Peyote doings

I don't often show this kind of work here. But now it's time. :-)

A wide cuff bracelet made in two drop peyote and 10/0 delicas. In order to avoid the clasp to possibly scratch against the skin on your wrist, I sewed the clasp on the outside and covered the attachment rings with pearls. That created a nice effect I think.

Two finger rings in peyote and 11/0 seed beads. I like to do these little quick pieces every now and then. They are meant to work as company rings for other pieces I am wearing. Sort of to enhance or dampen a color scale wished. I can turn them and they may pick up a color I for instance have in my earrings or somewhere else.

When the excellent Swedish shop Zionesse closed down earlier this year I purchased a big mixed soup with a variety of seed beads of different kinds. Within it were these large triangular beads of different colors. I created two color groups and made this bracelet in peyote recently. I like the effect of it being so rustic still, even though made with seed beads and peyote, which I don't associate with rustic-ness normally.

Hope you enjoyed!

All my best,

Malin

A ring, and I need your help

Hi, I hope your Christmas has been wonderful and jolly. Mine has been very nice, spent with my family and closest relatives, rather calm, but unfortunately without any snow. :-(

It is not unusual I make jewelry pieces, but for some reason I don't get around taking their picture and show them here. So now I have a fair little bunch of things I thought I would portion out to you over the coming days.

Here's a ring I made a few weeks ago. It has one of Michelle Johnston of ChelleV2's wonderful stoneware flower beads/bead caps in it. (I used a white one in the bangle bracelet I showed you a few days ago.) I also used waxed linen thread and a ring base which I demolished to fit my requirements. (And I ordered a new group from her again, the other day.)

Now, I need you help. I am asking for it. Check out this gorgeous gorgeous ceramic button/bead/disc by Lisa Peters. I made a macrame bracelet with black leather string and glass and wooden beads. I love the combo and the style in this bracelet. Everything comes together as if it was meant from the dawn of time. The button is supposed to work as a closure. Just the way I have seen so many others do. Many times. But when I get to the last bit, the one where I shall make the loop/hook/ring or whatever it should be, I don't know how to make it so that it looks good. If I make a loop it becomes big and so visible once the bracelet sits on. I do not like the look of it at all. Also the bracelet sort of sits too loosely on the wrist. I could attach a hook at the end to hook on under the button, but I feel it is not an elegant or congenial enough solution.
Help me, how do I get the loop perfectly big to allow the button to go through it, but small so to not create a big flappy loose unattractive hole area right next to the button when the bracelet is being worn? How shall I close the loop? Shall I use a loop at all? Shall I restring the whole thing so that the button is not at all used as the closure?

I just love how this bracelet will turn out. I can't give up on it. Please, offer me the magic solution.

Please check back again very soon, as I plan to post more finished pieces from my work desk. All my best,

Malin

My Own Bangle From Rebecca's Tutorial On ABS

Yesterday Rebecca Anderson gave us a tutorial on Art Bead Scene. For a bangle bracelet including art beads and using the Vintaj hoop as a base. I have since a while admired this design of Rebeccas, AND I have played around a few times trying to create something useful with the hoops I have in my own stash. I never was pleased enough however, always took apart what I made.

So yesterday I thought, I must give this style a go. Now that I have a great tutorial to use. Check out Rebecca's tutorial here.

I followed Rebecca's advice to start off with finding the main art bead. And I chose Claire Maunsell of StillPointWork's large hollow polymer clay bead. It's irregular, mystical and wonderfully beautiful. There's something about Claire's work that always makes me feel like the things could have been found in an obscure and not yet discovered place in nature. Or like they are reminescents from way back in time. Long before the dinosaurs even. When the earth was forming different materials and structures. I have noticed that I have a particular weakness for components with that feel in general. There is more of that style in my stash.

Anyway, after the focal it was time to pick the other parts, for the dangles/charms. The focal gave me the overall color scheme, which I stuck to, just adding a few dashes of color here and there.

Here's my result:

Looks neat ey!? Sort of Christmassy. Or just wintery.

Art Beads included are:

Large hollow polymer clay bead in white, grey and black - Still Point Works

White Stoneware Flower Bead/Bead Cap - ChelleV2

Black Stoneware Ring/Star - Starry Road Studio

Robins Egg Blue dangle/charm with enameled parts - Miss Molly's Design

Enameled ring - C-Koop

I think I will wear it on Christmas Eve, which actually is the day when we celebrate here in Sweden. And probably also the other days. Have you made any jewelry to wear for Christmas?

All my best,

Malin

Grateful Living Blog

A new post of mine was published today on the Grateful Living blog.

If you arrived here from the Grateful Living post, this link will take you to the page with my funny links. Or you can find it under the tab above called It's Funny.

Hope you enjoy!

Lucia in Sweden

On the 13th of December every year we celebrate Lucia here in Sweden. It is a celebration filled with emotional tradition. I myself always get tears in my eyes when I see the procession and hear the songs. It is so beautiful and special. It really puts me in the pre-spirit of Christmas. The film above is filmed at my children's school yesterday morning. It was my daughter's year's turn to do the procession this year.

The rascal bunch with my daughter Arabella, furthest to the left.

Here's some information on Lucia that I have picked from Wikipedia

Saint Lucia's Day is the Church feast day dedicated to St. Lucy and is observed on the 13th of December. Its celebration is generally associated with Sweden and Norway, but is also observed in Denmark, Finland, and sometimes in a few other countries.

In the United States it is celebrated with cookies on the mantel in states with a large number of people of Scandinavian ancestry, often centered around church events.

In traditional celebrations, Saint Lucy comes as a young woman with lights and sweets. It is one of the few saint days observed in Scandinavia.

The current tradition of having a white-dressed woman with candles in her hair appearing on the morning of the Lucia day started in the late 18th century.

The modern tradition of having public processions in the Swedish cities started in 1927 when a newspaper in Stockholm elected an official Lucia for Stockholm that year. The initiative was then followed around the country through the local press. Today most cities in Sweden appoint a Lucia every year.

Schools elect a Lucia and her maids among the students and a national Lucia is elected on national television from regional winners. The regional Lucias will visit shopping malls, old people's homes and churches, singing and handing out pepparkakor (gingerbread).

Boys take part in the procession as well, playing different roles associated with Christmas. Some may be dressed in the same kind of white robe, but with a cone-shaped hat decorated with golden stars, called stjärngossar (star boys); some may be dressed up as tomtenissar (Santa's little helper), carrying lanterns; and some may be dressed up as gingerbread men.

A traditional kind of bun, Lussekatt (St. Lucia Bun), made with saffron, is normally eaten on this day.

Although St. Lucia's Day is not an official holiday in Sweden, it is a very popular occasion in Sweden.

Hope this has helped you to get in the Christmas spirit as much as I am now.

All my best,

Malin

3 new pieces, 3 different styles

• Polymer clay button used for closure by Barbara Bechtel of Floridty.
• Various glass beads.
• Copper mini rounds.
• Strung on waxed linen cord.

• Color Drenched chain by MissFickleMedia.
• Toggle clasp by Higher Chakra formerly. Now her shop is called MetalFuze.
• Stones knotted on waxed linen string. I don't remember the name of the stones right now. And I don't have access to my shopping records, because my own computer is not here at the moment (it's been sent to the repairer for the rubber sheet/piece at the bottom has become all bumpy and out of shape, we'll see if they can fix it within the warranty), so I am currently working on my hub's one.

• Resin bicones from Happy Mango Beads
• Silver ear hooks by E2SSupplies
• Rustic metal discs

I might want to add clothes styles with my jewelry images. Just like Lorelei Eurto and Earrings Everyday do here and there. I really like that touch. I often think like that myself, about my own pieces. 'When and with what would you wear this?' Do you? And what kind of outfits do you see my pieces today being worn with?

All my best,

Malin

Am I childish?

You should see my face right now. I look just stupid happy. Like a big child I can't hold back. I need to share with you and the world.

Some time ago I was contacted by Joanne Tinley of DaisyChainDesigns. She is a regular contributor to Beads & Beyond magazine of United Kingdom. Would I be interested in having my blog featured in the magazine? Well, what do you think I answered ...

I loooove what Joanne wrote about me! I did not involve myself, and I have not known what she would say, wanting it to be a surprise. Oh, I feel so honored! Thank you Joanne!

I knew the feature was gonna be in the January issue. But when would it be out in the shops? So today I was contacted by a lovely English lady by the name of Anna, who had received her copy today since she is a subscriber, and had found out about my blog via the feature. She then also kindly sent me the photo above. Isn't that just the kindest. I have to mention also that Anna runs an online bead shop by the name of Big Bead Little Bead. I've looked around. And hey, you do not want to miss it. And especially not the art beads section. I am definitely gonna roam around there soon.

And here's a little secret also, or not really actually ... I have sent off a few pieces to submit to a particular magazine today. 6 different pieces it was, to be more exact. That is way exciting for me. First time actually. I am really happy with them all, and I am kind of dying to show them to you, because I am so childlessly proud again. But you know, that is a no no, until I know if they are accepted. And if they are, until the magazine is published.

All my best,

Malin "de Childish" ;-)

For me and everyone else who need it

I tend to turn to music when I don't know how to express my feelings. A song just pops up in my head. And just now this one did. I haven't listened to it for ages. And even longer ago since I saw the video. Boost!

Lot's of love to you all!

A new Bracelet

• Polymer Clay branch disk bead by Heather Powers, HumbleBeads, the Bead of the Month Club.
• Teal round gemstones, I don't know what they are, maybe some kind of agate. A part of a wonderful surprise gift that arrived last week, from Jenny of Shyme Design . Thank you so much Jenny!
• Caribbean Sea aqua blue facetted glass roundels, also from Jenny.
• Big white potato pearls, possibly they were a gift from Birgitta Lejonklou late last year.
• Hydro grossular Garnet rounds from StarEyes.se
• Brushed copper rounds
• Magnetic ball clasp, copper

Please, if you feel like it, help me by suggesting a suitable name for it. No price to win, just my gratitude :-). Here are a few brainstorm words to set you off: Caribbean, best friends forever, friends, ocean, branch, teal, aqua, pool, Florida, lime, and so on to whatever you come to think of when you see it.

All my best,

Malin

Art Bead Scene November Challenge

ABS Monthly Challenge for November. Madonna Pietra degli Scrovigni, by Marie Spartali Stillman. A painting in the style of the British Pre-Raphaelite movement, which in turn was inspired by the Rennaissance and also the Post-Rennaissance movement called Mannierism. The Pre-Raphaelites were around in the second half of the 19th century. Spartali Stillman was considered the greatest female artist of that movement (I just read up on that).

Apart from feeling very Pre-Raphaelite I definately get a Rennaissance feeling from this painting. Mona-Lisa clearly comes to mind. And Botticelli's The Birth of Venus. But if I take away all my art history connotations and just look at the picture I think of words like noble, elevated, serene, class, stillness, gossamer (the white flowers) contrasting with density (the fabric in her dress, and an overall somewhat mystical air, you don't really get close to that woman do you. Then I look at the colors also. Hm, very interesting, not my common scheme. Olive green, ochre, rusty brown, wine red, lime green, white sprinkles, and the more blue-ish colors in the background landscape.

So ... how about my own creation then? Well, it contains all the elements I mentioned above, in the parts. But as a whole composition it is far more robust, and maybe even rustic, than the feeling you get from the paiting. And that's something I like about it. A feel of today, but inspired by and connected to something in the past. I am very happy with this piece. :-)

About the beads I used

Art Beads:

• I just very recently got the golden swirly shell-ly beads from MissFickleMedia. I had thought to use them in a pair of earrings ...
• The dark metallic green facetted nuggets are made by Floridity, from her Erudite collection.

They marry so well those two! Don't you agree.

Other beads and components are:

• Waxed linen
• Magnetic ball clasp
• Hydro Grossular Grenade rounds
• Rainbow Moonstone facetted Heishi
• Carneol roundels
• Twisted Hex Miyuki white on gilt beads

The bracelet is sitting just a little little too tight on my own wrist. I can wear it, but ... I would like another half a centimeter. I might get around re-stringing it. Unless I make sure to sell it soon to someone more thin-wristed. I think it is a perfect piece to wear for the season coming up.

All my best,

Malin

New pieces and don't I look happy and proud about it

A few new pieces. All earrings.

Please, I wish to get your opinion on this picture of me. Is it a good one to use as a photo of me when I am submitting to for instance a magazine? I assume it will most often be printed much smaller than what you see it here in any case. Like a thumbnail. I'm wearing a Marsha Neal Scarf and the newly made earrings you see above here. With MissFickleMedia petals.
Oh, and this is also the the first time I go public with my new hair-do. It's grown a bit now since I cut it. I borrowed my husbands trimmer and cut it on the shortest. So ... But now I feel I need to go to the hair dresser to get a nice and proper cut. Soon.

Grateful Living - My first contribution

Hi,

Today you can read my first contribution post on the blog Grateful Living. Hurry there now. I am so eager to hear what you think. Please leave comments.

All my best,

Malin
P.S. You should also become followers of this amazing blog. There are so many fantastic contributors and many good and thought-breaking (can you say that?) posts. Different people three or four times a week. Very worth it.

Wishful - for Gems!

Oh, lovely gems. Most of them from StarEyes a great Swedish online bead shop. I am dreaming away, and may soon very likely place an order. I first just wanna hear what Heidi Post thinks about an offer I've gave her. (Hi there Heidi! This post is mainly for you :-)) She has posted on her blog about some super nice gems she recently aquired. Check it out her post here.

Hydro Grossular Garnet 8mm - StarEyes.se

Snake Skin Jasper 14mm - StarEyes.se

Moonstone Heishi 5mm - StarEyes.se

Larvikit 8mm - StarEyes.se

Golden Obsidian 8mm - StarEyes.se

Trumpet Shell With Resin 16mm - StarEyes.se

Rainbow Moonstone 7mm - FireMountainGems

So, are you drooling now?

Earrings Everyday

Heather Powers is starting up a new blog, Everyday Earrings. Read more about it on Art Bead Scene. So, as I've applied to be one of the designers/writers. Hence I realized I wanna show a few more earrings of mine here. Ones that are previously either not showed or needed better photography. In any case, if I will be accepted or not, I am really looking forward to this new blog. Earrings are great fun to make. And the already signed up contributors, are a group of awesome designers. If you wanna see more of my earrings please check my Etsy Shop - Earrings section, and my flickr - Earrings Set.

Thank you for looking!

All my best,

Malin

Prehnite Bracelet

I just love Prehnite. It's one of my favourite semi-precious stones.

All my best,

Malin