Back To Beading

 I spent many years creating one-of-a-kind freeform bead jewelry. I gave it a rest to experiment with other mediums such as metal, photography, and digital art, all of which I still do but beading has called me back. 

I recently pulled some unfinished projects from my bead stash and decided to finish them. Some of my beaded bracelets take up to 30 hours to complete, while my freeform beaded necklaces can take up to 75 hours or longer. 

I also spent many years teaching classes on sculptural and freeform beadwork. I am planning to post some tutorials in the near future so that people may get started in the wonderful world of bead art and needlework.

These are a couple of freeform beaded cuff bracelets that I decided to finally finish. I am loving the way they turned out and decided they deserve to be shared rather than sit in a bead cabinet.

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Hot Off The Jewelers Bench!

The past couple of weeks have been crazy busy working to fulfill stock for Arizona Stronghold Tasting Room and working on private commissions.  I have had a FANTASTIC time in the studio creating new, unique jewelry designs. My recent focus has been rings.

Stock was getting low and there weren't enough variations of women's ring sizes so that was the focus. The focus paid off and now Stronghold is stocked and ready with enough variations in sizes and shapes to accommodate the ladies and gentlemen.

I recently began learning how to cut stones. I shied away from this for years because I really had no interest, but now that I have started, I kind of have the bug and really look forward to cutting, shaping and polishing my own stones to use in my jewelry designs. It is still in the semi-rough phase but I am enjoying the process and I like how the small imperfections lend themselves to the organic look I strive for in my work. Kudos to my friend, studio partner and master stone cutter, Kathleen Cook for getting me started.

So here are some of my recent works from the past week. Enjoy! And remember customs orders are available. Message me for details.

Carnelian Agate, Copper and Metal Paint

Ethiopian Opal and Turquoise

Turquoise and Copper

Turquoise and Sterling Silver

Thanks for stopping by. To see more items, please visit my ETSY store at www.artexposurearizona.com

Putting The Metal To The Metal!

The past few weeks have been a very exciting and productive time in the studio. I have been creating a lot of new work. I feel like the cooler weather has helped with me having more energy, that and the quelling of the allergy monster.

I created a new series of leather and metal cuff bracelets. These cuffs are being featured at Arizona Stronghold Tasting Room in Old Town Cottonwood. Jason, the manager loves them and they are already selling, both of which make me very happy and wanting to do more.

I created a total of 19 cuffs in 2 days. The cuffs are created by upcycling retired leather belts. I cut them into different wrist sizes then create the metal designs from scratch. Add snaps, attach the metal with rivets, nuts bolts and screws and BAM-great one-of-a-kind designs for men and women.

Here are a couple of my recent cuff works.

Brown leather with copper and silver rivets.

Black large leather cuff with hammered copper, discs
attached with rivets and screws.

 Then I put in another week of many hours to complete a wholesale order of rings for Ghost City Tours in Jerome Arizona. It was a push but I got 19 done in a week.

I was able to finish the rings just in time as my 2 rivet tools broke-both of them within 2 days. I was disappointed but the almost $40.00 tool is a great investment and lasted me over a year. Now I have to purchase another one to get more riveting done.

Here are a few of my new ring designs.

Sterling silver with spiral stamps.

Sterling silver, spiral stamps and brass rivets.

Double layered sterling silver with my first cut of amber

Sterling silver with large gauge wires.

Thanks for stopping by to see check out the latest happenings. See more new additions on my ETSY site at www.artexposurearizona.com