bangles, bangles everywhere

I can't seem to stop making these bangles! First there were simple beaded ones in saturated colors, like these ones. I've got most of the rainbow here! This rainbow is available individually or as a set of cool blues (the bottom three) or hot tropics (the top three). I've found that they're a lot of fun to stack for more visual impact.

I beaded each one with matching glass seed beads because I can't seem to make "plain" anything.. Next, somebody wanted crystals instead of beads for extra sparkle, so these ones appeared. They're my favorite so far, and I can't wait to do more with these larger crystals.

Finally, someone else thought that a charm bracelet made with this technique would be a great idea, so she picked the charms and I knitted them, along with some Swarovski crystals, to form this set of bangles.

They're pretty easy to make, and definitely fun to wear! I'm wondering if anyone would be interested in a tutorial or pattern to make your own, or perhaps a kit with all of the supplies, as well as directions? Please comment with your thoughts. :)

In the meantime, I'm working on a special project. Every year, one of the churches in my area hosts a Mother's Day Tea, and part of the festivities includes a raffle of a variety of products and services. There has been everything from a movie night basket, to Avon products, and even a full photography shoot donated by a local photographer. I'm making this set of bangles for the event:

Time to chug some coffee and get knitting.

a place to belong

True confession: I don't know many artists "in real life", and I definitely don't know anyone who blends knitting and metal as I do. (Unless someone has skills they're not revealing...) That's where the internet comes in handy. Thanks to various forums and groups, I've gotten to know some amazingly talented artists, many of whom were kind enough to pass some of their knowledge on to me.  But it's easy to get lost in a forum - for me, anyway, who has been known to get lost in my local mall. Sad but true, my husband says I need "indoor GPS".

Enter teams and guilds. Awhile ago I joined the Fiber Arts Guild, and recently things there have really picked up, thanks to our new captain, PiratePixieCrew. We've got a facebook page, a blog, we tweet, we pinterest.... about the only thing we don't do is YouTube. Yet. There is so much good stuff in our guild! I encourage you to check it out - there's hats, scarves, handwarmers, jewelry, patterns, and adorable whimsies like this felted top hat:

piratepixiecrew's felted tophat

I love the sense of community, of togetherness, that we have. Everyone loves fiber, and even though my "fiber" is unconventional, they have all welcomed me with open arms. It's also a great place to discuss knitting and know that I'm not driving everyone nuts. ;-) Not that I'm obsessed or anything...

And, because if one is good, two are great, I also joined a the creative "Wired" team. Here's one of my favorite pieces from a fellow artist and team member, sarahndippity.

Akoya Saltwater Pearl Ring by sarahndippity

This makes me want to learn how to wire weave and wire wrap. Total gorgeousness, and it's now on my wish list, just in case the hubby is reading this. ;) The Wired team is busy as well, and very friendly. Seeing so much finely crafted work inspires me to hone my skills, pay more attention to detail, and take chances. As a result of getting involved in these vibrant groups of artists, I've been emboldened to try some new things that you're really going to like.

If you are an artist and you're feeling lonely or like you've lost your creative edge, I strongly encourage you to join a like minded group, guild, or team of fellow artisans. You can find groups according to geography, craft, or other common interests like sports. Getting involved like this has been a shot in the arm for me.

Coming soon: some of the new collections - one of which was inspired by this very special munchkin and her love of all things sparkly, just like her momma!

downward spiral

Have you ever heard, "Necessity is the mother of invention?" Well I needed some festive earrings that weren't snowmen or Christmas trees or santas or anything else that could only be worn for a month out of the year. After playing with some vivid red wire and adding Swarovski bling, these were my little invention:

They're almost 3" long and nearly brush my shoulders. They're so light and swingy and definitely festive! They also multiplied like rabbits. Somehow one pair turned into five, with more on the way. I'm now overrun with spirals! Here's the whole collection so far:

From left to right - pale pink with gray pearls, Sterling silver with real amethyst gems, dark blue with sodalite, the original red with Swarovski crystals, and black, also with Swarovski crystals. Get them here.

Speaking of amethyst, did you know that amethyst has been "...thought to control evil thoughts, quicken intelligence, make a shrewd man in business, preserve soldiers from battle wounds, aid the warrior to victory, help the hunter in search of his game, protect the wearer from contagious diseases, and put demons to flight if the figure of a bear is inscribed on the jewel. Amethyst was known as a gem that would bring forth the highest, purest aspirations of human kind. " credit: JewelsForMe

Sodalite, the marbled blue and white stone that accents the blue spiral earrings, also has some positive attributes associated with it. From TrinityLondon: Sodalite is "...believed by some to instill confidence and courage. It is also thought to be a soothing stone which can increase sensitivity to others."

Who knew that stones could have such positive attributes, and, some even believe, actual poweres? Whether they increase intelligence or confidence, semiprecious gems certainly are beautiful.