Viking Knit - How Fun!!

I recently took a class using clay and wire and the highlight of the class was learning how to do viking knit. Just by chance I went to Bead Fest - Wire that Friday with my dear friend Kristie of Sculpted Windows and there was a booth for a viking knit tool kit and wire. Here's my first project, a birthday gift for my daughter's 30th birthday. Can't wait to make more things!!

My First Beadwoven Beaded Shawl Pin

Handformed beaded shawl pins have been my best seller for some time now. I've decided to put a new twist on them now. Here's my very first beadwoven beaded shawl pin. Isn't she lovely? 100% handmade, the poly face cab was purchased from the Sculpted Windows Etsy shop and then I adorned her face with some beadweaving before forming it into a shawl pin. Each one will be one of a kind and sure to become a collector's item.

If you're interested in purchasing this beauty, just click HERE!

Chocolate Bliss - award winning piece

This gorgeous necklace featuring a stunning Bruneau Jasper cabochon won the February contest from Cabbing Rough. Each month they pick one piece created using their hand cut cabs as the winner of a $50 gift certificate toward other cabs in their Etsy shop. What a great way to keep customers coming back!

I'm honored to be the February contest winner, and, one of the few pieces that with beadweaving rather than metalsmithing.

The one of a kind necklace has already sold, but you can view my other designs by clicking HERE.

As always,
Kerri

Up and Coming Jewelry Artist - 7 Year Old Jalynn Morter

This week's featured artist is my daughter-in-law's niece Jalynn Morter. She's only 7 years old and already showing signs of becoming a great jewelry designer and artist. It's so refreshing to see someone so young doing such great work. She has a good sense of color and loves making jewelry. When you read her interview you'll also see she has the right attitude to make it in this ever growing and saturated industry.



Jalynn can often be found in her family's basement where a small work station has been put together to nuture her love of the art. And, there is definitely an art to making stunning jewelry and finding your own sense of style. Jalynn is well on her way to becoming a true artist.


Interview with Jalynn:

Question #1 When did you start beading?

"This summer, because it was summer and I didn't have school. It was my hobby."


Question #2 Why did you start beading?

"Because I wanted to make money by selling my jewelry, so i can buy more beads to make more jewelry"


Question #3 What is your favorite thing about beading?

"Trying to make money to keep buying beads, to keep making jewelry."


Question #4 What is your favorite thing you have made?

" My brown and green necklace with matching bracelet, and my bracelet with my birthstone."




Please feel free to write a comment for Jalynn, say hello and encourage her to continue to grow as a jewelry artist. I'm so proud of her and her passion!

Thank you Jalynn for allowing me to share your jewelry with the online community!!

Kerri

This weeks Featured Artisan is Tina's Treasures! Tina has a wide

variety of handmade creations in her shop! Stop by and see them all!

You can find Tina's Treasures on:

Etsy

Blog

Facebook

Beadworks by Kerri - Featured Artist on Cafe Handmade

I'm so honored to have been chosen as a featured artist on Cafe Handmade this week. There are so many wonderful artists in the art community.

Here's a link to the article.....

http://cafehandmade.com/index.php/2010/09/featured-artist-kerri-white-beadworks-by-kerri/


Hope everyone has a wonderful week!!
As always,
Kerri

Season Change

As we approach the new fall season, I find myself reflecting on accomplishments and events that happened during the summer months. This summer was full of happenings both personally and professionally. My granddaughter celebrated her 3rd birthday, my parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary and I got married. That in itself is a busy summer, but there were things that I accomplished professionally as well. After a year of business, a plan has emerged. I know they say you're supposed to write a business plan BEFORE you start a business, but that's not how I did it. I spent a year playing with beads, trying new ideas, and THEN came up with a business plan. Financially, it would have been better to do the plan first, but I feel so much more growth happened as an artist by not having a set plan this first year. I felt more free to explore my creative side and let a style emerge on its own. I now feel better equipped to focus on my plan.

I want to do some art festivals and then try out the wholesale market next year. Hopefully, the lessons I've learned this year will help me be better prepared to tackle the plan I've set for myself.

What do you plan to do to grow your business? I'd love to hear your ideas!!

As always,
Kerri