I was looking through my designs and thought it interesting how they’ve evolved over time. Here’s a glimpse: First I was focused on beads, beads, beads. I still am to a large degree. But then my focus was beading, pure and simple: Then I
Evolution of a Style
Category: arts and crafts, Beaded Jewelry, Handcrafted jewelry, Handmade, Inspiration, Life, RAM Jewels Recent Designs |
Art Hop Takoma 2013 Readout
Once a year, businesses and artists in Takoma Park, Maryland get together for what is known as Art Hop Takoma — a week-long fete where the work of local artists is featured in local businesses. This year’s Art Hop was the fourth annual event and my third year of participating. I, along with another area
Excited About Metal Clay
I’m always excited about learning new techniques to complement my stringing. My latest thrill is working with precious metal clay which is a crafting medium consisting of very small particles of metal (silver, gold, bronze, etc.) with an organic binder. The clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, and once dried, can be
Emancipation on the Eve of a New Year
January 1st is the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, the decree signed by President Lincoln that freed those slaves living in states not under Union control. Though it did not abolish slavery (the Thirteenth Amendment, passed in January of 1865, did this), it was significant in that it paved the way for African Americans
2012 Wins and Takeaways
4YMMTAEU3PND It’s that time of year again — reflections on the past and projections for the future. In reflecting on 2012 in my personal life, I am truly grateful and thankful that I have a roof over my head, a job and caring friends and family. On the business front, I have a lot of
Evolution of a Style
I was looking through my designs and thought it interesting how they’ve evolved over time. Here’s a glimpse:
First I was focused on beads, beads, beads. I still am to a large degree. But then my focus was beading, pure and simple:
Turquoise Blue Necklace – Handmade turquoise-colored 10mm recycled glass beads from Ghana
Desert Flower Necklace – Fulani wedding beads, trade beads, seed beads
Then I started varying my techniques with beads by using waxed cord, knotting and playing with a variety of closures.
Recycled Glass Knotted Bracelet
Suncast recycled glass necklace
I started to get bored with just beading and wanted to take my craft to another level so I started dabbling in metalwork and wire wrapping.
Trapezoid copper and recycled vinyl earrings
Trade bead hoop earrings
Copper wrapped swirls and Fulani wedding bead earrings
Variegated oval hoops
metal clay pendant
I still have a passion for beads, but I’ve grown from just beading to incorporating metal work and wire into my creations. Learning new techniques keeps me fresh and keeps the work interesting. It’s all a part of my journey and …..Who knows where it will go from here?
Tell me what you think about how my style has evolved as well as how your own creative journey has evolved.
Category: arts and crafts, Beaded Jewelry, Handcrafted jewelry, Handmade, Inspiration, Life, RAM Jewels Recent Designs |
Art Hop Takoma 2013 Readout
Once a year, businesses and artists in Takoma Park, Maryland get together for what is known as Art Hop Takoma — a week-long fete where the work of local artists is featured in local businesses. This year’s Art Hop was the fourth annual event and my third year of participating. I, along with another area artist, was featured at S&A Beads where I frequently buy beading and art supplies. It’s also where I had my first beading class years ago and got hooked on designing jewelry.
Last year, I was featured at The House of Musical Traditions where my recycled vinyl jewelry fit in perfectly with the records from which recycled vinyl is made. This year, S&A Beads featured several works from several of my collections, including my sandcast beads from Ghana, newly-designed wire-formed and wire-wrapped earrings, and recycled vinyl jewelry.
Me posing next to my collections
Display window in S&A Beads
Art Hop Storefront Display of my items
All in all, it was a wonderful celebration of art, handmade and community. I was fortunate to have participated in my third year of Art Hop and totally thrilled to have been featured at S&A Beads where I got my start.
Excited About Metal Clay
I’m always excited about learning new techniques to complement my stringing. My latest thrill is working with precious metal clay which is a crafting medium consisting of very small particles of metal (silver, gold, bronze, etc.) with an organic binder. The clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, and once dried, can be fired in a kiln or on a stove. Once the binder burns away, pure metal remains.
Here is a peek at a ring and pendant I made using silver clay.
And here is the finished product.
This is just my first try. I’m working on perfecting my style though I’m drawn to the organic. Let me know what you think.
