Shawl Pin Heaven Blog

Viking Knit - How Fun!!

2011-04-30T14:28:00.003-04:00

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

2011-04-05T16:21:00.005-04:00

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

2011-03-04T09:44:00.004-05:00

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

2010-10-10T09:06:00.006-04:00

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

2010-10-04T08:45:00.001-04:00

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

2010-09-20T08:13:00.003-04:00

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

2010-09-08T16:30:00.005-04:00

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

Married....on the beach....it was great!!!

2010-08-22T19:19:00.003-04:00

It's no surprise that at our age, both Randy and I have been married before. So, when he proposed (and I said yes....heehee) we decided to do something special and different. I've had a smile on my face ever since and excited doesn't even begin to describe the experience of getting married on the beach in Jamaica. Runaway Bay is a fabulous super inclusive resort that lives up to its name. It was a wonderful week full of happy memories.

Here's my favorite picture out of all the ones we took while we were there....

I'll have some new designs in my Etsy shop before the end of the week so please check back often. CLICK HERE to view my shop.

Upcoming Wedding

2010-08-12T14:02:00.002-04:00

I'm excited beyond words that this weekend we'll be on the beach in Jamaica getting married!!! Randy and I have been dating for 3 years and tying the knot just feels right. He's the love of my life and such a great man....they're hard to find these days too.

Once we get back I'll post some pics from the trip.

In the meantime.....enjoy life and be happy :) Oh, the little girl in the picture is our granddaughter.

As always,
Kerri

Current and Upcoming Shows

2010-08-09T08:17:00.004-04:00

Can't believe summer is almost over, hope everyone has had a wonderfully fun summer so far. Soon it will be time for school, holidays and cooler days. Along with these come art festivals and craft fairs. Here are a few that I'll be involved in this year.

Current I'm in a Virtual Craft Show on Cafe Handmade. Please take a few moments to check it out. You can even vote for Best in Show.

On September 25th I'll have a booth in the juried section of the Art Festival in Carlisle, PA. It'll be in front of Dickinson Law School with a special tribute to the military personnel in the area.

Then, on October 9th I'll be in Lancaster, a vendor at Art in the Ball Park. It's a fundraiser for a young boy who needs a complete intestinal transplant. The ball park in Lancaster donated use of the field for the whole day and there will be lots of entertainment. They're hoping to have 100 vendors for the day.

So...if you live in the area and looking for something to do, please come join the fun!

Oh......I've designed a new business card....what do you think?

As always,
Kerri

Colors of Summer Challenge Winner!!

2010-07-19T12:37:00.002-04:00

I'm so deeply honored and excited to be the winner of this year's Colors of Summer Challenge put together by the Military Brat Team on Etsy. What a thrill!!

If you'd like to see all the entries, please CLICK HERE.

To view more of my designs, please CLICK HERE.

Thanks to all who voted for my cuff!!
Kerri

Designer Beaded Shawl Pins

2010-06-18T15:21:00.005-04:00

I've been making beaded shawl pins since last fall and they're a big seller. I love making them because the possibilities are endless, they're inexpensive enough for gift giving and are just plain fun.

But, some people like finer gifts and accessories so I've started a new line of designer shawl pins. They're made using beads that are handmade, many by fellow Etsy artisans. So far, there are five in the series.....and they can be purchased by CLICKING HERE

New Product Line

2010-06-10T08:04:00.007-04:00

Here's a new product line I'm offering to the cat lovers out there....ornamental cat necklaces with belly dancing bells added just for fun! They're be made using a variety of beads and strung on stretchy cord so they can slip over your cat's head easily. There are only a few in my shop currently, with more to come. As always, please don't hesitate to ask for a larger size or specific stone.

To continue my "giving back" efforts, 10% of the sale from the cat necklaces will be donated to the humane society each month.

Too see other colors and to purchase a cat necklace please CLICK HERE

Thank you!
Kerri

Marie Antoinette Beadwoven Cuff

2010-05-19T10:23:00.003-04:00

I've recently started a new series of jewelry, cuff bracelets. They're fun to create and a very versatile addition to any jewelry collection.

Here's my latest....Marie Antoinette

And one that's part of my personal collection

Keep checking my Etsy shop....CLICK HERE.....because I'll be adding more in the near future!

Kerri

Published for the First Time!!!

2010-05-15T11:01:00.003-04:00

I can't even begin to describe the excitement I felt when my good friend Kristie called yesterday to let me know my rainbow flourite pendant was published in the latest issue of Step by Step Wire Jewelry magazine. What a thrill!!!!!

Business Plan Basics

2010-05-05T08:56:00.002-04:00

As I stated in the previous blog, a business plan can be as simple as notes jotted down on a piece of paper or as complex as would be needed for a business loan. At the very least, a busines plan should include the following elements:

1. Vision/Mission Statement
2. Marketing Strategy
3. Business Strategy
4. Financials

This blog will deal with the first element, the Vision/Mission Statement.

The Mission Statement is a brief description that explains why your business exists. Think about what is most important to you and what you hope to accomplish through your business. It would be good to have two separate statements. One that is very concise that you can use when you're talking with prospective buyers and another, more detailed statement that you would use in your company literature.

Here's an example of what I mean.....

Project Genesis is a company that provides assistance for people with disabilities. Their mission statement is "the independence of individuals in achieving and sustaining their full range of experiences, rights and desires." Fully written in their literature is the more detailed mission statement, "Project Genesis, Inc. believes that all persons, regardless of their disability, have the right to enjoy the same full range of life experiences which others in their community enjoy. We believe that each person who desires to live and work in their community can be successful."

For more information on how to develope a Missionn Statement, feel free to check out the site www.missionstatements.com.

I'd love to hear your thoughts, please feel free to leave feedback....

Thanks!
Kerri

A Business Plan - Why Have One?

2010-04-30T07:50:00.003-04:00

One thing that's important for business owners (and that includes independent artists) is to have a clear set of goals. Where do you want to be in 9 months, 2 years, 5 years and beyond? Take some time to think about this and then write your goals down. This can be done informally in a note pad, or formally, as with a business plan.

A business plan takes considerable time to research and to write, is it worth it? Most financial sources require a business plan before they will consider investing in your business. This includes banks, venture capitalists, and sometimes your own family. A property owner may require a business plan before he will consider leasing his property to you. Potential employees may want to see the plan before coming to work for you. Significant suppliers often will ask for your plan, and with a good plan you may be able to get better credit terms than without one.

But, the most important reason for a plan is to give yourself a guide to your future. A well written plan provides a road map to your business's growth, allows you to measure progress toward your goals, and it lets you know if the business climate is changing (and whether you need to change your plans too). It will guide you in your decision making throughout your business.

The next blog will talk about the business plan in more detail.....

See you next week!!

Thank you,
Kerri

Moving Forward

2010-04-21T09:25:00.003-04:00

I recently took a short business course geared specifically toward creaters/designers and gathered some useful information. For those of you who are already successful in your business, this will just be a refresher. For those of you who are just starting out, or who want to fine tune your business, I'm going to be doing a short series on business basics.

The first topic will be Branding.....

1. Develop a consistent body of work (can be mixed mediums if style is consistent)

2. Establish your core identity (decide what's most important to you and have that guide your business decisions)

3. Your visual branding has to fit your work

a. Logo - can be a small section of one of your products
b. Font - use the same font on all literature
c. Color Scheme - use the same colors on all literature

If you follow the above list, peope will better be able to recognize your work and identify with you.

For more information on this topic, please check out the site

www.madsencycles.com

Hope this gave you some food for thought....
Kerri

Saying Goodbye For Now......

2010-03-31T09:54:00.004-04:00

Soon I'll be saying a temporary "good bye" to Hearts Abound, but it's not a sad farewell. I'll be shipping this beauty off to Fire Mountain Gems for the second round of judging and photography. What an honor!! I almost fell over when I read the letter from them.

Wish us luck!!

Kerri

Interview with Fellow Etsian

2010-03-30T10:55:00.004-04:00

I'd like to introduce everyone to a new friend of mine on Etsy, Chel, of Fresh Picked Candles. Her candles are friendly to the environment, smell great and look great in your home.

She definitely knows her candles, having started making them over 30 years ago! In her shop profile she even explains soy and palm wax, which is what she uses in her candles.

Here's a little bit more about her, via an interview:

What types of items do you sell?
I sell scented natural wax (soy and palm wax) candles that I make in my kitchen at home. I primarly offer "fresh picked" fruit scents, but I have other fragrances available by custom order through Etsy, as well as unscented candles.

Where is your work available for sale?
I sell my candles online at Etsy (FreshPickedCandles.etsy.com), eCrater
(FreshPickedCandles.ecrater.com), Artfire (FreshPickedCandles.artfire.com), and 1000Markets (FreshPickedCandles.1000markets.com) as well as at local arts and crafts shows around the San Francisco Bay area.

How did you get started making your candles?
I started making candles with my mother as a child in the 70s. Candle-making was a very different experience back then. The only wax available to us was petroleum-based paraffin, and we used bits of crayons as dye in our candles. In college, I started making my own candles, and more recently become interested in making more environmentally friendly candles. I now use vegetable-based waxes (soy and palm) instead of petroleum derived wax. I am currently experimenting with pure essential oils to make an entirely new line of candles.

What other types of art do you make for fun?
In addition to making candles, I am a metalsmith, specializing in sterling silver gemstone jewelry and hypoallergenic earrings. My jewelry is available for sale on Etsy (http://lavajewelry.etsy.com), Artfire (http://lavajewelry.artfire.com), and 1000Markets (http://lavajewelry.1000markets.com). I also love watercolor painting, knitting, and crocheting.

Please check out her Etsy shop by CLICKING HERE!

Thank you, Chel, for taking time to talk about your wonderful candles!

Kerri

Inspired by Nature

2010-03-26T22:58:00.003-04:00

Nature provides inspiration for jewelry artists in the form of stone choice, color choice and design choice. All you have to do is look out the window or take a walk through a park to be inspired by nature. Behind our house is a 100 acre community park that has a nature trail. While this week the weather was cooler and rainy, last week was absolutely gorgeous and my daily walks along the nature trail inspired this necklace. The feature stone is a beautiul piece of fuchsite that has been surrounded by dark green and smokey topaz seed beads. The fringe and necklace chain follow the same color scheme adding dozens of crystals for style.

I find that my beadweaving works best when I don't plan out an entire piece before I start, rather letting it evolve into it's own. I let the stones "speak" to me and creating a piece of jewelry becomes like music....one note building on the next until a masterpiece is created.

With that in mind, I'm going to start doing a series of works in progress, showing you how a work comes together.....

If you'd like to purchase this item, please CLICK HERE.

Sometimes You Just Have to Keep It!

2010-03-22T10:53:00.002-04:00

I don't do this very often, but sometimes I fall in love with a piece and decide to keep it. This necklace is one of them. The combination of colors is awesome and the chain matches the fringe. I've titled it Heavenly Butterscotch.

To see more of my designs, please CLICK HERE

Rainbow Flourite Wire Wrap Pendant

2010-02-04T13:44:00.004-05:00

I'm a beadweaver by trade so when I decided to expand my jewelry line with wire wrapping, I wanted to somehow add a beadwoven style to my designs. This pendant is a result of that desire. There are 2mm hematite beads incorporated into the wire wrap frame. I'm curious if anyone else other than me feels this gives the wire wrap a beadwoven feel to it.

Don't be shy now, let me know what you think.......
The pendant is available through my Etsy shop by CLICKING HERE

Have a great day!
Kerri

Valentine's Day Jewelry

2010-01-20T19:54:00.005-05:00

It's getting close to that time of year again, the holiday for lovers (or should we say for florists and candy makers....LOL)! How about treating yourself to a pair of earrings to wear, treat yourself to something nice. Here are a few of my new pieces that will be available in my Etsy shop within the next couple of days.

These cute hearts within a heart earrings are perfect for the person who likes hearts and nothing else. Simple yet elegant and can be worn with any outfit. These are my personal favorite.

These blue beauties are stylish and versatile, although they won't go with as many colors in your wardrobe as the plain hearts.

If you'd rather have a necklace, here's a Valentine necklace just for you....

It has love written all over it with the added feature of containing amethyst, the February birthstone.

I try to have a little something for everyone......

These pieces will be uploaded to Etsy shortly, please CLICK HERE to view these and other designs handmade with love by yours truly.....

Thanks!
Kerri

An Interview with EightyMillion

2010-01-14T08:09:00.003-05:00

I want to introduce you all to a great fellow Etsian, Jennifer, from Eightymillion. She does photography and makes some of the cutest notecards I've seen. Here's one of my favorites.....it's so cute!

Okay, when you're all done ooohing and aaahing, on to the interview....

Question: How did you get started in photography?

Answer: By accident, I was searching for a new direction to take my notecards in and that took my to my photographs. One photo led to another and now I've created a whole new product line.

Question: What is your favorite subject to photograph?

Answer: My three dogs - Hardy, House and Disco. They are just so entertaining to me. I love to capture how much they enjoy life. A spoiled life, that is.

Question: What does the future hold for Eightymillion?

Answer: A lifetime membership with Etsy, of course. Running my Etsy store full-time and I'm looking to expand my shop to include T-shirts for Men/Women/Kids/Pets. I also want to write children's books.

Question: Tell us a little bit about your experiences on Etsy.

Answer: Where do I start? Before I fully knew all of what Etsy has to offer (and still learning), I was chosen for a "Sneak Attack". I met so many great people there, who have given me so much advice and encouragement with my shop. Through each sale you've met someone new. The Etsy community is very strong and helpful and every experience I've had there has been nothing but positive.

Question: Is there anything else you'd like to add before we wrap up the interview?

Answer: Just wanted to say a very sincere "Thank You" to you Kerri for taking the time to do this interview. This has been yet another great experience....

THANK YOU, Jennifer, for allowing me to introduce you to my friends. Your notecards are adorable and a pleasure to give.

Anyone interested, please CLICK HERE, to view more notecards done up by Eightymillion!

As always,
Kerri

Back to Work

2010-01-06T08:01:00.002-05:00

Hello everyone,

Just wanted to let everyone know that we're all moved and settled in our new house now. It was hectic and not quite the right time of year to move, but we're sure glad we went through the trouble. The place is just perfect for our needs and pleasures.

Here's a picture so you can see for yourself....

My next blog will be an interview with fellow Etsian, Eightymillion, who does photography.

Thanks for your patience and patronage!
Kerri, www.beadworksbykerri.etsy.com

Christmas Delivery

2009-12-07T09:53:00.003-05:00

Please note that the last day to make a purchase from my Etsy shop for Christmas delivery is December 15th. I will be on vacation from December 16th until January 1st as we are moving to a new house. What a great Christmas present, huh?

I will reopen my Etsy shop on the 2nd of January and will have many new items for you then.

Thank you so much for your patronage in 2009!!! I love creating treasures and it thrills me that others like my treasures as well.

So....

HAVE A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

Forever Beading,
Kerri

Looking for a nice tutorial?

2009-12-05T17:11:00.005-05:00

I wanted to take a break from packing to introduce you to Mei from WireBliss. If you want to try some new designs, her Etsy shop has some very nice, easy to follow wire wrap tutorials.

I have purchased and tried the stud earring tutorial. It was very easy to follow and I made a nice pair of earrings my first try. The design can also be used to make a pair of wire wrap dangles with minor alterations.

This butterfly pendant is very unique and perfect for the butterfly lover. I haven't tried this one yet, but plan to in the near future.

Mei's addiction with creating and making wire wrap jewelry started in mid-2006 and now she's decided to share some of her handmade jewelry with all of you. She is self-taught for most part. I love her designs!

Check out Mia's Etsy shop and her wonderful tutorials. CLICK HERE to enter her shop.

She also has a blog that you can follow by CLICKING HERE.

If you'd like to see a sample of her stud earrings, CLICK HERE

Thank you Mia for sharing your designs with everyone!

Please Hang in There With Me......

2009-12-03T20:40:00.002-05:00

It's been some time since I've posted a blog and wanted to let everyone know I'm still around.... We're in the process of moving and I'm knee deep in packing and boxes. It's bad timing, I know, but once we get moved I'll have an actual studio for creating more fascinating pieces. I have all kinds of ideas for different jewelry so if you'll hang in there with me, new designs will be coming.

We'll be moving on the 17th of December.

More to come.....

Kerri

Fabric Beads by Beadworks by Kerri

2009-11-04T15:34:00.002-05:00

It's been some time since I've challenged myself with a new craft. Just to show you can teach an old dog new tricks, I decided to try making fabric beads. It was more fun and exciting than I imagined it to be. As with all new endeavors, practice makes perfect, but I think my first attempt turned out pretty good. I'm in the process of making another necklace, but the process takes time. This first attempt is for safe and memory keeping but I hope to have some fabric bead jewelry in my Etsy shop soon.

I would love to hear from you....and hear your thoughts and any new endeavors you're taking on now too.

To see my other designs, please CLICK HERE

Happy Beading!!!

Winner of the Military Brat Team Fall Challenge

2009-10-23T13:20:00.005-04:00

I'm proud to say my Autumn Splendor bracelet took first place in the Military Brat Etsy Team Fall Challenge. Thank you to all who voted!

To purchase Autumn Splendor please CLICK HERE

To visit the Military Brat Team blog site please CLICK HERE

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

2009-10-14T09:17:00.003-04:00

October is breast cancer awareness month and I want to dedicate this blog for all those who have been diagnosed with breast cancer. Great strides have been made in the medical field, but there is still more that can be done. I'm one of many Etsy artists who have joined Etsy Project Embrace and make monthly donations to the American Cancer Society. 10% of all the proceeds from sales in my Etsy shop are donated each month. Last month I donated $40.50 and hope to donate more as time goes on. In honor of breast cancer awareness month, 50% of the proceeds from the above earrings will be donated, along with 10% of the total sales. Please consider purchasing your gift items from my shop and supporting a worthy cause at the same time.

To purchase these earrings, or to view other items in my shop, please CLICK HERE.

Thank you and God bless!
Kerri

Another Etsy Artist

2009-09-28T07:57:00.007-04:00

I just had to share these adorable pictures of my granddaughter, Addison Ternes, falling in love with a little handmade doll I found for her on Etsy. They're made by a very talented artist known as Greenie from Wisconsin. She makes Indie art dolls that celebrate non traditional forms. She doesn't use patterns and every item in her Etsy shop is hand sewn and constructed. They are adorable dolls that are sprinkled with pink fluff, slight pouts and big dreamy eyes. The dolls are of collector quality and designed for the kid at heart. But, as you can see, they are loved by all.

Please check out her Etsy shop by CLICKING HERE. She also makes whimsical animals, here's my favorite.

Thank you Greenie, for making such an adorable dollie that warmed my heart and delighted my granddaughter!

Kerri

Interview with an Etsy Seller and Friend

2009-09-12T10:07:00.004-04:00

I've been buying jewelry supplies from Sherry Spring of springbeads.etsy.com almost since I first joined the Etsy community. I've always gotten the best service so I wanted to let everyone know a little more about her through an interview.

Question 1: How did you get your start selling jewelry supplies?

Sherry: Actually, I didn't. I started selling jewelry, then quickly discovered that my "creations" were not selling at all. So, I decided to start selling beads on a different "E store". I made a few sales, but nothing to speak of. My younger sister was visiting from Iowa and she asked me if I had tried selling on "Etsy". I said,"What the heck is an Etsy?" She promptly went to my computer and brought up Etsy. It was love at first "site". Here we are 8 months and over 700 sales later!!

Question 2: What are your favorite beads?

Sherry: The Czech glass beads are my most favorite of all of the beads. The colors and different cuts are beautiful. I just love aurora borealis coated Czech glass beads and my other favorite of the Czech beads are the capri blue, because they sell so well.

Question 3: What does the future hold for Springbeads?

Sherry: If it's anything like the past 8 months, the future looks good. I am always cruising my supply catalogues looking for incredible beads at a reasonable price so I can pass these beauties on to my customers. I have been testing the waters on semi precious stones and found that there is a great demand. Then, finally to take it one step further and start selling precious stones and metals.

Question 4: Is there anything you would like to add before we finish this interview?

Sherry: I want to be known as the shop for customer service from start to finish. The finest quality product that I can find, fair prices and honest rates for shipping. I believe a good transaction is when both parties leave happy. Also, I would like to thank all of my customers, old and new.

You can CLICK HERE to visit Sherry's Etsy shop and you can CLICK HERE to check out her blog.

Thank you Sherry, for being such a great Etsy vendor and for your friendship along life's journey.

Check out her beautiful jewelry supplies, you'll be glad you did!!

Autumn Goddesses

2009-09-09T11:03:00.003-04:00

There's a chill in the morning air and cool evenings have come our way. Looks like fall will hit us early this year. I'm all for it because fall is my favorite season. I love the fall colors in the leaves and nice fresh feeling air. Here are a couple of necklaces that remind me of Thanksgiving dinner with fun loving relatives. You can almost smell the pumpkin pie baking in the oven!! The pendants in these necklaces are 100% handcrafted. The poly face was crafted by a local artisan and good friend of mine, Kristie Lou Brigham of Sculpted Windows Jewelry. The beadweaving was done by me. All in all about 5 hours worth of work went into making each of these special necklaces that bring back happy childhood memories.

For more information on the necklaces or to view other designs, please CLICK HERE to go to my Etsy shop.

Thank you!

Same Stone, Different Look

2009-09-01T12:45:00.005-04:00

The idea behind this blog post first began when I decided to break up a matching pair of gemstones and make pendants with them rather than earrings. Each stone needed to look unique, but the coloring in the stone gave light to another idea. Why not use the same beads for each stone but with different stylings to show everyone just how different the exact same stone can look. It's actually why there can be so much jewelry on the market, yet most of it (at least the handmade pieces) looking so different. All a matter of the artist's interpretation, imagination, and of course, sense of color.

The first piece uses more of the light green seed beads and has a more earthy look to it. The light brown beads go quite nicely with the light green for a subtle look.

The second piece uses the same seed beads but has a more angelic look. In fact, when I realized it was taking on that look and feel, I decided to only add the light green beads around the top. Sort of like a halo effect.

So, each pendant started out using the same focal bead, which is travertine. For those of you not familiar with it, travertine is a terrestrial sedimentary rock, formed by the precipitation of carbonate minerals from geothermally heated hot-springs.

I welcome any and all comments.....

If you'd like to view more of my creations, please click here to visit my Etsy shop.

Two New Necklaces

2009-08-28T07:47:00.005-04:00

Here are two new necklaces I just finished recently. The first one features a beautiful calico lace agate stone. It's the nicest piece of calico lace that I've seen and it is hard to find such good quality anymore. Truly a collector piece!

The second necklace features an amethyst cluster. This is a creation I've been thinking about and wanting to try for some time now. Most clusters are done up with wire wrap so I thought it would be nice to see one with beadwork instead. It's a very different look, a little more natural looking I think.

I welcome any comments... if you'd like to see more, please click here.

Thanks!

Artist Friends

2009-08-25T07:16:00.004-04:00

I wanted to take some time today to introduce everyone to a new friend of mine from Etsy, the online shopping source for handmade items. He's known as Teaman on Etsy and for a good reason, he makes some of the most delicious tea I've had and that's saying a lot! He's originally from Windsor, Ontario, Canada and relocated to the US in 1996. He lives in the quaint little town of Howell, Michigan with his wife, two daughters and a pug.

Teaman has worked with the production and custom blending of tea for years. His tea is bagged with the highest quality tea paper providing great flow through ability yet prohibits product dispersion keeping its contents intact. Whether it is Assam, Ceylon, Kenyan, Chinese, Indian or Japanese, his teas are always fresh and are of the highest quality. Hand blended with real fruit, spices, roots, or beans then enhanced by adding flavor flakes. A fairly unique process which sets his teas apart. It is like flavor crystals that enhance the flavors of the fruit and spices. Along the lines of flavor crystals when added to chewing gum. The crystals flavor is dispersed with the addition of boiling water filling your cup with robust flavor!

His Etsy shop (click here to visit his shop) even has a recipe for making iced tea!

Right now he's running a special offer available through the month of August – receive 25 FREE cherry, orange & almond teabags with EVERY purchase of $5 or more.

Purchases of under $5 will receive 10 free teabags.

Please check out Teaman's Etsy shop, you'll be glad you did!!!

Gem Show in Springfield, MA

2009-08-10T19:54:00.006-04:00

News from Beadworks by Kerri..... What a wonderful trip I had with one of my very good friends, Kristie-Lou Brigham, this past weekend. We took a couple of days off from the daily grind to attend a gem show in Springfield, MA. It was the first gem show of this magnitude for me to attend and I must say, it was a little overwhelming at times. We drove up the day before and spent the night so we would have a shorter drive the next morning. Got to the show about 9:30am and didn't leave until 6:30pm. It was a long day, but well worth the time and effort. We both got some beautiful treasures and will be busy making new jewelry for quite some time. Kristie does wire wrap using mostly crystals and minerals and I do beadwork using mostly cabs, so we shopped in different booths for the most part. It sure was nice to have someone keeping me company, though, for the 5 1/2 hour drive up there and back home again. We had quite the adventure getting back home too, what with signs posted wrong on the highway, almost running out of gas, and almost getting run over......we sure were glad to be back in PA!

This is me right outside the gem show venue.....it was packed full of people in no time!!

Here's my good friend, Kristie, wire wrap goddess....heehee

Yet Another Sedona Stone

2009-07-22T10:24:00.002-04:00

Green is the color of the day with the 4th piece for the Sedona collection. This variscite is such a lovely shade of green, it's hard to capture it's beauty on film (least with my camera and photography abilities). I teamed it with seed beads that are also a striking green color and some small silver beads. The pendant comes with a black ribbon clasp that's removable so you can either use it or another chain of your choosing.

Sure to make a great addition to your ever growing jewelry collection.

You may purchase this pendant at www.beadworksbykerri.etsy.com

Thank you!

Tigereye Beauties

2009-07-21T11:08:00.003-04:00

Finally got another piece done from the Sedona beads I purchased while on vacation. Aren't these two of the prettiest tigereye pieces you've ever seen? Once I saw them done up I wish I'd have purchased more sets. The beadwork on these was a little tricky because of their shape, but it was well worth the effort.

Fortunately (or unfortunately if you fell in love with these earrings) this pair is already reserved for a regular customer and not for sale.

You can see other designs at my Etsy shop www.beadworksbykerri.etsy.com

Thanks for looking!!

Sedona, AZ Line of Jewelry

2009-07-08T15:20:00.005-04:00

Here are the first two pieces of jewelry from my new line created with stones purchased while on vacation in Sedona, AZ. What a truly beautiful place with equally beautiful stones. These necklaces, along with other jewelry designs, can be found at http://www.beadworksbykerri.etsy.com/

This very earthy necklace features a faceted picture jasper teardrop pendant and Arizona turquoise chips. The turquoise chips have been dabbled with diamond shaped picture jasper to fuse the look and create an overall classy design.

The double strand necklace measures 16" and the teardrop measures 1 1/8" x 7/8". Strung with an antique brass toggle clasp.

Amber chips are combined with natural mother of pearl beads to showcase the brown agate pendant in this necklace.

The necklace itself measures 18" in length and the pendant is 1 3/8" x 7/8". Strung with an antique brass toggle clasp.

Hope you enjoy these designs. I'll be posting more as they are created.

Thank you for looking!

Slideshow of Jewelry

2009-06-21T18:02:00.003-04:00

Can't believe I figured out how to do this, but I made up a slideshow of a jewelry sampling and published it on youtube today.....isn't that something!! I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks...LOL

I'd love to hear your comments and suggestions, here's the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAm-qONoN9Q

Now if I can figure out how to add the video to this blogspot, that will be something.....

Thank you!

First Friday Art Walk on Etsy

2009-06-18T09:14:00.003-04:00

There's a new event on Etsy I wanted to let everyone know about. Starting with July, Etsy will have an Art Walk sale the first friday of every month. Participating shops will have specials that day. What a great way to spread the word and encourage people to purchase handmade items for their pleasure and/or every day use.

Unfortunately, I'm going to be out of town for the first Art Walk, but will be participating as best I can. I'll set up my shop with a First Friday section and any item listed in that section I'll have on sale. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions either with a comment attached to this post or through my etsy shop. To contact me through etsy, please click on the title to this blog.

Thank you!!

Kerri

Hearts Desire

2009-06-17T14:14:00.003-04:00

I'm back to beadweaving again! Here's my latest design, called Hearts Desire, using a porcelain heart shaped bead and a beadwoven setting. It's meant to dangle at an angle to show off the fringe. If you click on the title to this blog, you can view more pictures of the necklace and other items in my Etsy shop.

Featured in Etsy

2009-06-17T07:37:00.002-04:00

I'm very excited to say one of my pieces (second one in the grouping) was featured in an Etsy treasury yesterday!! I feel so honored to have one of my pieces chosen. What a great way to start the day......please feel free to leave comments.......they're always welcome!

Just click on this link to view it...... I'm not sure how long the treasury will be available.

http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=65106&show_panel=true

Have a wonderful day!!

First Wire Wrap Necklace

2009-06-11T14:13:00.004-04:00

Please check out my first wire wrap necklace I call Amazing Amazonite. I wanted to see how a necklace would work if the beads were wired together with non tarnish artistic wire rather than beading wire or thread. I really like the way the wire accents the amazonite. I would love to hear any feedback you are willing to send my way. The necklace is available in my Etsy shop. www.beadworksbykerri.etsy.com

Thanks!

Beadworks by Kerri on Facebook

2009-06-09T09:58:00.000-04:00

I just wanted to let everyone know who reads this blog that I've recently created a BeadworksbyKerri facebook page. If anyone would like to become a fan of Beadworks by Kerri, here is the link:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Beadworks-by-Kerri/194763735532?ref=ts

If this link doesn't work, then once you log into facebook, please do a search (upper right hand corner of the screen) for Beadworks by Kerri and you'll find the page. Once there, you can become a fan.

My plan is to periodically run specials toward purchases in my Etsy shop, BeadworksbyKerri.etsy.com

Right now I'm running a 30% off sale for any purchase made this week.

Come join the fun!!!

Etsy Beadweavers Team

2009-06-07T10:23:00.000-04:00

I'm proud to say that, while on vacation, I was juried into the Etsy Beadweavers Team. It's such an honor to be selected and I'm really looking forward to participating in the monthly challenges. There are so many wonderful bead artists around the world today, such an inspiration! I hope I can live up to the spirit of the team.

Please take some time to check them out at http://etsy-beadweavers.blogspot.com

Beadworks by Kerri

2009-05-28T14:33:00.000-04:00

Hello everyone!

I've been busy creating more jewelry and finally back into beadweaving. I took a short break while learning some wire wrap techniques. Please take a few moments to check out my latest additions in beadworksbykerri.etsy.com. Above is my favorite....... let me know what you think!

New Artist Friends

2009-05-13T17:17:00.001-04:00

Sculpted Windows Jewelry - Kristie-Lou Brigham

Here's a beautiful polymer clay cab created by Kristie-Lou Brigham, wire wrapper and polymer clay extrodinaire!!!

One of the nicest things that have come out of being involved with Gallery 141 in Lancaster is the friends I've met. I'd like to take a few minutes to introduce some of them to you.

Kristie-Lou Brigham is by far the best wire wrap artist I've had the pleasure of meeting. Her work is absolutely stunning, to say the least. Her favorite medium is wire, but she also makes beautiful polymer clay face beads. I've used a few of them in my beadwork and the pieces always sell fast once they're designed and on the market.

Kristie lives in Lancaster with Eon and her two weiner dogs. Here are a couple more of her pieces for you to enjoy (they're actually part of my wish list....heehee). You can find more of her work through

http://www.sculptedwindowsjewelry.blogspot.com/

Hello!

2009-05-05T10:52:00.000-04:00

It's been some time since I posted a new blog and so much has happened. It's been a wonderful journey so far. I now have my jewelry in three different locations. If you're interested, here they are:

Olde Factory, Hummelstown, PA
Gallery 141, Lancaster, PA
www.beadworksbykerri.etsy.com

The etsy shop has been a good venture. I really like the site because it has tons of hand made items. I whole heartedly believe we should support the cottage industry. By cottage industry I mean people who make hand made items for resale. Artists pour their hearts into their creations and it shows. At etsy you can find a multitude of products, including jewelry, clothing, handbags, scarves, home decor, children's toys and much, much more.

Gallery 141 is part of the downtown art scene. It's a little off the beaten path, but we make up for it with charm. There are two monthly events that, if you're ever in the area, you should check out. The first friday of each month is "First Friday", appropriately named....LOL We have a live band, sometimes two and samplings of wine for our patrons. Most, if not all, of the artists are here for people to meet personally. The third friday of each month is "Music Friday". It's almost the same as "First Friday" but fewer galleries in the downtown area participate. The gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10am - 4pm and until 9pm for First Friday and Music Friday.

Olde Factory in Hummelstown has been in business for 18 years. It's a three story building in historic Hummelstown and only about 3 miles from Hershey Park. They're open 7 days a week. Monday through Saturday from 10 - 6pm and on Sunday from noon to 5pm. There you can find antiques, collectibles, etc. My booth is in a glass case on the first floor.

Come on out and join the fun!!
Kerri

A Little Bit About Me

2009-03-10T08:16:00.002-04:00

As many of you already know, my life long love affair with arts and crafts began when, as a young girl, my grandmother taught me how to crochet. Ever since, I'm happiest when my hands are creating something. Through my journey as an artist I have tried and enjoyed many crafts, including crochet, knitting (never quite got the hang of it), sewing, macrame, needlepoint, cross stitch, you name it. Sometimes I would have 4 or 5 projects going at the same time across several mediums. It wasn't until my older sister Cindy taught me how to make my first pair of earrings that I became focused on one craft. Almost immediately I became addicted to beads and for those of you who are also confessed beadaholics, you know what I mean. There's a certain feeling or spirituality that comes from running your fingers around and across a nicely shaped stone. The colors are fascinating and the variety is endless. As with many forms of art, you are only limited by your own imagination. It is my hope, through this blog, that my love of art can be an inspiration for other aspiring artists. It's been a long, wonderful journey and I'm amazed how intertwined it has become. The internet has opened up a whole new world for many. In the course of a few hours you can scan the globe so to speak. You do a search, find a website you like that has a link you find interesting which leads you to yet another website and more buried treasures. Half the fun is not knowing where it will all lead.

Come join the adventure and share your journey with me and others!!