Minty Sweet Necklace

AJE Component of the Month Reveal

Once a month Art Jewelry Elements hosts a component giveaway and reveal.  February’s components were made by the talented Francesca Watson of Francesca Watson Designs.  Each member of the Art Jewelry Elements team, plus five other artists were given an enameled piece that Francesca had made for us.

I received a minty green enameled piece.  I love it because Francesca did multiple firings; adding several layers of color.  It adds so much interest and depth to the piece.  She also added 3 fine silver “pebbles” which are such a pretty accent.

I received the green one on the right.

You may remember that in January and the beginning of February, I was taking an online wire working class from Kerry Bogert.  She had a new project for us, every day for 30 days.  Like many of the students, I didn’t have to the time, then, to keep up with all 30 projects, but I am slowly working through the projects, as time permits, now.  So I decided that, for this necklace, I would make one of the cool bails that Kerry taught us.  I have to say that I am just tickled pink with how it turned out!  Thank you Kerry!

Minty Sweet Necklace

I discovered that Francesca’s enamel matched beautifully with some faceted free-form chrysoprase that I had.  I placed 2 of the chrysoprase beads near the pendant.  Then I added 4 etched lampwork beads by Beads and Botanicals, that also have wonderful layers of color.

Minty Sweet Necklace

I sprinkled in 2 smoky brown and 10 transparent green Czech faceted glass beads and some copper spacers.  The necklace finishes with patinated solid brass chain and a lobster claw style clasp.  I’ll be adding the Minty Sweet Necklace to my shop later this afternoon.

Minty Sweet Necklace

Hop on over to  Art Jewelry Elements and discover what everyone else has created with their gorgeous enameled focal beads!

I am always delighted to read your comments!   Hope to hear from you.

Linda

Linda Landig Jewelry

Rest In Peace Chochi

You were the sweetest, most loving dog we’ve ever had.  You filled our lives with love and laughter.  How can you be gone?  How can the line between life and death be so thin, that you can cross over in just minutes?

Chochi on the day we brought him home from the kennel. He was a little over a year old at the time.

On Saturday, you did your usual happy dance up and down the hallway when you saw me putting on my shoes to take you on our evening walk.

You pulled ahead on your leash and sniffed every interesting clump of grass.  We watched our neighbor’s squad of ducks waddle by.  Their white male turkey was showing off his tail feathers to the hen turkey.

 It was starting to get dark when we returned.  I closed the gate and removed your leash.  I said, “All done!”, like I always do and like always you ran full speed into the woods at the edge of the yard.

Then you turned and started back toward me.  You howled a loud, piercing scream.  You fell to the ground.  I yelled for my husband, while I buried my face in your shoulder.  ”Chochi, Chochi,  I love you Chochi.”  I kissed your velvety ears.

You were limp.  Your eyes twitched and your heart was racing at a frightening pace.  My husband bent to stroke your leg and gently lay his hand on your heart.  It was still then.  I laid down on the grass and let my tears bathe your face.

~———-~

Chochi was a rescue dog.  He picked out my husband.  Both times my husband visited him at the dog shelter, Chochi drew near and nosed my husband and licked his hand through the kennel cage.  Chochi’s former owner had kept him underfed and abused.  He had scars on his snout and was afraid every time we raised our hands, thinking it was a prelude to being hit.  I’d raise a hand to brush my hair or take a glass off the shelf and he’d duck his head.  In time, though, he felt safe and loved in his new home.

Christmas 2012

Everyone loved him and he returned that love tenfold. He was sweet-natured, affectionate, even-tempered and enthusiastic.

Now my husband and I stumble through our days, with our grief as present in our home, as Chochi used to be.  But I know that, in time, we will remember how soft his fur was, how he’d bump us with his nose when he wanted attention.  We’ll remember how he loved walks and carrots and how he liked to sleep under the table while we ate.  We’ll remember how he always wanted to be near us and how peaceful we all felt together.

And when we remember, we’ll smile.

Chochi was so contented and happy to be sleeping with his head leaning on my husband’s feet. I took this picture last week.

AJE Earring Reveal Weeks 5-6/52

Art Jewelry Earring Challenge Reveal

Love earrings?  I do.  So I joined the Art Jewelry Elements 2013 Earring Challenge.  To meet the challenge, participants must create a pair of earrings each week and join up on the blog hop every other Sunday.

Spring Flight

I am longing for warmer weather, sunshine and flowers, so with that in mind, I named these earrings “Spring Flight”.

Spring Flight Earrings

The beautiful ceramic disc beads were made by ginpins. Their bright, clear turquoise, white and yellow colors make me happy.  I bought a set of 8 of these and I’m going to love using every single one of them.

We spent a month in Oaxaca, Mexico last fall, where I discovered 4 bead shops in the city!  The antiqued bronze birds flew home with me from Mexico!

Spring Flight Earrings

 

Poppy Red Earrings

I love the bold, graphic aspect of these earrings.  They would be so fun to wear!

Poppy Red Earrings

The oval ceramic connectors were made by Pajego Art House, on Etsy.  This is the first purchase I have made from her, and I am very pleased.  The red drops on the bottom of the earrings are from Unicorne Beads.

Poppy Red Earrings

 

Now I suggest that you click here to go to the AJE blog, where you’ll find links to all the other Art Jewelry Earring participants.  So much beauty and inspiration to enjoy there today!  Have fun!

I am always delighted to read your comments!   Hope to hear from you.

Linda

Linda Landig Jewelry

 

 

 

 

 

Happy Valentines Day

A big Valentines Day smooch to all my readers.  I appreciate you more that you can imagine!

Source: pinterest.com via Linda on Pinterest

Valentine’s Day Heart Jewelry

Valentines Day Gift Ideas

Who is on your Valentines Day gift list?  It used to be just an occasion for lovers, but these days many people use this opportunity to express their love for family and friends too.  I usually send Valentines greetings to my grown kids and closest friends, in addition to my husband.

“Orange You Glad I love You?”  in my Etsy shop.

“Orange You Glad I Love You?” necklace

Valentines Day is extra special for my husband and I.  Our first date was a high school prom, held on Valentines Day. I was 16 and he was 18 at the time.  That was, uh-hum, 43 years ago.  Hard to believe that!  We’ve traveled a long, sometimes rugged road together and our love has held firm. I feel so blessed.  I find it hard to shop for guys on Valentines day.  Any good ideas?

Tango Tonight Necklace, in my ArtFire shop.

“Tango Tonight” Necklace

Take a moment to think about your loved ones.  You know them well.  You know what makes them laugh  You know their special interests and what you like to do when you are together.  You know the trials they have suffered.  You know their personal strengths as well as their weaknesses.  And they know these things about you too.

Whimsical Heart Necklace in my Etsy Shop.

“Whimsical Heart” Necklace

When you are on the hunt for a gift for those you love, do you try to find items that match those unique and special qualities?  I always try to, sometimes with more success than others.  Whenever possible, I try to find handmade items.  I either look online, at ArtFire or Etsy, or in local galleries and art shows.  My loved ones are not mass produced.  They are definitely one of a kind, so I try to give them one of a kind gifts.

Heartfelt necklace in my Etsy Shop.

“Heartfelt Necklace”

I made the “Heartfelt Necklace” (above) in honor of my friend, Jenelle Aubade of Beads and Botanicals.  The lampwork glass heart and the turquoise and black beads were made by Jenelle and her husband, Dan.  Although this necklace is in my shop, there are other pieces I’ve given to her as gifts, and Jenelle and Dan have often gifted me.  Unique gifts for unique and special people.

Ceramic Heart Necklace in my ArtFire Shop.

Ceramic Heart Necklace

Who do you give Valentines Day gifts to?  Just your beloved?  Your children?  How about your Mom or best friend?  Maybe even a little something for your children’s teachers?  Do you go the candy and flowers route, or do you look for other gifts?  Share your thoughts!

I am always delighted to read your comments?   Hope to hear from you.

Linda

Linda Landig Jewelry

AJE Earring Challenge Reveal

Love earrings?  I do. It’s impossible to have too many earrings, as far as I’m concerned!   So I joined the Art Jewelry Elements 2013 Earring Challenge.  To meet the challenge, participants must create a pair of earrings each week and join up on the blog hop every other Sunday.

Peacock Earrings

As you may know, I’m taking a wire-working e-course from Kerry Bogert.  My earrings this week, are from one of Kerry’s class projects.  Much as I would like to appear all skilled on my blog, I must be honest and  admit that I rather suck at wire work and these earrings are no exception.  Well they are not all bad, but I’m not happy with the spirals.  I just have to keep practicing!  But I do like the purple coils I made and that I managed to get the  tear drop shapes on each earring to match.  That tripped up some of the other class participants.  I also made the ear wires myself.

Purple Peacock Earrings

Now I suggest that you click here to go to the AJE blog, where you’ll find links to all the other Art Jewelry Earring participants.  So much beauty and inspiration to enjoy there today!  Have fun!

I am always delighted to read your comments!   Hope to hear from you.

Linda

Linda Landig Jewelry

AJE Component of the Month Reveal

Blue Leaf Bracelet

Once a month Art Jewelry Elements hosts a component giveaway and reveal.  January’s components were made by the talented Karen Totten of Starry Road Studio.  How cool are these?  They are hollow and their little scalloped edges make them look like miniature pies.  Mmmmm, delish!

Yesterday Karen blogged about how she created these wonderful treasures. Reading about her creative process really helped me appreciate how much work goes into making these art beads.

“Pie Beads” by Starry Road Studio

I received one of the light blue and brown beads with a leaf print on each side.  I love this color combination so I decided to emphasize this two-tone effect.  To that end, I strung all the beads on two lengths of waxed linen cording in brown and light blue.

Blue Leaf Bracelet

To the left of Karen’s focal bead is a beautifully carved tiger eye stone, then a small two-tone glass bead and a large ceramic round which was handmade by AJE team member Diana Ptaszynski. Next to Diana’s bead is a faceted, fossilized coral bead.

Blue Leaf Bracelet

I hung a little brass leaf charm to the right of the focal bead.  Next to the charm is a hand-enameled bead by Barbara Lewis, followed by two strands of blue “peanut” shaped beads.  I finished the bracelet with a self-made clasp.

Blue Leaf Bracelet

Blue Leaf Bracelet

Hop on over to  Art Jewelry Elements and discover what everyone else has created with their yummy pie beads!

I am always delighted to read your comments!   Hope to hear from you.

Linda

Linda Landig Jewelry

New Wire Coiling Tool

 News Day Tuesday

Welcome to News Day Tuesday -  the day for jewelry updates and snippets of life.

Wire Coiling Gizmo

Last week I shared a wrapped wire bangle bracelet that I learned how to make in Kerry Bogert’s e-course, Aspire To Wire.  The wires in that bracelet were wrapped around a core wire by hand. The hand work is necessary when creating a long coil.  When 5 inches or less coiled wire is needed, then you can use a nifty tool called the Wire Coiling Gizmo.  Kerry included a little video showing how to use this tool and I got one right away.

wire coiling gizmo

It’s a deceptively simple tool.  Its the kind of thing that makes you think:  ”Why didn’t I think of that?!”  The deluxe model comes with an attached  C-clamp, otherwise you have to use a separate clamp.  You clamp it to a table and choose the size mandrel you want.  Those metal things on the left are the mandrels.  I chose the thinnest mandrel, because I wanted a wire coil that I could use with earrings.  I selected some 20 gauge purple wire and wrapped the tail around the crank handle to stabilize it.  I unrolled a bunch of wire from the spool–you can see the wire hanging down below the table.  And then I started cranking, around and around.  Viola!  A purple coil!

Wire coiling gizmo with purple wire wrapped evenly around the mandrel.

Well it wasn’t quite that easy.  I learned a bit from this first attempt.  You have to apply an even, moderate tension on the wire and angle it “just so” to keep the wire wrapping evenly.  If I held it too tight or at the wrong angle,  then either the wire had gaps between the wraps or, more often, several loops of wire piled up on top of one another.  Then I had to unwind them, smooth them out and try again.  I imagine this gets much easier with practice.  When Kerry demonstrated the Coiling Gizmo, she wound that wire so quickly and it was perfect!  I also think that when using the small mandrel, it would be better to use 22 or even 24 gauge wire.  The 20 gauge wire was so thick that it tended to bend the mandrel.  I’ve got several ideas for using this purple coil.  I’ll show some of them for the next AJE earring reveal in 2 weeks.

A Thank You Card

There are a few other creative pursuits that I enjoy, in addition to designing jewelry.  I like floral arranging and making my own cards.  My daughter’s boyfriend thoughtfully gave me a pretty flower stamp and ink pad for Christmas, (along with an awesome bottle of brandy!).  So naturally I used the new stamp to create a Thank You card for he and my daughter.  I stamped the flower  on ivory colored card stock.  Colored the center with a yellow pencil and cut out the flower.

Thank you card

I pressed a little sticky square of foam on the back of the flower, so it would be raised a bit from the surface of the card.  I added ribbon and some stick on cork letters and it was good to go.

Completed card

Did you know that I am always delighted to read your comments?  I am!  Hope to hear from you.

Linda

Linda Landig Jewelry

Purple Pansy Earrings

Art Jewelry Elements Earring Challenge

Love earrings?  I do.  That’s how I first got started making jewelry.  I wanted. More. Earrings.  So I’ve joined the Art Jewelry Elements 2013 Earring Challenge.  To meet the challenge I must create a pair of earrings every week and join up on the blog hop every other Sunday.

Purple Pansy Earrings

When I was a little girl, our church passed out small potted pansies to the children on Easter, as a symbol of new life and growth.  I was enchanted.  The little pansy faces were so sweet and I have loved flowers ever since.  When I saw these gorgeous wooden, handmade pansy charms in J-Lynn Jewels’ shop, I didn’t even hesitate for a second.  I had to have them!

Purple Pansy Earrings

The purple lampwork glass beads, by Beads and Botanicals, accent the charms perfectly.  The jet black trailings around the glass beads, even echo the black on the edges of the charms.  These two were made for each other! I adore these earrings (if I do say so) and hope they will find a home with a flower lover and/or gardener.

Purple Pansy Earrings

I’ve already blogged about my second pair of earrings.  So I’ll just mention that the “Green Spindle Earrings” feature handmade ceramic charms by Marti’s Buttons and Beads.

Green Spindle Earrings

Both of these earrings are available in my Etsy shop, Linda Landig Jewelry.

Now I suggest that you click here to go to the AJE blog, where you’ll find links to all the other Art Jewelry Earring participants.  So much beauty and inspiration to enjoy there today!  Have fun!

Its A Wrap

 Tuesday News Day

Welcome to News Day Tuesday -  the day for jewelry updates and snippets of life.

Wired Bangle Bracelet

To follow up on last week’s post, I finished the wrapped and twined bracelet I was making for my friend’s birthday.  I was complaining of sore hands from the wire work, last week, but then I got the idea to use one of those gripper things you have in the kitchen to open jar lids.  It gripped the wire much more firmly than my hand could.  That enabled me to lighten my grip on the wire.  The next day I was able to complete the bangle without any pain!

I started out with over 8 feet of wire!  It looked like this to start.

Wire Bangle in progress

I’m taking an e-course from Kerry Bogert to improve my wire-working skills.  You can see that its my first attempt.  There are patches where the wire wrapping has gaps, but there are also spots where it looks pretty good.  Practice makes better.

Wire Bangle in progress

When I finished the bangle, I decided to add a matching bead dangle.  Here’s the finished project.  My friend loves it and told me she was proud of me for always striving to broaden my skill set.

Twined Wire Bracelet

I’m excited because the next project that I’m going to attempt in Kerry’s class is a variation on this bracelet, that also includes an artisan focal bead that is wired onto the bracelet.  I’m hoping to be able to get started on it, on Wednesday.

Twined Wire Bracelet

Green Spindle Earrings

I gave a sneak peek of these earrings a couple of weeks ago, but I’d never gotten around to listing them in my shop–till now!  The Green Spindle earrings feature lovely artisan-made ceramic dangles by Marti’s Buttons and Beads.  These earring have a fairly simple design, but I love the graceful shape of the ceramic dangles with the pretty glass beads that are accented with tiny pink rosettes.

Green Spindle Earrings

Green Spindle Earrings

View these earrings in my shop here.

Did you know that I am always delighted to read your comments?  I am!  Hope to hear from you.

Linda