Behind the Scenes: The Beaded Chick

The past couple of weeks, I've had the immense pleasure of doing a design job for Kimberly over at The Beaded Chick. She contacted me after seeing my work at the Rosehaven Cottage Digital Download Shop. She needed a custom-designed logo for her sterling silver and Swarovski crystal jewelry business and wondered if I could create one for her.

Since Kimberly and I live on separate coasts of the U.S., all our communications were via email (and Flickr). Kimberly gave me a wonderful description of what her vision for the logo was. My job was to interpret it into a little chick that she would love. So the first thing I needed to do was some pencil sketching. This is the pencil sketch that I started out with...

I scanned the pencil sketch into the computer and opened it in Adobe Illustrator CS3 to do the "inking" (back in school I really used pen and ink for this step). I use Illustrator because it will create a vector graphic that will resize to any size without losing quality (no pixelated and jagged edges). I like to used a brush set on "charcoal" at various stroke widths to get the art marker look I like.

After the initial pencil sketch, Kimberly communicated an additional piece of her vision--that the little chick would be wearing a ring and a bracelet. So with those additions, the finished "inking" ended up looking like this...

Then it was time to add some color. At this point, I switched over to Adobe Photoshop CS3 and placed the image into a Photoshop document (Illustrator files are compatible with Photoshop). Then I started creating layer after layer of color by "drawing" the color on using my digital tablet and a stylus. Every time I changed colors, I made a new layer (in case I wanted to make any adjustments along the way). The "inking" layer always stayed as the top layer over the colors. Doing this part is always a lot of fun and feels like coloring in a coloring book to me.

When I was done, I had this...


Once I had the little chick completed, I was also able to design Kimberly's blog header for her. Kimberly hadn't settled on any font type yet, so I hunted around over at dafont.com to find a free font that would convey a jeweled or beaded quality. I found Razzle Dazzle and knew it was the perfect fit! I already had MA Sexy for the pretty hot pink cursive writing. Using Kimberly's blog template as a color guide, I built the header to match her beautiful color palette. And this is what the finished header looks like...


Hubby loves the little "Beaded Chick". And I have to humbly admit that I do too and it's all because of Kimberly vision. Thank you, Kimberly, for this wonderful opportunity to create her for you! I am excited to see her write about her own creative journey on "The Beaded Chick" blog.

All bold words in this post are click-able links

Femme Petal

When I came across Erin Keys' the Etsy shop, Femme Petal, I felt like I'd found a creative soul mate. Along with being a pink papaya consultant, a mom, and a wife, Erin is an amazingly talented jewelry designer. Her work absolutely entrances me with its mix of the old and the new. It is feminine, classy, and so beautiful. I think you'll agree.

Here is a small preview of what Erin has in her current inventory (click on any image or title to see more):

The Carrie Necklace in Lilac
Hand-dyed silk ribbon in lilac connected to antique brass hammered circles and lavender glass pearls.

Summer Rose Necklace in Pink
Featuring a hand carved light pink acrylic rose
hanging in the center of glass pearls in different shades of pinks.

Embrace Spring
I'm in love with the pink and chocolate brown combo on this one!

A Fairy Cameo
Features a beautiful soft pink cameo and 3 small light pink pearls on an antique brass chain.

Click here to visit Erin Keys' shop, Femme Petal

Flora Bond

There are times when I'll be "digging around" on the internet hunting for treasures, and I'll come across the most beautiful and delightful creations that I can't get them out of my mind. That's exactly what happened when I discovered Flora Bond. Nicole at Flora Bond has designed such beautiful neoclassical Victorian pieces that I cannot get them out of my head. She, herself states, that she infuses her "designs with a flare of romance and humor" and that has to be why I'm hooked.

Nicole uses almost all vintage fabrics that have been repurposed into something wonderfully elegant. She even does custom designs!

Here are just a few of her gorgeous creations. Click on any of the images to read more about it...

Feminine Confection brooch
vintage fabric and rhinestones with a touch of pink

Your Dream Wedding necklace

Silk and Gold brooch
Peach and pink vintage fabrics and pearls


Flying Flowers necklace
Faceted pearls, solid brass, Amazonite


Picnic of Pretty brooch
Vintage fabrics, beads, and rhinestones

Click here to visit the Flora Bond online store

Unique Designs by Sandy

As I've delved into the world of Twitter, I've been delighted at the wonderful artisans I've found. My latest discovery is Sandy of Unique Designs by Sandy, a jewelry designer hailing from Perth in Western Australia. Sandy's wirework is exquisite and each of her pieces are a work of art. And not only are the pieces unique, the item descriptions at her Etsy store are as well. Each one gives a detailed write-up of the metaphysical properties of the stones, gems, and metals used in each piece.

Without further adieu, let me show you some of my favorites...

Cherry Quartz Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Ring

Pink Cubic Zirconia Solitaire
14kt Gold Filled Wire Wrapped Ring
Elegant, Dainty, Stylish, Feminine, Romantic and Classy


Cherry Quartz Sterling Silver Handcrafted Earrings
Sweet, Short Length, Ornate

White Pearl Sterling Silver Decorative Bracelet
Luscious, Simple, Elegant, Lustrous and Very Stylish


Don't forget to bookmark Sandy's store so you can go back again and again
http://uniquedesignsbysandy.etsy.com

pinc.stuff

If you're looking for some adorably cute sweet calorie-free treats for the holidays, then look no further than pinc.stuff. Sheryl Ng creates and crafts such sweet delicacies that you'd think they were edible.

Chocolate Cupcake Necklace and Earring Set

I have to agree with Sheryl when she asks, "Don't these little cupcakes bring back sweet memories?" They do for me! This dainty little replicas look just like the original edibles.

Mini Marshmallow Charm Bracelet

I just couldn't resist sharing this precious charm bracelet with you! Is this just the cutest conglomeration of mini marshmallows you've ever seen?!?!

Sweet Frosted Donuts

And Sheryl lets you choose which one of this lovely dainty desserts you want on an 18" inch silver chain necklace. Oh my! It's so hard to choose just one!

Sheryl offers so many pieces that you've got to go over to pinc.stuff and see them all for yourself.

Sparkly Soft

Sparkly Soft is a jewel of an Etsy shop just waiting to be truly discovered. And you, my fellow Pearly friends, will love the jewelery you will find there. All jewelry is handmade by the shop's proprietor, Kristen, and is lovely as well as practical.

My favorite piece is the pair of Constance Earrings...

Look at those precious hearts on the bottoms of the pearls! I just love it!


I am also taken with the soft pink of the Ophelia Necklace...


This dainty necklace is made from pink opals
and sterling silver wire and beads
It comes with the sterling silver chain.
Pendant is just over 1" in height
and the chain measures 18 inches.
So so pretty!


Then there is this lovely Pearl and Rose Bracelet...

Aren't the shimmery freshwater pearls beautiful?

And just in time for the holidays, Sparkly Soft has some wonderful pieces on clearance. Click here to see the Clearance Bracelets. Click here to see the Clearance Earrings. And have fun shopping!

CuteAbility

There are times when shopping is just downright fun. It's usually when I find a store that has such character that I just enjoy being there. Well, I found an online Etsy store that does that for me. The shop is called CuteAbility and is billed as a shop with "fun jewelry for the young and the young at heart". There is such a plethora of cuteness at CuteAbility that I had a really hard time limiting myself to what I would feature here as the sampling to whet your appetites.

Take a look...

Someday Your Prince Will Come Necklace
(because my childhood nickname was Cinderella,
I'm really wanting this)

Candy and Roses Pink Polymer Clay Cake Necklace
Isn't this just the most precious dainty pastry
you've ever wanted to wear?

Chocolate Frosted Cupcake Necklace
Nothing is better than chocolate and pink!

Baking a Cake Necklace
Is this the ultimate Dusting in Pearls necklace or what?

Long Stemmed Rose Beaded Necklace
Click on the link above to see how gorgeous this looks on!

At CuteAbility there are literally hundreds of pieces just as cute, whimsical, and fun as the ones I've chosen to feature here. I'd be interested to know which ones "speak" to you.

Cat Lover's Retro Emporium--A Hip Place for Cool Cats

If you want a good giggle AND a trip down "nostalgia lane", then head on over to Cat Lover's Retro Emporium. The Emporium's proprietor, Sandi, writes:

"You have just entered a time warp back to the 1950's and 60's; where the old and discarded are turned into new and useful goodies."

Here's a little sampling of what's in store at the Emporium along with their wonderful descriptions quoted straight from the listings.

Date Night Divas Pinback Buttons

"Advertisements from a 1950's magazine were clipped and turned into these neat-o pinback buttons. These show ladies doing what they do best; primp!"

King of the Grill Jumbo Glass Gem Paperweight with Original Collage

"Bits of paper are clipped from a 1950's department store catalog and then decoupaged onto a large glass gem to create this nifty, original collage paperweight. Felt is adhered to the back to protect from scratches. Men love their grills; give this to the man in your life and let him know he IS King of the Grill!"

Apple Pie Button Ring

"Two vintage round buttons, circa 1950's and a vintage pierced button are combined to create this lovely, girly ring. A single fire polished czech bead in the center helps make it even more extra special. All are attached to an adjustable gold tone ring base."

This is just a small sampling of the delightful pieces that have been created by Sandi out of the best of yesteryear. Head on over to Cat Lover's Retro Emporium and enter one of the most fun time warps ever.

My Flat In Paris Couture

Okay, there are times when I find an Etsy store that speaks to me on SO many levels that I can't begin to delineate them all. That's what happened when I discovered My Flat In Paris Couture. Jaden of My Flat in Paris Couture says it best at her blog:

"Always look fabulous! Whether you're going on a business trip or jetsetting off to Europe, you will always look fabulous wearing Gurl Couture and My Flat in Paris bling! You deserve to be a Gurly Gurl!"

Well said, Jaden! And now for a just a hint of what's in store if you visit My Flat In Paris Couture...

Breakfast At Tiffanys Bracelet

Yummy bubble gum pink genuine freshwater pearls.
Has a gorgeous photo of Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast At Tiffany's".
Beautiful acrylic diamond drop accent with the authentic brass "MFIPC" makers mark.


Breakfast At Tiffanys Mini Purse

A sparkly glitter change purse/keychain.
Altered art photo charm of Audrey Hepburn in "Breakfast At Tiffany's,"
Acrylic diamond drops with a black & white bow accent.
Authentic brass "MFIPC" maker's mark.
Will come elegantly wrapped in tissue paper with
the "My Paris Flat In London" gold collection label.


Animal Print Paris Handbag Clip

Faux leather in pink animal print change purse with a black French poodle,
acrylic diamond drop and Eiffel Tower charms.
Has pink lining with the "My Flat in Paris Couture" label on the inside.
This can be unclipped from the keyring and can be attached to whatever your heart desires!

For many more wonderfully "gurly" creations, visit My Flat In Paris Couture.

The Beautiful Creations at WanderLustre

Pearls are my favorite accessory. It doesn't matter if it's a string of pearls, pearl earrings, or pearl bracelets--I love them! When I can find a beautiful and unique pearl accessory, I am doubly delighted. In my hunting, I have discovered the amazingly beautiful creations by Laura at WanderLustre. Laura recently wrote the following profound words on her blog:

"'Art is not a Luxury' carries several meanings for me. On one level, I think of my own need to create art. It is not something to be saved for a free moment, but something that is essential to my own well being and that therefore needs to be given a similar priority to keeping my house clean or my cat fed. On another level, I think it also speaks to how sharing and owning art can enrich a person's life, and that one should allow themselves to spend money on artwork that they really love."

Those resonate with me on so many levels. Now, let me introduce you to just a small sampling of Laura's work at WanderLustre:

Audrey Pearl Earrings

Paisley Pearl Dangles

Luna Necklace

And a little bit of pink with the Pink Candy Basketweave Drops