Lady V's Beads n' Things

Perfect for Valentine's Day!

2012-01-09T07:39:00.000-08:00

New!!!!! And it is just perfect for Valentine's Day. Big, bold, beautiful, antique copper wire wrapped heart cabochon with a genuine Herkimer Diamond crystal. Available at my Etsy store.
Why not give the gift of love this Valentine's Day. Give Diamonds!

New! Fun, Trendy, Popular Leather Wrap Bracelets

2012-01-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

These bracelets are the latest rage! So popular and it's easy to understand why. They are trendy, tribal, bohemian, Chan Luu style, leather wrap beaded bracelets. They look awesome with casual attire. Currently available in single, double, or triple wraps. I have a few made up and they are for sale at my etsy shop, lvsbeadsnthings. I can also make a custom bracelet for you, you and your spouse, or as a gift item for a loved one or family member. Contact me for more information.

Latest Creation

2011-12-18T20:20:00.000-08:00

Here is my latest creation, copper wire wrapped Fire Polished Picasso Czech beads. It is currently for sale at my Etsy shop, http://www.etsy.com/listing/88920263/czech-fire-polished-picasso-bead-and

Tis the Season.... Ho Ho Ho!

2011-12-10T18:57:00.000-08:00

Can you believe it? Christmas is almost here! Where has the year gone. It just seemed to fly by this year. I've been busy..... creating, teaching classes, marketing and promoting, and then of course there is my personal life. What a zoo and I do mean literally, lol.

Here are a few of my lastest additions. All are available at my Etsy store,

http://www.etsy.com/shop/LVsBeadsnThings/ I also have an "Etsy Mini" to the right that shows pictures of my newest items.

We now carry sage smudge bundles, smudge/prayer feathers, mini smudge and mini travel kits. We have lots of great gifts for your friends, family, and your pets. Stop in and check us out.
All of our items and custom creations are handmade in the USA.

I hope you are all staying warm and cozy.

Ho Ho Ho!

Merry Christmas to all!

California White Sage Smudge Sticks!

2011-12-04T17:06:00.000-08:00

I have just added 3 new items at my Etsy store. The new items are two sizes of sage smudge bundles and a mini smudge kit. The mini smudge kit is perfect for traveler's or those with limited space like I have. It would be a great gift item for a loved one or friend.

The mini smudge kit is shown above. It includes a 4" mini sage and lavender smudge bundle, 4" abalone shell, and a 4" 3-legged Cobra style wooden stand.

For more information or to purchase please visit my online Etsy store LVsBeadsnThings They are also shown on my Etsy mini on the right side of my blog.

Thanks so much for your interest in our unique and handcrafted items.

~LVS~

My Facebook Page

2011-11-30T08:29:00.000-08:00

An update for all of my Facebook friends. I just added a page for LVs Beads n Things if you would like to follow me on Facebook. Please keep in mind that it's going to take me a little while to add content and upload pictures so be patient. If you do visit my page please bookmark it and be sure to check back often. I will be continually adding new things as time permits.

https://www.facebook.com/LVsBeadsnThings

Great tutorials!

2011-11-30T07:08:00.000-08:00

For all of you wire wrap and beaded jewelry artisans as well as my wire wrap students, I found this awesome Aussie Etsy seller who has great tutorials for the popular herringbone, bird's nest, and briolette wire wraps. I know Susie will love the tutorial for the briolette wrap because that wrap is still giving her fits..... and (shhhhhh) I am getting it for her for Christmas. ;-) Patricia is currently running some terrific specials so be sure to check those out. If you stop in and visit her shop don't forget to give her a "heart."

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JewelryonPicadilly

Winter came way too fast this year!

2011-11-26T18:34:00.000-08:00

Well dang, if winter didn't come too fast this year. I was not ready for summer to end. It's like we went from summer to winter with only a few weeks of fall. Summer was definitely too short!

For holiday shoppers I am selling Jewelry locally at Harvest Health Food store located on Hwy. 2 in Priest River, ID. I still have my Etsy store and I will be adding more items (waiting on gemstones and Ebay auctions.) If you are interested either check back or check my Etsy mini on the right side of my blog. This past summer and fall I've also been teaching wire wrap jewelry classes. Some of my students have really caught on fast. ;-) I want to personally thank Susie for the beautiful jewelry pieces she made for me. I will treasure them always.

I'd like to take this time to wish everyone a very happy and safe holiday season and all the best to you for the new year. To all of my friends in the north country, stay warm and cozy!

Cheers! LVS

My very first ACEO Ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-12-02T18:20:00.000-08:00

What is an ACEO?

Art Cards, Editions and Originals are miniature works of art the size of a baseball or playing card. They can be framed or stored in a trading card album. ACEOs can be created in any medium available in the art world. There are no rules limiting the artist, except that the dimensions have to be 2.5" x 3.5". They're a great way of collecting original art, at an affordable price. Start your collection today!

Here is a link to my first ACEO, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow, featuring my Snow Dog, Aleutia. http://www.etsy.com/listing/63452848/let-is-snow-aceo

It's currently for sale at my Etsy shop as a refrigerator magnet.

Edge makes his Debut!

2010-12-02T17:16:00.000-08:00

OMG! You need a haircut, is the first thing that comes to mind, lol. Seriously, I love this little guy and had great fun making him. He needs a few last minute finishing touches and then I will list him on Etsy. I want to embroider his mouth. Right now it is put on with permanent marker.

I want to share a story, my story and the story of how Edge came to be. Most who know me know that I am a private person. I don't air my dirty laundry, don't whine and complain when I have a problem, I don't discuss aches, pains, hurts, despair, and God knows the agony I have felt these past 6 months since my Brother died suddenly and unexpectedly even though we knew he had some issues. My family was just not prepared for the suddenness, the finality, knowing we would never see or talk to Bill ever again. I found myself slipping into a deep depression, a funk! My poor Mom was having an even harder time and I really worried about her. I did little things to try to cheer her up and hopefully I succeeded...... but we all know that time is what eventually heals all wounds. Time and the love of good friends and your family.

Ok, that being said, I received an email from a friend. You know the one.... the one with the cute little hedgehog balled up in the palm of someone's hand? It has circulated for about 2 years now. I have always loved hedgehogs..... well almost all animals. This little hedgehog was soooooo cute! I had to forward it on to Mom. She emailed back "I WANT ONE!!!!!" Well so did I but I knew that buying Mom (and myself) a hedgehog was not feasible nor practical so I got this idea in my head.... hmmmmmmm, I should make her one. Well the idea just remained an idea, until today that is.

I belong to an Etsy BNR called Shopper's Paradise. This group's members are the most loving, friendly, creative people that I have ever had the pleasure to meet. Sometimes there are "Challenges." Our recent challenge was to create our first ACEO. Pray tell, someone tell me, what in God's name is an ACEO? Well now I know. My first attempt was a water color painting, which I still have. After someone explained what an ACEO actually was, I discovered my post card water color painting was too large so didn't qualify as a true ACEO. Drats! Then I thought "I will make a felt picture of a hedgehog!" And I almost did, but thought to myself, naw! I gotta make Mom one she can hold in her hand, you know, "see it, feel it, touch it."

I did submit my first ACEO (and sold two!) Yay! Then I set out to make the little hedgehog for Mom because that's what a loving Daughter does. I was so pleased at how he turned out. I named him Edge. He will now be a regular featured item in my Etsy store.

The morale of my story? In my funkenness, my turmoil, my pain, I found it very hard to create. Although I did bury myself in my wire wrapped jewelry, I forgot my "Critters" who have always been a very big part of who I was. I had not touched my felting needles or wool roving for months and months. I put aside my clay. It was almost like a small part of me died with my Brother or at least was put to rest for a little while. When we were asked to do the ACEO challenge it woke up that part of me that I had squelched or locked up inside.

Thank you my Paradise friends, family, loved ones. Sometimes all it takes is a word, an idea, a thought, a gentle nudge. Please remember, NEVER give up on your dreams!

Wishing you all a happy and safe holiday season. May your New Year be filled with love, happiness, enthusiasm, and hope!

Work Station

2010-11-02T09:52:00.000-07:00

I thought you might like to look at a wire wrappers work station. Cleaned up and condensed version of course. Wire and tools have been put away. I was just putting finishing touches on a pair of earrings.

Rose Quartz Crystal Earrings

2010-11-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

I love these Rose Quartz Crystal Earrings. Rose Quartz has always been so soothing and calming for me.

Santa's Work Shop

2010-11-01T13:52:00.000-07:00

These are busy, busy times for me. The Christmas craft show at Stratton's is right around the corner and I am teaching wire wrap classes too! We will see how we do at the craft show this year. Economy really took it's toll last year but I still managed to do all right. Other's weren't as fortunate.

My Etsy store is stocked with all kinds of great gifts for your 4 legged and 2 legged loved ones.

This set is gorgeous and the price is right. It can be purchased at lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com.

Happy fall y'all. Summer is definitely gone for another year..... sighs!

Peruvian Blue Opal Bangle Bracelet

2010-10-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

Beyond Sunset is a gorgeous wire wrapped Peruvian Blue Opal Bangle Bracelet. This particular piece gave me fits and just did not want to come together until about 1:30 AM in the morning, thus the name, beyond Sunset...... far, far beyond, lol.

It is available for purchase at my Etsy store, lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com

Little Mountain Traveler

2010-10-21T13:30:00.000-07:00

Small Mountain's pendant came together this morning. I designed it especially for him adding beads of sentiment. He loves turquoise so that was a no brainer. The pendant is a Koroit Opal, cut, polished and purchased from fellow Etsy artisan Keith Cler (cutforyou.) It's wire wrapped in different gauges of copper that I antiqued. If you look real close you will see a Carnelian chip taken from one of my Mom's broken necklaces that she sent to me to upcycle. It's surrounded by coils on the bottom left of the pendant. I also added a solo Peridot chip that I placed near the clasp, my Brother Bill's birthstone. Bill passed away in June. You can click on the photo to see it enlarged. The periodot chip is on the top right.

While Al wears his pendant he will have a small piece of my Mom and Bill to carry with him.

Here is the finished piece.

Love Abounds

2010-10-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

Recently I purchased some Koroit Opals from Etsy artisan cutforyou. They were all absolutely beautiful stones and I couldn't wait to start creating with them. This morning I got them out and started wrapping one that I had envisioned would be a necklace for my Brother. I have to tell you, the wire and stone had different ideas than I did, lol. I don't know if this happens to other wire wrap artists but I don't mind. Our artistic talent is a gift, and being as such, I like to think that I am getting a little help along the way.

Ok... with that being said here is my "NOT" to be Brother's pendant, which I named Love Abounds.

Thank goodness I still have 5 more opals. I am looking forward to working with the rest of them and seeing what creations unfold.

Hoopla Affair

2010-10-17T17:49:00.000-07:00

What have I been doing to keep myself busy these past couple of months he says? Check out my Etsy store and blog. I've been on a "creative" roll, dear.

These are my latest creations. I just finished them up today. I made them out of hammered copper wire that I antiqued with Liver of Sulfur, wire wrapped and added red coral beads and turquoise nuggets.

These earrings can be purchased from my Etsy store, lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com along with other great custom jewelry pieces and gift items.

Remembrance

2010-10-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

A very special OOAK tree of life pendant made in memory of my Brother, William J. Hamann, who passed away on June 24th 2010. It was made for my Mother and it is positioned so it will touch her heart and help to reflect upon the time that he spent here on earth with us. I hope it brings her lots of good memories.

Rest in peace Bill. We miss you!

Tree of Life Pendant

2010-10-15T14:06:00.000-07:00

I got the greatest tutorial for tree of life pendants from jewelrylessons.com. You can do so many different variations just by adding different beads, antiquing, and using different wires. I used copper. I hammered the wire and gave it an antique finish with liver of sulfer gel. I used Flourite (Spiritual Awaking) gemstones. I LOVE this finished piece.

Kiss of Death

2010-10-15T14:03:00.001-07:00

Gotta love these gorgeous little black widows spiders! They will dress up your Halloween costume or make fun conversation pieces at the office. You can purchase them at my Etsy store, lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com

Koroit Opals

2010-10-10T15:40:00.000-07:00

Another great find! I was on a hunt for Boulder Opals and checked out my usual sources but I just didn't see anything that caught my eye or the prices were so out of line it was unreal. I was just about ready to give up when I decided to check out Etsy and lo and behold I found a couple of Koroit Opals that I just had to have. Both of these Boulder Opals were cut and polished by fellow Etsy Artisan and gemologist Keith Cler, who's fascinating gemstones can be found at cutforyou.

I wire wrapped both of the Opals in gold filled wire and although the oblong stone has a very unique design and more flash, my personal favorite is the triangular piece. I love the color, the shape, and the way the finished piece looks. I had a "coffee date" last Friday and I wore this pendant and my Ammolite wire wrapped bracelet. I got a lot of compliments on both of them. Even I had to admit, I was styling. :)

Here is a picture of some of the pieces that I worked on during the week. the two pendants on the right are the finished pendants with the Koroit Opals. Click on the photo to see enlargement. You will have to excuse the picture. On rainy, gloomy days, indoor shots with the flash do not do the jewelry pieces justice.

An awesome find!

2010-10-10T15:27:00.001-07:00

I was so ecstatic! Today started out as just another drippy, dreary day so I was looking for projects or something to do to break the boredom. I decided to clean the closet in my craft room..... ha! Major chore...... but wouldn't you know, as luck had it, I got diverted. While going through boxes, bins, bags, I ran across a plastic baggie Mom had sent me over a year ago that contained vintage jewelry that belonged to my Grandmother. The plan was to go through it and find pieces to take to Liza who owns Turtle Beads in Newport, Wa. She LOVES vintage beads and jewelry and has a special case just for her vintage stuff. As I was sifting through it I ran across a beautiful sterling silver piece that had a large Garnet on it. I don't know how I ever missed it the first time I rummaged through it as Garnet is my birthstone. It did not have a chain with it but I had just the beads for it. I had some small Garnet nuggets that I had been hanging on to for just the right piece. I added Tourmaline (another one of my gemstone loves,) some sterling silver accent beads and spacers, and some e beads.

Here is the finished piece and you betcha, I will wear it with fond memories of my Grandmother.

Time flies............

2010-10-03T17:07:00.000-07:00

Time flies when you are busy doing the local craft fair circuit and making up things to keep up with the supply and demand. I was so looking forward to our local Oktoberfest on the 26th of this month but as it turned it was a lot of work for nothing..... it was a bust! Little to no promoting was done, people who called in wanting to be vendors were not called back. It was finally announced in the local paper the week of the event. Needless to say there were hardly any vendors and no crowd so to speak of. Hopefully next year it will be better because it is one of the local events that I really enjoy and look forward to.

Here are just a few of my creations that I had on display for sale.

More Peruvian Blue Opals

2009-11-15T04:50:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have come to know (and love) me, you know my admiration of opals. I love opals of all types, sizes, shapes, colors. Ammolite and opals are my two favorite gemstones and when ever I run across them I will snatch them up and use them in my custom wire wrapped pieces. This time as I was searching online for supplies I ran across some gorgeous fan shaped Peruvian Opal gemstones. I swear, it was like finding hidden treasure!

This Peruvian Opal gemstone is 15x15mm. It is surrounded by a sterling silver wire wrapped setting and accented with 4mm Swarovski opal crystals and a 4mm frosted silver bead. It is currently for sale at my Etsy store, http://lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com/

Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek. I appreciate your interest.

~LVS

How to make a traditional Red Heel Sock Stick Horse

2009-10-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

Would you like to make a cute and inexpensive gift for your youngster, Grand baby, loved one, for Christmas? What child doesn't love the traditional stick horse. I made one and they are adorable. I have put together pictures and instructions that are easy for you to follow so you can make one yourself. Of course if you prefer I do sell these. I will have these for sale at the Priest River Christmas Craft Fair at the elementary School on Hwy. 2. The craft fair is from 9-4 on November 7th, 2009. For more information feel free to contact me.

The directions to make the stick sock horse can be found on my Latest News from Lady V's Blog or click this link to go there.

These are fairly easy and fast to put together. Have fun and Enjoy!

LVS

Harley's Debut

2009-10-20T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sock monkey's are fun, without a doubt, but I wanted to make a sock critter that was unique and more geared towards the animals that you would see up here in the north country. We don't see a lot of monkey's swinging from the trees around here... perhaps it's the lack of bananas?

I've must admit, I've been intrigued with moose, ever since that one spent the night in my backyard last winter. I even made a polymer clay moose sculpture (pic is on my Flickr page.) I got a wild hair and decided I'd try my hand at making a sock moosie. Here is my finished project. I am sure it will get altered a bit here and there as I make more, but all in all I think he turned out pretty cute for my first attempt (and without a pattern even!)

Thank goodness the dollar store got in a new shipment of the black and red heel boot socks. I have a feeling I will be using up a bunch of them over the next few weeks, rofl.

I named the moose Harley. I have all good intentions of making him a black leather vest. He looked like a "biker type" of dude moose to me. Funny the pictures that we get in our head as we are creating.

Be sure you check back for blog updates and more North Country sock critters. Hey, I'm on a roll! ROFL. Need I say any more? Harley is currently for sale at my Etsy store.

Ciao

More Monkey Maddness!

2009-10-18T11:05:00.000-07:00

First a little bit of sock monkey lore, from Wikipedia. John Nelson, a swedish immigrant, patented the first sock knitting maching in 1869 and began making work socks in Rockford, Illinois in 1890. Sock monkeys first emerged in 1932, the year Nelson added his trademarked red heels to his socks.

In 2005 the first "Sock Monkey Maddness festival was held at the Midway Village and Museum in Rockford, Illinois. The continued popularity encouraged the city of Rockford, Illinois to embrace the doll as part of its history. The festival has now become an annual event. The event draws 1500 people and continues to grow in attendance each year. More sock monkey lore can be found by reading the Wikipedia online article on sock monkeys.

Make no doubt about it, sock monkey's are a loveable and adorable American mascot! If you read the comments posted on my "very first sock monkey" you will see Granny Jan's (Sock Monkey Ranch) comment saying, "Fair warning, once you make one you are hooked!" She was so right. I love making these whimsical little creatures. Each takes on a personality all of it's own. I've included her link above. Talk about some adorable sock monkeys. You've got to check them out!

Here is my own sock monkey that I made with a pair of boot socks I found yesterday. Not the traditional red heeled sock monkey, but a cute little guy, I think. Next I will be working on making them some outfits. I mean you can't let your monkey run around in putblic naked now, can you? ROFL. Check back to see what other monkey tales await.

And many thanks to all of my new monkey pals who have offered such wonderful tips, words of advice, encouragement and praise. It's so appreciated. :)

Mojo the monkey is currently for sale at my Etsy store.

Sock Monkey Maddness!

2009-10-17T05:50:00.000-07:00

As long as I can remember I have always loved sock monkey's. They are simplistic, wimsical, and they make great, affordable Christmas gifts (and gifts year around) for youngsters and teens. Add a sock monkey outfit and sock monkey's make a unique gift for adults too! I have always wanted a sock monkey. This year I decided to buy some for my Grand Kids. MamaMelLoves has some adorable sock monkey's at great prices. I found a sock monkey kit at sockmonkey.net that comes complete with an adoption certificate. I purchased one because I thought it was a great way for people to learn how to make sock monkey's and the price was reasonable enough..... and in the back of my mind I am thinking, YES! Finally my very own sock monkey, lol! Some kids never grow up. Now to make it (and the Grand kids monkey's) outfits. AuntyAnnsDesigns sells both sock monkey patterns and completed outfits for the traditional sock monkey's. You have to check them out.... cute! And need a source to buy the red heel socks? Monkey socks has the best prices I have found so far unless you want to purchase bulk on Ebay. Also, I just found sock monkey kits sold at Target for $13.99 (enough to make 2 sock monkey's.)

Talk about sock monkey maddness, rofl!!!!! If all goes well I will make a few up to sell at our local Christmas craft fair November 30th. I've posted some of my favorite links (above) for you other sock monkey lovers. If you have any questions feel free to email me.

All in a day........

2009-08-27T15:55:00.001-07:00

It's a busy time of the year for the local Artisans and crafters of Priest River and Newport. During the summer and early fall it is the busiest time of the year for our area's craft fairs and shows. We need to make our money while we can. Far too soon it will be snowing again and we will be socked in for months. By the end of October we can pretty much figure it is time to pack it in for the winter.

I decided to get a booth this year even though the economy has been so bad. Much to my surprise sales have been pretty good. I am selling it as fast as I can make it. It sure beats listing stuff and having it sit for months and months in my Etsy shop. I will definitely be making some much needed changes in 2010.

Here are some pictures of a few of the gem stones that I did up to sell at the booth this weekend. The largest piece is a Druzy with crystal formations. The two smaller gem stones are Boulder Opals. You can see the vivid flash in both of them. What beautiful stones. The larger blue stone is Blue Lace Agate, another beauty. All are wrapped in sterling silver or gold filled wire.

If you have any questions regarding any of my creations please do

not hesitate to contact me. lvsbeadsnthings@aol.com

Dogs gone WILD!

2009-08-03T16:13:00.000-07:00

Dogs gone wild? By the looks of it, perhaps some of them anyway. For others? Their stuffed doggie toy seems to be almost therapeutic, comforting, as shown by the picture of Azul, the Great Dane, (right.)

I breed and train AKC Siberian huskies. Originally I made these toys for the new arrivals. It not only gave them something to play with, but something to chew on as well, which saved the furniture. When it comes time for the pups to

leave, I send them off with one, so he/she would be less stressed going off to their new home. They have something "familiar" that they can associate with.

This stuffed dog toy is wonderful for teething puppies or dogs that love to chew! It doesn't matter if they are
big or they are small, as you can see.The bone is made of industrial

fleece and has a knotted cord tied around it. It is like two toys built into one. It has been thoroughly puppy tested (by pups of all sizes, shapes, breeds,) and passed with flying colors.

Our special thanks to Kevin (KanYoFuse.etsy.com)

for sending

us his picture of Azul (the Great Dane.)

Also to Sharon (sharonkaydesigns.etsy.com) for sending us her picture of Labisha (shown to the right.) And, lastly, to Tina (TheShabbyShop.etsy.com) who's poochie (below) refuses to give it's bone up, lol.

The doggie toys are available at my Etsy store lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com

10% from each sale will be donated to our local Priest River Animal Rescue, PRAR, www.pranimalrescue.org. They are located at 1042

Albani Hwy., Priest River, ID. 83856

Diamonds are a girls best friend!

2009-07-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Diamonds are a girls best friend, but not everyone can afford to buy them. Why not settle for the next best thing! Swarovski crystals. Let's face it, girls love jewelry at any age! It's sorta like boys and their toys. My Grandaughter, Sammie (Samantha) is no acception to the rule. With Sammie in mind (Birthday) I set out to get some very special beads. I found some that I know will make her squeal with delight. This is her finished piece.

The pendant is a porcelain My Little Kitty type bead. Mother of pearl hearts, Swarovski faceted ovals, bicones, roundelles, seed and e beads make up the 14 "necklace. Happy Birthday Samantha! XO'S

With crystals still on the brain I set out to make a fashionable piece, something perfect for cocktail hour and that little black dress. I kept staring at the faceted briolette jet Swarovski crystals sitting on the counter in front of me. (I had just gotten a "Blogging for beads" package from Artbeads stuffed with so many gorgeous picks.) I dug out my pearls. I had a plan! Usually when I start on a

new piece I have a pretty good idea of the design that I want to make. As I start putting the piece together I see it in my mind. In this instance as I was making this set a totally different idea came to me and I have to tell you it's like that wire took on a life of it's own. I found myself twisting and bending and shaping petals that soon became little flowers.

This necklace and earring set is made up of Swarovski briolette jet crystals, black and white pearls, and sterling silver wire. The finished piece is pictured above on the left. Pretty snazzy?

Lastly I wanted to put together a pair of earrings that you could wear anywhere, any time, with any attire. Although I wanted something catchy, it also had to be subtle enough to wear with anything.

I gathered up both blue Swarovski briolette and bicone crystals and a box of cute little cats eye beads my girlfriend Jo sent me. I'd been dying to use those beads! I also took out some Blue Topaz rondells, and of course, my wire! The finished earrings are shown on the right. These would look perfect with jeans, a summer halter, and a cool pair of sandals, don't you think?

I want to thank Artbeads for supplying the crystals that you see in my creations in excange for participating in their "Blogging for Beads" program. I've been Crystallized! You really must check out their "Crystallized - Swarovski Elements" sections because face it, a girl can never have too many crystals. ;-)

Ammolite Bracelet

2009-07-13T18:03:00.000-07:00

This beautiful piece of Ammolite is wire wrapped in sterling silver and accented with silver Swarovski pearls. Ammolite, a rare opal like gemstone, is found primarily along the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains in Alberta, Canada. It is now considered the rarest gemstone in the world. It's becoming rarer and rarer as the supply has almost been completely mined, thusly the price of Ammolite is escalating upwards of no less than 40% a year. Ammolite comes from the fossilized shells of Ammonites, distant cousins to the modern day Nautilus. They roamed the seas in prehistoric days and are from the Jurasic era.

The Blackfeet Tribe know Ammolite as "iniskim" which means "buffalo stone" and believe it to possess healing powers.Ammonite is a great investment and a perfect gift to give to a loved one for any occassion.

It is currently for sale at my Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27782491

Name this Fish Contest! Sapphira Fantail

2009-07-08T11:01:00.000-07:00

July 19th Update: Fishie gets a name. Tanya (Hannahshands) picked out her new name, "Sapphira Fantail." 4 judges were deadlocked. It was a very close race between Sapphira, Satinka, and Blue Gil. My Son, (5th judge,) just got home from his B'day party and gave me his two choices. It put Sapphira ahead in the lead, hands down. You all submitted such wonderful names and I want to thank you for taking the time to enter the contest. It's been fun!

**********************************************************************************

In my last post I said I would be announcing a contest to name my fish. You have to admit this cute little fishy needs a name! How do you enter? Come up with a cute or unique name and post it in this thread. On July 19th (Son's Birthday) a winner will be announced. A panel of (5) will be doing the judging.

Good luck!

The winner will receive a pair of Sea Glass earrings or pendant (your choice.)

A Dream Come True!

2009-07-08T09:19:00.000-07:00

Several of you may remember when I blogged about Artbeads blogging for beads program. A few select jewelry artisans were given an opportunity to periodically get free beads, supplies, and findings, in exchange for blogging about the items you choose to receive. You then have the option to either write a review or publish what you made with them. I have to tell you I got so excited when I got an email from Duchess a few days ago with the latest Blogging for Beads list! Wow! One of the items listed were these incredible Swarovski "Elements" crystal ovals. Talk about beautiful, big, BOLD! They measure 39x28mm and they were just perfect for my next "Cougar" creation. For my piece I chose the "Montana Sapphire," although I also got the Colorado Topaz and will use it to make "Goldie" the goldfish.

It was such a hard choice since they had offered so many great crystals! Buttons, squares, rivoli, round, flat.... it was like a jewelry artisan's dream come true! I also got some "jewelry cleaner" which was a "HOT" item and is currently on back order. What a great way to clean those finished pieces.

Later this week I will announce a "Name this Fish Contest." You will get a chance to win a pair of Sea Glass earrings. Check back for more details. I will also post the contest in the Etsy Dedicated Beaders and Jewelry makers BNR and a few other ones. ;-)

I hope you enjoy my finished Blogging for Beads creation. I enjoyed making it.

Another Fun Piece

2009-07-07T10:29:00.000-07:00

This little piece, tiny bubbles, was also a fun piece to make. I really do love painting on the little pieces of sea glass. It's like each individual piece has it's own story to tell and my creative imagination comes up with some pretty good stories. ;-)

This Bud's for You!

2009-07-06T08:04:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was one of those gloomy days. It was overcast and looked like it could have rained but never did. I did try to venture out and attempt to go grocery shopping, but every place was still so crowded I quickly did a hasty retreat and decided to put it off until today. Instead I decided to paint up more sea glass.

This piece I decided to name "Tropical Nights." It was most likely a beer bottle since the sea glass is amber. For some reason I was in the mood for a "tropical" look. The little sailboat reminded me of a time when I went sailing with Mom and Jack on their boat just off the gulf in Florida. Gosh that seems like it was so long ago now.

Anyway, this piece makes me wimsical and remember old times. I miss you Mom!

Wire wrapped Peruvian Blue Opal

2009-07-03T21:31:00.000-07:00

Although I am pleased with the finished piece, I have to tell you that this bracelet was one of those pieces that gave me fits. I don't know how many times I reworked setting the stone. Perhaps the problem was the size of the nugget, or the fact that it was my last piece of Peruvian Blue Opal. I LOVE Peruvian Blue Opal and the look had to be just right.

I finished the setting off by adding Fire Agate rondelles. The gemstones on the sides are Crazy Horse Jasper. It is wrapped in Sterling Silver.

This is one of those pieces that will more than likely be a keeper. Some stones were just meant to stay with you. This is one of them. ;-)

Did someone say sea glass?

2009-06-30T18:31:00.000-07:00

Is it sea glass you want? Well sea glass we've got. Lots of hand painted pendant necklaces and earrings too! Our sea glass jewelry can be purchased at our ArtFire store. We have lots that isn't listed and do custom orders too, so if you see something that you like contact us at lvsbeadsnthings@aol.com.

By the truck loads......

2009-06-29T06:26:00.000-07:00

I have to tell you, I just finished up my second "Cougar" piece yesterday, a wire wrapped bracelet. Now I did improvise and changed it some and even then wasn't happen with my first attempt, so it got reworked. I did not make the piece as massive as what her instructions called for. The "big" jewelry pieces just isn't me, as I prefer the daintier pieces, but then I have small wrists and the larger pieces just look too gawdy on me. I know there are ladies out there that just LOVE the large pieces and I realize it is all about personal preferences, so I will do a few of the larger pieces in the near future. For now I am just having fun with all of these new techiques that I am learning, but I will admit, I am definitely burning some wire, rofl. I now have it coming in by the truck loads!

Here is my completed piece. I am pleased at it turned out.

My first "Cougar" piece

2009-06-24T22:20:00.000-07:00

Well I know all of my wire wrap friends know who Dale (Cougar) Armstrong is, and my g/f Jo and I were like two little kids in a candy store when we found out she put out a new book. Of course we both had to have it and as soon as Jo gets her copy we will have much to share.... can't wait! Mine came yesterday. Now for those that know me, you would have guessed that I would have sat down and tried to make one of her pieces yesterday, but I had a full day and was NOT about to try to tackle it when tired. This afternoon was another story, lol. I grabbed my book and Aleutia (one of my huskies) and then headed out to the deck and read through it while I took in some welcomed sun.

The book had instructions for one piece in particular that caught my eye, a ring! I seem to have this ring thing, rofl. I don't see myself selling (or making) a lot of this style of jewelry as it is more for custom orders. It is heavier, and as a result pricier than the things that I normally make, but it was fun making something new.... different. I changed it around a bit as I wanted the ring to make a "statement." Instead of the suggested pearl, I added a Rose Quartz nugget. I will wear it on my index finger and see what kind of attention it gets.... and maybe I will even get a sale or two. ;-)

Here is my first "Cougar" piece.

All in a day........ or two!

2009-06-24T21:59:00.000-07:00

What a day! Well actually the past 24 hours have been FUN! It started when I took my weekly trip to town to stop by Harvest Health foods, Harmony Healing, and Turtle beads. I make my rounds and stop in to see the girls and see if I have had any "sales." I gifted Robin (Harvest Health foods) a pair of sea glass earrings, which she loved. I gifted Gloria (Harmony Healing) a gold filigree heart with a piece of "blue lace agate" in it, since that is her mystical birthstone. She broke the clasp on her gold chain and asked me if I could fix it for her so I gathered it up, telling her I would bring it back to her the next day (today.) From Gloria's I headed to Turtle Beads to see Liza. I dropped off the sea glass jewelry that was going on display in the front window. Liza was ooh'ing and ah'ing over my wire wrapped pendants when one of her customers (Ron) came in and saw my Lapis pendants. He BOUGHT one of them on the spot... wooohooo!

Then he asked me if I could wire wrap one of his AA coins for him. I was honored and told him "Of course," adding I would bring it back in a day or so. Then Liza and I headed across the street and did the girlie lunch (my treat) because after all, I did get a sale, you know.

Yesterday afternoon I wire wrapped Ron's coin and I just was NOT happy with the silver wire wrapping that he wanted but put it aside and went to bed.... I was beat. It was a busy day. This morning there that coin lay, staring up at me, rofl. As I drank my coffee I picked it up and rubbed it between my fingers. I cut off the wire and decided I was going to tackle it again, this time using a combination of brass and sterling silver, which is what I wanted to do in the first place since the coin was brass.

Here is the finished project. I was pleased with how it turned out. I put it on a brass chain and delivered it to him today. He liked it, saying "that really turned out nice." And as we all sat there in the restaurant (yes, Liza and I did lunch again today... her treat) Ron put it on immediately, showing off his AA coin with pride. Congrats on 7 years of continued sobriety Ron!!!!! Way to go!

And.... it was another good day!

More Treasures from the Sea

2009-06-23T09:08:00.000-07:00

This was a FUN piece to create. I dug through all of my bins and boxes to find just the right sea treasures to add to it. The opalite in the necklace catches so many hues of the sun. It really makes this piece stand out. It comes with matching earrings. The set is currently listed at ArtFire.com.

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=276345

Cast Aways.... Rare Treasures in Time!

2009-06-21T19:16:00.000-07:00

Sea glass! I have always loved sea glass! Perhaps it is the Aquarius in me..... or reminiscing to the days that I spent with my Mom at her Florida beach house. Maybe it is memories of my youth when we'd ditch school and head for the beach (yes, we did that Mom.) While others were wake boarding and body surfing, I was searching the beach for baubles and treasures..... sea glass, shells, sand dollars, and driftwood. I always loved creating with things I found on my search. Although I have been making jewelry and trinkets with sea glass for years, it never occurred to me to paint on these pieces and turn them into one of a kind pendants until I stumbled upon another jewelry artisan's blog and I was in awe what she had done. I knew that I had to try my hand at it because this satisfies two of my loves.... painting and wire wrapping. How cool is this?

Now finding sea glass in northern Idaho is non-existent, so I did my usual Etsy search for supplies. I found a couple of wonderful sellers from California, very near the same places I used to hunt for my treasures. The pictures are two creations that I made with sea glass that I got from BeachGemming.Etsy.com, (a favorite.) I had so much fun working on these pieces. Thank you for the gift beach glass Bea. As you can see I made good use out of it. These two pendants are currently on display (and for sale) at Turtle Beads in Newport, WA. If you would like a hand painted sea glass pendant please contact me at lvsbeadsnthings@aol.com.

AAAAACK! I got Hacked!

2009-05-08T09:18:00.000-07:00

I am sorry that I haven't posted any new blog entries lately. I wasn't able to get online. I was one of the recent victims that had their computers hacked in to and had both my online and personal identities stolen (and possibly shared across a global network) while I was sharing photos, cyber hugs, conversations, with my friends on Facebook.com

If you want to read more about my hack attack go to my "recent news" blog. The link is on the right.

I sure hope that it never happens to any of you. It is one of the scariest things I have ever gone through.

LVS.

2009-03-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

Gosh, it's only Tuesday and what a busy week it's been for me, but it's all good! I got an awesome email Monday from Steve at Artbeads.com, one of the suppliers I purchase beads and jewelry supplies from. He said that he ran across my blog and he was impressed with my jewelry designs. He went on to say that he was putting together a group of a few select jewelry designers who blog and was offering us an opportunity to "blog for beads." He asked if I would be interested. Now I ask you, how awesome is this? Who doesn't love free stuff and especially beads! Of course I emailed him right back and said I was definitely interested.

Now I have to tell you that it came at the perfect time. I wanted to make some Birthstone rings. Artbeads is currently having a 15% off sale on Swarovski crystals and I needed some to complete the rings. Steve came to my rescue (thank you Steve!) He is sending me all of the birthstone crystals in return for my very first "Blog for Beads" entry. I am sure you have heard it before, but just in case no one's told you lately, Steve, you ROCK! I have now completed most of the rings, with the exception of February (Amethyst) and September (Sapphire.) I should have those crystals in a couple of days so, I will have all of the rings available. What a perfect gift for a Birthday, Mother's Day, graduation. I can also combine crystals to make a Mother's or Grandmother's ring. What a treasured keepsake it would make.

The rings are currently available at both my Etsy and ArtFire stores.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22437617

http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=139349

If you have any questions or would like more information please email me at lvsbeadsnthings@aol.com.

Kreativ Blogger Award!

2009-03-06T17:47:00.001-08:00

This 'Kreativ Blogger' award was given to me by Mingo http://flamingojunctiontoo.blogspot.com/. Thank you

Here are the rules: List 7 things that you love and then pass the award on to 7 people...tagging them and letting them know they won! You can copy the picture of the award and put it on your sideboard letting the whole wide world know you are KReATIV!

1. My Mom! She's the best!
2. My Brothers and Sister
3. My kids!
4. My Huskies!
5. My awesome friends!
6. Sunshine!
7. Creating and making my jewelry and crafts!

I pass this award on to:

Jo http://gallagj.blogspot.com/
Julie http://creativespiritoriginals.blogspot.com/
Rhonda http://thecozyloft.wordpress.com/
Chicky http://chickypez.blogspot.com/
MK http://missknitsetsy.blogspot.com/
Rae http://simplyraevyn.com/blog/
Sharon K http://sharonkaydesigns.blogspot.com/

Peruvian Blue Opal - WOW!

2009-02-26T12:29:00.001-08:00

Those of you who have come to know (and love) me, know that I love Opals in all sizes, shapes and colors. The Peruvian Blue Opal is one of my most favorites and yesterday I decided to wire wrap one of the stones I had picked up in my travels. Here is the finished product.

It is currently for sale at my Etsy store: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21575096

The Best Blog Daily Thinker

2009-02-26T07:19:00.000-08:00

Rhonda (TheCozyLoft.Etsy.com) just gave me my first blog award, The Best Blog Daily Thinker. Thank you so much my sweet friend. This is such an honor and I will in turn pass it on to others who's Blogs I enjoy.... yet there are so many wonderful bloggers out there.

If I have missed you and you would like this award... just grab it for yourself.

The rules are simple! Copy this award and paste it on your Blog and pass it on to (10) of your favorites who you feel are deserving of this awesome award.

Here are 10 of my favorites in no specific order:

http://aimeedars.blogspot.com/

http://uname-it.blogspot.com/

http://missknitsetsy.blogspot.com/

http://2kute.blogspot.com/

http://gallagj.blogspot.com/

http://overtherainbowmom.blogspot.com/

http://simplyraevyn.com/blog/

http://flamingojunctiontoo.blogspot.com/

http://sharonkaydesigns.blogspot.com/

http://chickypez.blogspot.com/

Pin Keep Penguin

2009-01-10T07:03:00.000-08:00

Hmmmm..... I got this new prim pattern for a penguin pin keep. Now my understanding of a pin keep is that it is a pin cushion??? This completed folk art/primitive seems to be much too large for that, (over 13" wide and 10" tall,) but it would make a great shelf sitter or dresser display. I am pleased at how the first attempt turned out..... even though it took me 8 hours to complete.

I am going to try to make a smaller version that I think would make a really cute pin cushion.

I also have an owl that I will be making next. I really do enjoy making these primative critters.

They really are works of art!

Stumpy the Cat!

2009-01-01T13:20:00.000-08:00

Recently I ran across folk art and primitive animal patterns and I fell in love with the style because they were different, unusual! I was getting bored creating the same things and let's face it, jewelry, although beautiful, is a hard sell because so many people are making it. I knew that in 2009 I wanted to introduce some new lines... make some needed changes! I've decided I will make primitive/folk art critters and also my add my North Wood wee people series.

I had all good intention of making my next wee people set until I received the Primitives pattern that I had recently ordered. I vowed to give myself some time off after the Christmas rush and recharge/renew my creative energies........... but, I just kept staring at the Stumpy cat pattern and I just had to rip it open and drag out the sewing machine.

I think what I liked about it the best is that it also satisfied the "artistic" side of me. I got to get out my acrylics and fabric paints and bring this little fellow to life. I really had fun making this
fabric kitty. I am looking forward to making other folk art/primitive critters.

Stumpy Cat can be purchased from my new ArtFire store: http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=ViewListing&product_id=39956

Wintertime Frostivities Contest!

2008-12-15T07:05:00.000-08:00

Well the winter has certainly settled in quick! We are getting sub-zero temps, frozen pipes, and it amazes me how some people try to drive in these conditions. I have seen more sideways vehicles than I can count on one hand.... yikes!

But tis the Season! These are busy and hurried times for most of us, hustle and bustling, finishing up last minute shopping, trimming the tree, putting out decorations, baking, and for us Artisan's, busy creating!

This year I decided to take on something totally new. I entered two of my creations in a Etsy Wintertime Holiday Frostivities contest! The contest runs from 12/13 - 12/19/2008. I would like to thank all of my family and friends that have voted for me. I really appreciate your loving support.

You can see my two items at:

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18468813 (Currently in 1st Place)

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18482108 (Currently in 2nd Place)

If you would like to vote you simply heart these items.

I would like to wish everyone a Blessed and Merry Christmas and a bright and prosperous New Year. Stay warm, dry, and most of all stay safe out there.

Peace and Blessings,

1/1/2009 Update: The Nativity Scene won 1st Place and Baby Bear came in 2nd! Wooohoo!

Just a blue-sy day......

2008-11-19T19:57:00.000-08:00

Oh those days.... everybody has them. You can never pin-point any specific reason why you are in a funk, so you just have come to learn to chalk it up as one of those days. I think the cold weather and thoughts of winter setting in might have something to do with it. For the life of me today I just couldn't get warm. I tried to light a fire as I knew that would help. Even the wood wouldn't cooperate.......

So I decided to create! That always helps. Is it any small wonder the pendants I ended up with?

Yep, both are blue. The breathtaking blue of the Blue Lace Agate and equally as beautiful, the Blue Lapis Lazuli. I absolutely love both of these semi-precious gemstones.

Here are my blue-sy creations.

Ammonite Fossil Pendant and Beaded Necklace

2008-11-14T15:30:00.000-08:00

Thes are two of my Ammonite Pendant Necklaces that are available at my Beads n' Things Etsy store: lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com

Ammolite! Awesome!!!!!

2008-11-14T15:22:00.000-08:00

I have to tell you, now that I have actually worked with the Ammolite gemstones, I am drawn to these incredibly beautiful stones. I love both the Ammolite and Ammonite, as both are equally beautiful in their own way. The Ammolite looks like the prehistoric that it is. The Ammonite is so beautiful the way the colors are ever changing, like a Kaleidoscope as you move it from side to side.

This particular pendant necklace is my favorite piece. I am seriously thinking of giving it to myself for Christmas, so I will not be too heartbroken if this one doesn't sell.

Too see more of my Ammolite and Ammolite necklaces, that are currently available, see my Beads n' Things Etsy store: http://lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com

Ammolite

2008-11-03T13:28:00.000-08:00

Ok, for those of you that know me, you know I just can't resist buying rare, unusual, or stunning gemstones. Up until now Opals have been my most favorite gem.... that is until I ran across Ammolite.

Ammolite is similar to an opal and some of the Ammolites that I have seen are opalized giving them even more beauty than their original state. I have been most fortunate to find a wonderful seller (on Ebay) who has been so kind and patient with me and educated me a bit about this rare and precious gemstone.

Ammolite is the rarest gemstone in the world! In 1981, ammolite became recognized by CIBJO, (the Colored Stones Commission.) It is the latest of only three new gemstones introduced in the last 50 years. It is also only one of three organic gemstones, (including amber & pearl.) It has been compared to opal and has a superficial similarity to the Austrian mineral lumachelle whose iridescence is also provided by the fossil ammonite carnites floridus.

Ammolite is also known as aapoak, (Blackfoot for small, crawling stone,) calcentine, korite, ammonite shell or gem ammonite. Ammolite is the fossil shell of the upper cretaceous ammonites: Placenticeras meeki, Placenticeras intercalare & Baculites compressus. Ammolite is only found in the Bearpaw formation that extends from Alberta to Saskatchewan in Canada and south to Montana in the USA.

Ammolite comes in various sizes, shapes and forms as you can see by the pictures above, but one thing is for sure. In any form Ammolite is the most beautiful stone that I have ever seen. I have seen these stones easily sell from $100 - $600 and a whole shell sell for $3000 - $10,000. Ammonite is increasing in value at a rate of 40% a year because it is becoming more and more scare. Because of this, naturally I had to get some Ammolite gemstones and fossilized shells and will be making up jewelry pieces for loved ones. I don't think you can give anyone a finer gift. Native American's carry one in their medicine bag to bring not only wealth and prosperity, but also for grounding.

I will be offering some Ammolite pendants at my Etsy store, http://lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com so check out my store in mid to late November.

A Tisket a Tasket.......

2008-10-13T19:45:00.000-07:00

A TISKET, A TASKET.. Win What's In Our Basket - Win over $100 worth of goodies! Ten Etsy Artisans have gotten together and are offering prizes to one lucky winner. Make any purchase by October 24th and get a chance to enter this drawing. It is a great way to get an early start on your Christmas shopping.

There are OOAK (original one of a kind) gift items, handmade soaps, bath salts, Christmas cards, custom coffee cups, jewelry, so many wonderful things to choose from.

To see the list of the stores and more details click on the link below:

http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5853018&page=31

Autumn Tree of Life Pendant Necklace

2008-10-13T07:57:00.000-07:00

I created this tree of life pendant using sterling silver wire, seed and bugle beads, bicone crystals, and miscellaneous glass beads. The finished pendant is stunning and perfect for complimenting your fall outfit. This would make a really nice Christmas gift or a present for that special someone. It's available in my Etsy store.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16093774

Boo!

2008-10-13T07:53:00.000-07:00

More Halloween items!

Well alrighty then......

2008-10-13T07:40:00.000-07:00

Ok, so the October Fest was a bust! It rained the entire day and I thought surely they will cancel it, but they didn't. Only 12 of the crafters toughed it up and set up in the rain. I was going to turn around and head home but the promoter talked me in to staying and set up a tent for me to put my table under.

Although sales weren't fantastic, I sold more than I expected to, given the conditions. I was amazed anyone came out at all, but Priest River folks are used to knarly weather and it was an October Fest after all. People were walking around on the streets checking out the booths, with their cup of pumpkin ale and brats in hand.

In spite of the crap weather I did have a fantastic time. They put another artisan in the tent with me, Bill from Cusick. He made canes, walking sticks, and sling shots out of tree branches. Shortly after noon I headed off to the liquor store and got us some Bailey's and we sat around and chatted like two old friends. His girlfriend was a hoot! I traded Bill a magnetic bracelet for a walking stick for my Brother for Christmas. We exchanged cards so we could hook up again at other local craft fairs.

I love it when a bad day turns in to a positive one. I made new friends, made a little money, and met a lot of town folks.

And now it is almost time for Halloween so I am busy making up Halloween spiders and a beaded witch to sell here locally. I have a few of them listed at my Etsy store.
They really are prettier than they look in the photographs! Perfect for gift giving. :)

Ok.... back to creating! Have a happy and safe Halloween everyone!

First Ever! Priest River October Fest!!!!

2008-09-26T14:15:00.001-07:00

Priest River, ID is having it's first ever October Fest. This gala event is happening on Saturday, October 4th on Main Street. There will be live entertainment, craft and food booth, beer and wine tasting.... oh boy! I have a booth reserved for the event so if you live nearby, come stop in and say hi.

I have been making up all kinds of things to sell.... jewelry, Christmas ornaments, snuggle bears, dream pillows, soy wax candles and melts and hand painted wolf and husky soaps. Today I went to our second hand store and got some neat containers to put the soaps in. It kind of dresses them up a bit and also helps to protect them.

Here is my finished soap project.

I will take pictures of the October Fest and post them afterwards, so check back and see how well we did and what kind of turn out we had. So far no one seems to know anything about it so I am making sure I spread the word. I don't think they are advertising it very well, although it was in the past two weeks newspaper, (our news is published once a week.) They should have flyers up all over town but so far I haven't seen a one. :(

Anyway, wish me luck!

Ciao,
LV

Bracelets Galore!

2008-08-26T16:38:00.000-07:00

This past month I have been so fortunate to come across some exceptionally beautiful semiprecious gemstones. I made a couple of bracelet sets, but mostly I have been making custom orders for my High Quality Magnetic Bracelets. Here are just a few.
I am making them out of Turquoise, Fancy Jades, Mookaite, Jaspers, and Blue Opal. I love the colorful hard to come by stones. I am making some up ahead of time for our winter craft fairs. I am not waiting until the last minute this year.

These should really be good sellers here locally.

Oooooh look at those wonderful stones!

2008-08-26T16:32:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone. It's been a busy and productive month for me. Besides keeping up with the website, two Etsy stores and the huskies, I have been getting lots of customer jewelry orders.

One in particular was a request for a Topaz set. The gal had a general idea of what she wanted to get for her teenage Daughter for her Birthday. Here is the finished piece. It really did turn out nice.

Jack the Needle Felt Raccoon

2008-07-20T11:19:00.000-07:00

I had a request to make a needle felt raccoon for Amanda at AWBAR, A Wild Baby Animal Rescue, http://www.awbar.com/. AWBAR lost 14 of it's baby raccoons to the deadly Parvo virus before getting the virus controlled. I was making some commemorative polymer clay picture pendants and pins of the babies who succumbed from the virus. One of my favorite pictures was of Jack and Sophia. I used the picture of Jack when I made this needle felt raccoon.

I am a member of Team AWBAR and donate a portion of my Etsy sales to help the wild babies.

Any items that I have listed that have EFA - AWBAR in the title, have donations to help animals.

http://lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com/

You can also buy items from the AWBAR store. 100% of these purchases goes to help buy food, medications, toys, blankets and cages for the wild babies that are brought to the wild baby animal rescue. http://awbar.etsy.com/

Hatchling Dragon

2008-07-16T20:17:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun making Steve's dragon, that I just had to make a wee-one! This little dragon is just hatching out of the egg. This one will be hard to part with as I have gotten pretty attached. It is hanging out by my computer and keeps me company while I am computing.

Green Eyed Monster

2008-07-03T18:37:00.000-07:00

This is the green eyed monster, Steven's Dragon. Steven has always loved Dragon's ever since he was small. At the age of 17, one day he asked, "Mom, can you tattoo a dragon on my arm? He now has 3 dragons and is going for full sleeves. He also has one on his back. He loved his dragons so much he showed them off to all of his friends. Before long I was doing tats and dragons on everyone he knew.

He grew up (has a Son of his own) and he eventually outgrew Mom's tattoo's, .... but evenso, one thing he has never outgrown is Mom's magical dragons.

To my loving Son, this bud's for you! XOXO'S

Now we're talking beads... lots of beads

2008-06-17T16:49:00.000-07:00

If you ever want to test your patience, try making a project out of seed beads. Although beautiful, little, teeny, tiny beads, they are not easy to work with. Even so, many beading enthusiasts just love working with seed beads. Why you ask? The completed creations are just beautiful and like no other.

Here is a beaded amulet bag that I recently finished. This bag took me over 25 hours to make (including the matching earrings.) I used almost an entire hank of the dark colored rainbow beads. By the time I added the contrasting beads I probably did use that amount. You do have to admit, now that IS a LOT of beads!

Penguin Power - Polymer Clay Sculptures

2008-06-01T19:53:00.000-07:00

I thank God that I am diverse in my creations. I never tire of crafting this way. Each form of craft is relaxing and rewarding to me. All of it an art form. My latest niche has been polymer clay sculptures. Anyone who knows me knows that I LOVE all animals, large and smalll, winged, finned, hoofed, furred, scaled.... lol. I think you get the picture.

One of my all time favorites is penguins! I have loved penguins since the first time that I saw them at the zoo. There are right up there with otters. Both are playful and fun little creatures that I could sit and watch for hours.

When I woke up this morning to rain my first thought was today is a good day to create. Here is my completed rainy day project.

The Lavender Festival is coming to town

2008-05-29T10:29:00.000-07:00

The annual Lavender Festival is coming to town.... well, almost. It is being held in Newport, WA. this year, which is only 5 miles from here. I am going to set up a booth there so I am busy making lots of new things. I am making clay sculptures, jewelry, felted animals, cat and doggie toys and treats..... well, like I said, lots of things.

Needle Felt Hummingbirds

2008-05-10T06:44:00.000-07:00

I just love hummingbirds and soon they will be coming to the feeder that I have put out for them. I enjoy creating needle felt animals and Twisted Whiskers "Critters." It is so amazing to watch a creation come together simply by poking wool roving here and there with a special felting needle. It does take a lot of time, blood, sweat and tears. I still can not complete one without managing to wound myself in action... and poke myself!

To see some of my other felt creations please click on the link to go to my Twisted Whiskers store at Etsy.com

http://lvsbeadsnthings.etsy.com/

Spring has Sprung in Idaho

2008-05-10T06:39:00.000-07:00

I believe spring has finally arrived here in No. Idaho. It hasn't snowed in almost 3 weeks now. Of course it still gets down to freezing at night but the days are getting warmer. Soon it will be time for the Lavender Festival and I am looking forward to that.

I have been busy creating lots of new things for the Twisted Whiskers store. My latest creations are needle felt hummingbirds and polymer clay sculptures. If you are interesting in buying any of these you can click on the link on the right.

As always, thanks for your interest in my LV's Twisted Whiskers Creations.

Hand Painted Wolf Soap

2008-03-05T03:50:00.000-08:00

Well I am still snowed in here in No. Idaho, but I keep reminding myself that spring is just around the corner and soon flowers will be in full bloom. Thank God for my Etsy stores and the craft projects! It helped keep me sane for the 3 months that I have been socked in.

The Twisted Whiskers site has really taken off since I introduced the soy candles, melts, tart warmers, and Puppy Poppers. Ready to take on a new project, I bought a melt and pour soap kit from Ebay with the original idea that I would make some soap on a rope and got some wolf and husky soap molds. Once I got the molds, although gorgeous, they were really too small for that plan, but I decided to go ahead and make some soaps out of them anyway just to see what they looked like. When I removed them from the molds I was amazed at the incredible detail.

I decided I wanted to try to paint them. I was pleased with the way they turned out and for my first attempt, they looked pretty good. I decided to list them at my Etsy store and sell them as a gift set. What a unique gift they would make and certainly a great conversation piece!

To purchase the soaps you can click on the following link:

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5278310

If you have any questions or would like more information please email me. Thanks for taking a look.

Ciao,

Nick the dragon

2008-01-05T18:54:00.000-08:00

Now, I did say that I am hooked on lampwork glass art, right? Well..... Michael Dean steered me in the direction of a glass artists blog, and "we love Etsy site. While I was cruisin' around on these sites I ran across a glass artist that makes cute little lampwork critters. Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love animals and there was one little guy who cried out, "buy me, BUY ME!" His name was Nick the dragon. After I had completed the transaction and Nick was officially mine, I got to thinking..... I know, look out, lol. I wondered if she could make me a husky, and I decided to contact her and ask. She was happy to take on the new project and seemed to look forward to the challenge. She is working on making me Yukon as I type this post. I can't wait to see her finished project and I will post a picture once he is done. Luanne's Etsy store is Sheltie's Lampworks. Yes, the name did give her away. To see more of her work click on the link below.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5278310

Egads!

2008-01-05T18:25:00.001-08:00

Gawd I HATE Vista! Who at microsoft designed this ungodly software? I have been using windows since version 3.1 (now that is dating myself.) Never have I been unhappy with a windows version.... until now that is. I am going back to XP until they impriove on this OS. Talk about an unstable, sluggish, program.... and it tries to take over everything. As far as I am concerned? JUNK!

Ok, now that I have fumed, as I wrote a blog entry and had it just disappear before my eyes. I so hate typing twice, especially when I am tired and have had a long day....

But, enough of the bitching and on with the latest in the jewelry and beads n' things updates.

What's new? Lampwork glass art. While I was looking around some of the other jewelry sites at Etsy (and God, I love that site,) I stumbled upon some unique and very beautiful beads. As I checked into them further, I found out they were called lampwork beads. They are made of molten glass and let me tell you, this is really an art all of it's own.

I am not even going to try to attempt this craft, as I leave it to the glass artists, I knew I just had to have some of these beads. I hunted high and low for something that got my attention.

I feel so fortunate and blessed to have found Michael Dean (Protege at Etsy,) and marveled over his beautiful work. I originally ordered three and my finished creations using these beads are all listed at my lvsbeadsnthings Etsy store. My favorite, Prairie Winds, was the hardest one to bring together, because I had a specific design in mind. As I worked and worked, then reworked, and worked some more, the design in my head did not come out quite like I had visioned. It is almost laughable now that its' done, and I am finally happy with the final revision.

Here is a picture of the finished project.

To see more of Michael Dean's lampwork click on the link to go to his Etsy store.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5229300

He is Protege.etsy.com

Triple Strength High Power Magnetic jewelry is now available!

2007-12-09T15:47:00.000-08:00

I have added more items to the magnetic jewelry section at the online store. In addition to bracelets (men's and women's,) I have added ankle bracelets and earrings. I even added an ankle bracelet for your pet who suffers from arthritis. I make both high power and (new) triple strength high power magnetic jewelry. These are great if you suffer from arthritis in the hands, shoulders, neck, elbow, or have carpal tunnel. Several styles are available and can be purchased at Lady V''s online store. They can be found under "magnetics" under the "store" tab.

http://lvsbeadsnthings.com/

Mother/Daughter birthstone bracelets

2007-12-05T10:46:00.000-08:00

My Daughter asked if I would make her bracelets for her and her Daughter for Christmas. She wanted something that represented them, so I made each of them traditional birthstone bracelets.

Shannon's is a wire wrap bracelet made of non-tarnish sterling silver, green tiger eye gemstones, emerald bicone Swarovski crystals, sterling silver beads, mother of pearl hearts, and the focal bead is a pearl (which represents her Daughter Sammie.) I made the clasp from sterling silver wire.

Sammie's bracelet is made of baby freshwater pearl rice beads, bicone Alexandrite beads, 4mm sterling silver beads, small mother of pearl hearts, and is strung on vinyl coated silver plated beading wire. I also made her clasp out of sterling silver.

Merry Christmas Shannon and Sammie. I hope you like your new bracelets.

xoxo's

Grandma

Lady V's Beads n' Things jewelry now listed on Etsy.com

2007-12-02T17:11:00.000-08:00

Lady V's jewelry is now listed at Etsy.com, a great place to shop for hand made crafts, hand crafted jewelry, wood carvings, and unique one of a kind gifts. To go to the Etsy store click on the link below.

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5351467

Take your time and look around at Etsy.com This is a great site and, in my opinion,. beats Ebay when it comes to hand made crafts.

The picture above is a new creation. It is a double stranded, high powered, magnetic bracelet designed for men. I have ladies magnetic bracelets too. They can be seen at both the Etsy.com site and lvsbeadsnthings.com store

NEW! Eagle Series - Hand carved flute

2007-11-14T16:08:00.000-08:00

Small Mountain (Brother,)is at it again. Carving his hand made flutes. This is a one of a kind rare flute that will never be duplicated. It is carved of Bristlecone Pine. If you could imagine a living tree as old as the pyramids of Egypt, what do you think it would look like? It would look like a bristlecone pine, Pinus longaeva, the oldest living thing on the planet. As you can imagine, it is extremely rare. SM hunted for this wood for years! This is truely his finest and most treasured masterpiece.

Priced at $1500. Note: Other wood flute variations are available - starting at $150.00. All flutes made by custom order only. For more information on the bristlecone pine click on the link below. Pretty amazing stuff!

http://www.blueplanetbiomes.org/bristlecone_pine.htm

Wire Wrap Pendant

2007-11-13T16:28:00.000-08:00

Those of you that know me, know that I am taking wire wrap jewelry classes and I am looking forward to creating some pieces after the craft fair is over (now old news.) I couldn't sleep worth a darn last night.... coming down with a cold, so I figured why not create! Here is one of my wire wrap pendants. I am sure I will improve over time, (ain't as easy as it looks,) but not too shabby for one of my earlier attempts.

The black beads in the background are rare, antique beads that were gifted to me from Liza at Turtle Beads..... WOW! They are gorgeous. Thank you soooooooooo much Elizabeth. You know you are my inspiration when I run out of steam. Now that I created the "Eagle" series of beads you have to keep hunting down those old, one of a kind, rare, antique beads, so I can keep making them you know, *winks. I will be seeing you soon, Liza. Get some good wire in.

Now that the Eagles Club craft fair is over, I will be working primarily on wire wrap jewelry and stringing beads for the pendants. I am now getting ready for the Stratton Elementary school craft fair on Dec 1st, located in Newport. Oh yeah, lastly, I will be teaching a "beginning wire wrap" class at Turtle Beads in a month or so,(depending on interest,) so if anyone is interested in attending, call Liza.. Turtle beads is located in Newport, WA.

Hugs to all

Lady V

The long awaited Blue Lace Agate Arrived today!

2007-11-11T17:37:00.000-08:00

UPS finally arrrived with the Blue Lace. It seems like I ordered it eon's ago, but I guess it was last week. I have lost all sense of time. Well now I AM ready for the craft fair. I have my master piece and a couple of other wire wrap necklaces to have on display.

NEW! Magnetic Gemstone Bracelets!

2007-11-11T17:35:00.000-08:00

I am now making genuine gemstone bracelets with magnetic beads and clasps. Men's and Woman's bracelets are available. Magnetic therapy is great for people with tennis elbow, arthritis in their hands or shoulders, or carpal tunnel. The magnetic beads are approximately 800 gauss and the clasp is close to 5000. It takes a magnet strength of 2400 to penetrate the skin, so you can see that a single strand bracelet well exceeds that and a double strand is
powerful magnet therapy. To purchase click on the "Beads n' Things" store link on the right. For more information, email me.

A few pendants get face lifts

2007-11-11T17:32:00.000-08:00

While I was in the "stringing beads" mood, I decided to give the Ocean Wave Jasper pendant a face lift too. I a strung a necklace of silver Swarvoski pearls and of course added Swarvoski crystals.

Copper and Black Onyx Pendant Necklace

2007-11-11T17:30:00.000-08:00

Just as I imagined, the Onyx and copper necklace looks gorgeous! I made a strand of Swarovski bronze beads to go with it, added a few Swarovski bicone crystals and antique bronze beads. Wa-la! Paz' Azz!

Unakite and Copper Wire Wrap Pendant

2007-11-11T17:27:00.000-08:00

My roll of copper arrived yesterday and I couldn't wait to play with it. I twirled it around some unakite, but it didn't quite have the piz'azz I was hoping for....... dang! Not to fear, I have not given up hope. I am going to wrap it around some black Onyx and see if that doesn't razzle dazzle the wire.

Oh yeah, the craft show? It was a bust! In spite of it, I still had a kick-ass time and met some great people and made some new friends...... after all, isn't that what life is all about? I am looking forward to the next craft fair on December 1st. I am READY

Note: I made up a strand of hunter green Swarovski pearls, added a few Swarovski bicone crystals and antique copper beads. It was the right touch and made the pendant really stand out. (Click on the photo to see enlargrment.)

Ooooooooh weeeeeee..... we're having some fun now!

2007-11-05T02:21:00.000-08:00

Ummmmm, it really helps when you take the picture of the stone right side up? Lol, I guess I was really tired that day........ and, Mom?????? Like I said, I really need a new camera for Christmas! These out of focus pictures are for the birds....... (sigh.)

Sizing it up

2007-10-31T22:50:00.000-07:00

To better give you an idea of the size of gemstones I have used in these jewelry pieces, I have placed the various center stones around a dime. If you have any questions please contact me. Thank you for your interest.

Denim Lapis Wrap Bracelet

2007-10-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

Glass foil beads, pearls and denim lapis bracelet with removeable heart shaped wish box. This wrap bracelet is similar to the previous one except the accents are silver.

Another pendant style necklace set

2007-10-31T12:20:00.000-07:00

This is similar to the previous Ocean Wave Jasper, Brazilian Agate, Unakite set, except the accents are silver instead of gold. The set consists of necklace and earrings. It is a nice holiday set.

Lapis Lazuli and Silver Necklace Set

2007-10-31T10:29:00.000-07:00

Made of Genuine Lapis Lazuli, Cobalt rectangular, and Silver beads and accents. Has toggle clasp. A really pretty and stunning set.

Ocean Wave Jasper, Pearl, and Brazilian Agate Necklace Set

2007-10-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

This necklace/earring set is made from Ocean Wave Jasper, Unakite, Brazilian Agate, gold filigree and pearl, beads. It has a toggle clasp. This set is very ornate and rich looking.

Russian Tree Jasper & Green Turquoise Set

2007-10-29T20:52:00.000-07:00

This necklace and earrings set is made from Genuine Russian Tree Jasper, Green Turquoise, Kiwi Jasper gemstones and crystal and silver beads. This set sold the Craft Fair. Enjoy Penny.

Cross Stone, Rose Quartz Crystal & Unakite Bracelet

2007-10-28T15:21:00.000-07:00

This meditation prayer bracelet is made with a genuine cross stone, rose quartz crystal chips, silver, and unakite beads. It has a lobster claw clasp and a removeable wish box trinket.

Cross Stone and Lapis Bracelet

2007-10-28T10:42:00.001-07:00

This meditation/prayer bracelet is made of a Genuine Cross stone, Swarovski white opal (sm,) frosted blue ice crystals silver beads, lapis nuggets, denim lapis, and Lapis Lazuli gemstones.

Guess who this one belongs too? Yes, I'm kinda partial to it.

Ladies Cross Stone Bracelet

2007-10-27T18:41:00.001-07:00

This ladies meditation/prayer bracelet is made from a Genuine Cross stone, frosted crystal, hematite, silver, red lady bug beads, rainforest jade, and brazilian agate stones. It has a toggle clasp. This is definitely a conversation piece and one of a kind.

Genuine Denim Lapis & Pearl Wrap Bracelet

2007-10-27T11:26:00.001-07:00

Genuine Denim Lapis and Pearl Wrap Bracelet with gold bali beads. Removeable wish box trinket. Nice! Must see to appreciate.

Genuine Lapis & Fresh Water Pearl Necklace Set

2007-10-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Genuine Lapis, Pearl, Mother of Pearl Nuggets, and Fresh Water Pearl, necklace and earring set. Lobster claw clasp. An elegant and beautiful set!

Genuine Ocean Wave Jasper Necklace

2007-10-26T14:51:00.000-07:00

Necklace is made of Genuine Ocean Wave Jasper, Brazilian Agate, Unakite, Natural Turquoise, and bone beads. It has a lobster claw clasp. A very nice piece. I will be making matching earrings to go with this set. Set sold at the craft fair. Enjoy Penny.

Howlite and Aqua Pearl Prayer Bracelet

2007-10-26T11:05:00.001-07:00

Prayer bracelet made with pearl, silver, howlite, and lady bug beads. Toggle clasp. This bracelet is dainty and cute and makes a nice gift.

Howlite and Dusty Rose Pearl Prayer Bracelet

2007-10-26T11:00:00.000-07:00

Prayer Bracelet made of pearl, fresh water pearl, silver, and howlite beads. It has a toggle clasp. A very nice dainty bracelet and would make a nice gift for a teen.

Aqua Amazonite Necklace and Bracelet Set

2007-10-25T18:46:00.000-07:00

This set is made of Aqua Amazonite, Rainforest Jade, Kiwi Jasper, and silver beads. A stunning set that you have to see as the pictures do not do it justice.

Man's NA Prayer/Meditation Beads

2007-10-23T23:56:00.000-07:00

This is a man's Native American prayer/meditation beads. It has a silver eagle, followed by antique silver, hematite, frosted crystal, an authentic chiastolite cross stone, silver leaf Jasper gemstone beads, and wooden beads. It has a silver arrow and shield charm on the other end. It will be gifted to my Brother, but I am waiting for a St. Rocco medallian to attach to it. He just had knee surgery and needs the healing power for his knees, among other things. These make nice gifts and give-aways.