexpensive and FUN!
Until Next time....keep on Beading, Stringing and Creating!
Jill
Visit the website: www.brassbouquet.com
Email me at: brassbouquet@comcast.net
She has begun a most incredible opportunity for those interested in getting in on Jewelry Challenges! It's called "Use the Muse."
SO WHAT IS THE MUSE ANYWAY? The MUSE is the central component in Scarlett's contest! Each participant will purchase a contest kit, with an assortment of stunning beads, from crystals, to pearls, to seed beads, and more. From this kit, they will create their own design entry. They are allowed to use as much or as little of the kit as they choose, and are encouraged to incorporate their own beads and elements to create the most unique piece possible. The main rule however, is that they must USE THE MUSE. The MUSE is a mystery component that participants do not get to see until their kit package arrives in the mail! It is a design element that is carefully chosen to be interesting and usable by both stringers and beadweavers. The element complements the rest of the contest kit and may be a focal, pendant, art bead, or unique design component.
The Prizes are INCREDIBLE! Click into Scarlett's Website to see the prizes she has put together. Tons of gorgeous Swarovski crystals, palettes to make the eyes pop! Along with some very specially chosen Brass Bouquet elements.
If you are interested in challenges and have always wanted to join in -- don't be intimidated....this one is easy, inexpensive and FUN!
Until Next time....keep on Beading, Stringing and Creating!
Jill
Visit the website: www.brassbouquet.com
Email me at: brassbouquet@comcast.net
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)