Fun and Whimsy in Artsy Jewelry

So today starts my daily blogging - I can not continue living without a creative outlet.

(okay, that was a bit dramatic)

 

I have a few pieces to share today.

Fun, whimsical pieces that are a joy to make and even better to wear!

I love faces (obviously - doll maker) So using them in jewelry is so much fun

This piece is in my collection. Yep that's right! I am the proud owner of this fun and whimsical nature face pendant created for a swap by Sharayah for 4uidzne

 

The face cab, I believe was created by graphixoutpost. They makes great cabs! 

 

 

I've just recently fell in love with this piece, First Frost by Sharon Edelman.

The face is ceramic and the piece is available.

Isn't she just lovely, so sweet and content! She makes a wonderful lapel pin.



 

And this is my Fairy Garden necklace; also available.

This one was so much fun to make. The face cab is polymer clay with blue seed bead eyes, hand sculpted by yours truely! What do you think?

 

I would love to see your own doll-inspired creations or treasures

Feel Free to Share them on my Facebook Page!

Finding my Grooove!

Change is inevitable.

Six month ago I started a new job. A career. Finally, after twenty years of being primary caregiver to my children, I got the opportunity and I had to jump on it.

Unfortunately, it hasn't been what I imagined it to be

 (it never really is, is it?)

 

(Mater in Wonderland)

I'm not saying I haven't enjoyed it or that I won't continue with it but it has opened my eyes to a number of things.

 

1) I need to create........in the same way that I need to breathe. I saw an art doll on etsy the other day and my heart ached. Yes, a real physical pain in my chest much akin to the sense of longing like when you miss a friend that lives 1,000 miles away.

 

 2) I'm too idealistic to rely on straight commission. I'm more service oriented, than money oriented so I don't push to get a sale if I don't think the service will be of value. I believe in what I do and I think this would be an excellent compliment to a full time salary.

 

3) I regret that I'm missing so much of the little ones during these years. I walked in from work the other day to the baby squeeling, running to me yelling 'mama, mama, mama'. I didn't know he could say it! I missed it.

 

(my baby getting so big!)

So, here I am. Struggling to find the balance between work and family and personal needs. The consequences of the American dream.

 

My amazing and wonderful husband has bitten the bullet and decided to go back to a full time salaried position as soon as he finds one.

(hubby trimming the foliage Godfather-style)

Part of me feels guilty that I couldn't be better so he wouldn't have to but another part of me knows it's his creation and that ultimately this is part of his own soul development.

 

And of course I'll continue to love him through all these ups and downs. I'll cherish him openly and tell him all the things he needs to hear. And i will never forget that he swallowed his manly pride and agreed to stay home with the kids while I began my career.

 

I'm so lucky!

 

Friday 5 - Steampunk Wares

OH! what a Fun post this has been - I loved searching for these items!

So what brings me to search for Steampunk?

(I know you're wondering :) The Etsy Bead Embroidery Guild is voting on our next Bead Fest and Steampunk is one of the top contenders.

I have yet to successfully combine Steampunk with Bead Embroidery and wouldn't mind the chance to try. Voting ends on Sunday!

 

 

 

Victorian Walking Suit - nohumanintentions

Wouldn't this be cool just to wear! Now that I'm shopping for 'buisness attire' I'm tempted to just let my inner artist dress me every morning. Check the shop out, she's got more dresses and jewelry.

Steampunk Clock Spiral - diarmentcreations

This is wicked! This is the kind of thing that would start conversations! There isn't a whole lot in this shop so check out her blog - it is in Spanish, so use your bable fish.

Lacy Leather Steampunk Gloves - NBetween

I love these! I wear my fingerless gloves in the office because the boss man keep the air on (hello! it's November!) This seems to be the only pair she has right now, but she's got some awesome Steampunk jewelry and masks. Give some love, click on favorite!

Hot Air Balloon Journey - SaragossaJewelry

This is flippin' amazing! She's really married steampunk and bead embroidery very well. I'm envious and thrilled at the same time. This is what the combination is supposed to look like. *sigh*

She's got a couple other steampunk pieces that I'm also falling in love with. Congratulations, Joanna. Very well done!

Steampunk Top Hat Time Flies- monkeythumbs

I love hats. I don't wear them nearly as much as I want to, but i still love them. They're great a capturing a feeling and an excellent tool for self-expression. That being said - This is the shop to go to for hats, corsets and a few other home decor items...

 

 Have fun and if you know of any other great Steampunk shops, feel free to leave a link in the comments section!

(I do moderate comments and will publish them as soon as I can :)

Steampunk Supplies on Etsy

Feeling a little giddy about this one!

Steampunk, it's just amazing.

 I'm just a nerd by association (to my husband) So I didn't 'get' the origins of Steampunk as quickly as others. He had me watch 'A League of Extraordinary Gentlemen' thinking that I'd get into the Literary History of the storyline, (I did) but he was a fan because of some Comic Book version.

 

With the Sherlock Holmes films in full swing, Steampunk is gaining even more popularity. And if you feel compelled to create amazing works of art, like I do, Then you'll need to know where to get supplies :)

 

Gears - EmmasMuse

Watch parts, gears, cogs and all other kinds of pieces for your steampunk jewelry and decorations. She's also got digital downloads to make your own Steampunk cabs and really cool vacuum tubes! This shop is a great stop for your steampunk supplies!

 

Balance Cocks - amystevensoriginals

These are awesome! I love all the details carved into them. Amy has all kinds of Steampunk notions for your every creative desire!

Enjoy your trip through her shop and get lots of goodies!

 

10 Victorian Keys - UmbrellaLabratory

Ornate decorative keys really add to a Steampunk piece. To me they add mystery. What does this key unlock? What secret is unveiled? In addition to supplies they have finished pieces too! including some kickin' goggles.

 

While you're head is reeling with the endless possibilities of all that you can create, don't forget to come back tomorrow for Friday 5 - Steampunk Version.