Showing posts with label showcase. Show all posts
Showing posts with label showcase. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Embellished Filigree: A Showcase of Artists

After working a little with filigree for my last earrings, I was curious what other jewelry artists had done with filigree.  There are many wonderful layered designs out there, but the ones that really grabbed my interest were the ones that used beads to embellish the filigree.  Maybe it's because I love my beads and beadweaving techniques - and bead embellished filigree melds the two worlds nicely for me.  A bridge, perhaps, for me to cross in the future....

Here are some of the lovely designs and jewelry artists I found on Etsy:




 



 



And if you think bead embellishment is new, think again!  It's a revival from the past - here's just one example from the 1930s, possibly by Miriam Haskell, also available on Etsy:



There are many more embellished filigree designs out there, on Etsy and in other shops, both handmade and commercial.  I know I'm inspired, are you?

Happy Creating!
PZ

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Dragons - Delightful and Dangerous! Artwork & Decor Featuring Dragons & Serpents

As I get closer to my due date, I find that I am returning to old favorites and new ways to share that love with others.  Currently, I'm working on a dragon plushie for my daughter - I'll post photos and a link to the tutorial when I'm done and if new baby doesn't keep me away too long! 

So, dragons are on my mind this week and I've found some fantastic dragons and serpents on Etsy to share with you all!  I know it's not my usual display, but hopefully it is still inspiring.



Follow the link to the Treasury to see more images or read more about these fine artists and crafters and their work:  Dragons Delightful & Dangerous Etsy Treasury by PZ Designs

Happy Creating,
PZ

Monday, January 30, 2012

Awesome Animals in Knit & Crochet

My sister recently picked up knitting, which is something I've told myself I won't get into because I have so many crafts already!  Anyway, she went from knitting lovely scarves to knitting animals - from patterns she made up herself!  Here is a sample of her newest creation:


Her talent blows me away!  If she decides to start selling any of her work or her patterns, I will post a link.  Right now she is making animals for fun, for gifts, and for her new baby!

My sister's work is also the inspiration for my feature today:  Awesome Animals in Knit & Crochet!  Each animal has been handmade by the featured crafter, or is a sample from a pattern made by the crafter.  I love the variety, the cuteness, and the realism in these fabulous pieces!







These are just a few of the talented crafters out there, but I hope you've enjoyed looking at their work as much as I enjoyed finding them!

For more information on any of these talented people, or to see more of their creations and patterns, please follow the link in the image title.  The link will go directly to the crafter's Etsy shop!

Thanks for stopping by and Happy Creating!
PZ

Monday, January 23, 2012

SouthEast Idaho Artisans & Crafters on Etsy

As I search for local craft fairs to attend or participate in, and then go to them and spend money on wonderful handmade items, I realize there are many, many talented artists and crafters in my region.  Today I've decided to show off some of these items that seemed particularly unique, well-made, and/or creative and I hope you enjoy looking (and maybe shopping....) as much as I did!  As you can see, I particularly enjoyed finding unique children's items.....

The children's clothes found in this shop are very sweet - they vary from bright and fun (as shown above) to classic and romantic!

I've been admiring Jas Glass Art for a while now - the pendants are new since my last perusal, but I still love the unique window art as well.

There are more than just wonderfully fun and detailed hair clips at this store, but the flower headbands grab my attention first every time!

Gemstones, lampwork beads, typewriter keys, and other fun and/or classy jewelry can be found here!  It's a marvelous mix of whimsical and elegance all in one design.

I love the precious knit hat and blanket designs made by Red and Company - they also have some beautiful quilts!
Find fun, colorful, original art ready to hang, as well as hats, bags, and mittens!
ADORABLE baby boots and booties can be found in this store, as well as hats and skirts in fun prints and warm knits!


I thought this was a fantastic idea - a little roll up pouch for crayons!  It even comes with some colors already inside.  Find other baby items, such as fun printed bibs or burp cloth sets, or check out the children's Craft Bucket!

Each artist and crafter shown today is a part of the SouthEast Idaho Etsy Team and they have shops open and full of finished goods ready to go if you find yourself interested - just follow the link in the titles.  You can also find out more about each product or shop owner just by clicking on the shop name or profile on Etsy!

If you are like me, and buy some items and enjoy making others, be sure to check out some of the SouthEast Idaho Etsy Team members who sell patterns as well as products!

Happy Creating,
PZ

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Rocks, Stones, Natural Found Objects - Awesome Finds for Jewelry Making!

I recently picked up a couple rocks from the local chapter of the Rock and Mineral Club.  They had a wonderful show and I couldn't help but pick out some tumbles native rocks of Idaho for use as pendants and magnets, too!  While I love gemstones and imported, cut stones, sometimes a more down-to-earth statement piece is nice too.

I've created some fun pendants with rocks and stones I've picked up on my travels, but here are my latest creations with Rocks of Idaho, the 1st one features tiger iron and the 2nd one is a simpler blue-black rock.....and then I'll show you some additional pieces by other jewelry artists!

Rocks of Idaho I by PZ Designs



Rocks of Idaho II by PZ Designs




Wonderful and beautiful pieces by others:











Just think of the beautiful jewelry you can make the next time you pick up a stone, a rock, a shell, or other natural found object!  And if you aren't inclined to wire-wrapping techniques, then check out a local artist or handmade artist on Etsy, Artfire, or other online revenue!  

If you are interested in the featured pieces or other works by these artists, please follow the links in the titles.  I've linked them to DeviantArt accounts, and from there you can view the artist's galleries and contact them!

Happy creating,
PZ

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Memory Wire - More Versatile Than You May Think!

I've been absent of late for many reasons, but one reason is that I've recently taken a job at Michael's Craft Store as a Jewelry Instructor!  I have my first class tomorrow, and it's on using memory wire.  I've played around with this medium before, but now I realize that it is useful and fun for so many types of jewelry and decoration projects!

The most basic memory wire project is the bracelet - it often looks like a matched bangle set when worn.  Seed beads, crystals, and pearls are all common beads used in this project.  Here are some less basic memory wire bracelet designs:


Another basic memory wire project is the necklace - it can be as complex as the bracelet, with several loops, or simplified down to a single loop for a stunning look!  Here are a couple necklaces that I think stand out among the rest:



Less often seen, but just as cool, is the memory wire ring!  I've chosen one ring to show you below, but there are as many designs out there as you can imagine:


Another project that can be accomplished with memory wire in the ring size is wine charms.  The pieces below use actual wine charm wires, but you can see how memory wire would serve the same function:


A final project that I'm hoping to make this coming Holiday Season is a memory wire dangle (for lack of a better name).  I plan on using memory wire in the bracelet or necklace size, stringing it in reds, greens, and golds, and embellishing it with small ornaments or Christmas-themed charms.  Then, you hang one end up and let the rest "dangle"!  I think it would be a cute way to hang mistletoe as well.....

I couldn't find an artist's version of the ornament, but here is a simpler commercial version if you can't quite visualize it.....hopefully I'll post my own photos soon!

EDIT:  I haven't made the Christmas Ornament with memory wire yet, but I did make a fun necklace with dangles!  It could easily be made into the ornament I mention above simply by using more loops.....



I'm sure there are other designs out there, so please share!  Happy Creating, PZ

Monday, May 30, 2011

Polymer Clay - A versatile jewelry medium

I can't believe I haven't posted about polymer clay jewelry yet!  I've seen marvelous artworks created in this medium - and I have to admire the detail and work that goes into these pieces.  I've tried working with polymer clay, modeling clay, firing clay - they are all similar and yet so different!  What's common for me, however, is that I can't create marvelous works in these mediums.....not like the following jewelry artists, anyway.  Clay is simply not my medium - I prefer hard materials such as wood and metal, or pencil drawings and beaded jewelry.  I like control, which I simply do not have with clay.

These 6 artists clearly know how to manipulate polymer clay into beautiful and wondrous designs!  Control over this medium isn't a problem, then, but maybe it's still a challenge?!

Without further ado, here's some amazing polymer clay jewelry:













This is only a small sampling, both from these artists and in polymer clay jewelry and art.  These pieces were selected from DeviantArt (DA) and you can follow the links above to the artists' pages there.  There are many other artists on DA that work with polymer clay, and many of them also have Etsy or other online shops and websites.  Peruse the art - enjoy the view!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Etsy Jewelers: All Wrapped up in Wire

I've completed my second attempt at wire wrapping.  It turned out....okay.  The beads weren't evenly drilled, so they lay oddly on the frame.  I shall try try again!  And show my progress once I have something more impressive to photograph!

To keep myself motivated, I've searched for some fabulous wire-wrapping experts!  I will probably never make anything this exquisite, so please enjoy the jewelry from these fine artists from Etsy:













This is only a small sampling of what these jewelers make, please visit their shops (links in titles) to see more!  To find other wire-wrapping artists, please see my previous two posts, or search Etsy.

                           Happy Creating,
                                           PZ

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Fantastic Chainmaille Jewelry

This past week I put in an order for beads and supplies and decided to get some cheaper wire to practice on.  So far, I haven't created anything worth looking at...  However, I'm not showing you my work, but some other amazing jewelers' pieces instead!  These fabulous chainmaille artists can be found on Etsy:














Many of these artists work with precious metal and wire designs as well.  Check out their shops for more amazing designs (links in titles) or search for other great chainmaille creations on Etsy's homepage!
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For the next post, I'll probably move on to wire-wrapped designs!
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Sorry I've been so sporadic - full time grad. school and a 21 month old will do that to a mom's schedule!  I've also begun an informal beading group with some other women - it was a lot of fun to sit and chat while beading for a change.  I was also able to share some of my knowledge of beadweaving with one of the projects.  We'll probably meet once a month and hopefully next time I'll get some photos to show you all what we've been up to!

I've seen many blogs that feature the writing artist's work, but I chose to show other people's work over mine.  There are links on the blog where you can find my pieces, but would you enjoy a feature of what I'm doing?  Maybe in the form of a tutorial, eh?

Don't forget that I will be hosting another jewelry giveaway - even bigger prizes than the last one! - once my followers reach 84.  I though maybe I'd giveaway 2 prizes instead of one big one, so more people can win.  Let me know what you think!

Happy Creating,
PZ