Preview: Teaser Photo of Next Contest Piece

I've finished my next contest piece!  Here's a little teaser photo - I'll post the finished design later (I need some nice photos first!)

Black shell, beadwoven setting, rhodochrosite beads. 

Happy Creating!

PZ

P.S. - You can see the entire design here, in another post:  The Art of Mixing Jewelry Making Techniques

Washi Tape - Easy on, Easy off Door Decor

I saw a Pinterest post the other day using Washi tape to decorate a door's edge.  While I couldn't figure out why I'd want to decorate a door like that, it did inspire me to decorate my daughter's bedroom doors with Washi tape in another way!  I liked the idea of having the grooves between door panels painted a different color than the rest of the door, but I really don't like painting doors, and I hadn't gotten the gumption up to putz around with it.

 I love the spring flowers prints on these Washi Tapes!

This selection is available from Mieryaw on Etsy.

BUT using Washi tape is quick, easy, and fun!  Instead of a solid painted color (though if you want this there are many solid Washi tapes to choose from) I could get a cute print in the door grooves!  The tape I found was on sale at Michaels, so I spent $2.50 on a role that was enough for both sides of the door (10 meters/yards), and 30 minutes taping!  Viola, I'm done and my girl has a cute door to her mess of a room!  If your door has more panels, you might need 2 roles of tape and 45 minutes of time - straight lines are easier than the curved arch I have.

Some tips:

• Use very sharp scissors with a fine point OR an Exacto knife to cut the Washi tape at corners for a clean look - be careful NOT to cut into your door!
• At corners - either 1) cut both sides to meet at a 45 degree angle (no overlap) OR 2) cut the top layer of tape at an angle at the corners while leaving the bottom layer square (overlapped)
• this keeps the tape from peeling up or bunching around the corners
• For curves/arches - Use small pieces of tape so you can make the curve w/o bending/creasing the tape OR use longer pieces of tape cut 3/4 of the way through every 1-1.5 inches so that the tape will follow the curve and overlap itself instead of creasing.

Some solid Washi tape colors from GoodiMochi on Etsy

This project was very satisfying - and the Washi tape comes in so many fun patterns!  You can change your doors monthly or yearly, as the tape is similar to painter's tape. It comes up easily and won't mar the surface of your door!  I like impermanent decorating solutions - they are easier to change if you don't like them or if you grow out of them or if you are getting ready to sell your home!

Look at just some of hundreds of patterns available? 

This selection is from StickerStop on Etsy 

 

If you are looking for more Washi Tape projects - just type in "washi tape" on Pinterest!  Hundreds of ideas come up!  My favorites are decorating vases, picture frames, magnets, and walls!  Or follow my link - Washi Tape on Pinterest.

Happy Decorating!
PZ

Resources:
Washi Tape on Etsy

In Love with Jet Black Beads

I don't wear black, or white.  White because I have children under 4 and am more prone to spill sauces while wearing white.  Black because I feel it does nothing for my skin and I love color!  So I've avoided the use of black in many of my jewelry designs as well.....

BUT not wearing black clothes does not mean I have to avoid black altogether!  And I'm falling in love with jet black faceted glass and crystal beads this season.....not the shiny, AB colored ones, or the metallic ones, or the hematite ones, but the straight up black ones. 

 Jet black bicone crystals - sold by LaserBeads on Etsy at at excellent price!

Why black works in jewelry:

Black is a neutral - you can pair it with any other color 

Earrings by me!  How can you not be in love with jet?

 Not available, but I take requests - My Etsy Shop

Black makes other colors pop and stand out

Bracelet by CCaria on Etsy

Black is always elegant and classy

Earrings by JewelrybySonjaBlume on Etsy

Black can be dressed up or down 

 

Macrame Bracelet by SweetestThingsJTMG on Etsy

Black brings out a pattern - especially against the skin. 
 

Victorian Beaded Choker by BridalDiamantes on Etsy

Even if black is the majority color, it's rarely the main color.  By that I mean that black blends in with the background, it becomes a shadow, and the highlighting colors show through and grab the viewers attention!  Black isn't subtle, but it is gorgeous!  And who wears jewelry to be ignored, anyway?

 Another pair of earrings by me.  Now I need to order more jet beads!

 Not available, but I take requests - My Etsy Shop

Happy Creating,
PZ

I've Been Featured! SEI Team Blog

I'm a member of a couple Teams on Etsy, and last week I was lucky enough to be featured on the SE Idaho Team blog!  If you want to check it out, you can follow this link:  SE Idaho Crafters.

I also plan on posting more short posts showing works in progress and new designs going into my shop, with the free tutorial thrown in here and there....as soon as I figure my time and schedule out on a calendar.....

Happy Creating,
PZ