Digital Beading Magazine - Issue 10 - June 2014

The advent of many new beads on the market is almost overwhelming at the moment, in particular the shapes and styles prove a challenge to those who loom designs.  To most, the loomed piece is a two dimensional flat design but for me, I see a blank canvas to create!

When I saw first the O'Beads, Rulla and Diamond Bead - I knew I had to do something on the loom with them.  Their shapes and diversity as a bead offers many options.  I have some more designs in the wings - but for the June Edition of Digital Beading Magazine, I designed two slinky cuffs incorporating all three of these beads.

The first one (white) was slightly wider and and used a slightly different edging - I love the feel of this against the wrist - wide cuffs are fabulous on the wrist.  For those who weren't able to obtain all the beads, I did a variation (turquoise).  They are both fun and easy to do. 

If you create a design using this tutorial, please share with me - I'd love to feature your design on my website!

Enjoy!

Caron

Zippy Zeb

Zippy Zeb is the sister cuff to Safari which will feature as a tutorial in the next edition of Digital Beading Magazine.  This is a variation to that design and features a working  zipper as well as detailed finishes to the back of the cuff for a comfortable fit.

This cuff isn't for the faint hearted - its about 2 inches wide and is certainly an eye catcher!

I love the design, fit and composition of the whole cuff - it's bright, loud and fabulous!

Let me know what you think!

p.s. a denim version is in the wings ....

Digital Bead Magazine - Edition 4

"Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort"  ... Franklin D. Roosevelt

This quote couldn't be more apt for where I am in my creative process and the goals and challenges I had set out for myself this year.  I am blessed to have been given some fabulous opportunities and to have wonderful creative and passionate people who share my life and give me the support and encouragement to enjoy the simple things such as embarking with an online seller (Etsy) salivating over new bead releases and of course creatnig new designs for publication.

This leads to the subject of this post - I am thrilled that I am now a part of the Digital Bead Magazine's community and will also be a regular contributor to this awesome magazine.  It is a relatively new magazine and already has featured some of the world's best designers. 

For this edition I designed the "Solace" loomed cuff project.  The design evolved whilst someone close to me was hospitalized due to illness and then passed away.  The designing process gave me so much comfort and my  colour choices reflected the beautiful person he was.  Click on the link to get a sampling of what Digital Bead Magazine  has to offer - you will quickly be as hooked as I am!

New Designs in Etsy this week

Since the announcement of the opening of my Etsy shop - Caron Michelle Designs - I have been busy uploading cuffs for sale.  Below is a few that have been added this week.

If you are interested in any of the cuffs or would like a commission created especially for you, just let me know and I'm more then happy to design a cuff especially for you.

To see the listings - click on the cuffs name and this will take you directly to the design in the shop.

Thank you for looking  :)

 Art Deco Textured Cuff

Peacock Pearl and silver/blue wide loomed cuff

Textured Tila Loomed Cuff

Cultured Peacock Pearl Wide Loomed Cuff

Etsy Shop Open - CaronMichelleDesigns

I have finally joined the world of online shopping and selling through the online Etsy venue - my shop is called Caron Michelle Designs - click on this link to take you there or you can find me at http://www.etsy.com/shop/CaronMichelleDesigns.  I'll keep this post short but will share some of the cuffs that have been listed for sale.

I plan to add patterns in the near future - just taking baby steps at this stage.

I welcome commissions as well and enjoy working with you to create a design that you will be thrilled to wear.

Enjoy xo

All loomed mini cuffs are $40. All cuffs come in a special silk gift bag.  Opening special ... a free pair of earrings with every purchase!

Wedding Collection - the Finale!

Back in March - I posted some pictures of a wedding commission for a bride and her bridesmaid loomed beaded cuffs (see post here). 

Jess, our beautiful bride was married last month and I'm thrilled that she shared some photos with me of her special day. 

*warning* this thread is picture heavy ... but the pictures are divine and Jess is absolutely stunning.  Thank you lovely for your support of a humble artist xo

Toast to a special friend ... an Irish Wedding

A dear friend of mine will wed her sweetheart today in Ireland at 1:00pm.  Unfortunately I couldn't be there but will be there in spirit.  In honor of the special day, I made her a cuff to wear so in a way I'll be there physically.  Maj and Loman - best wishes to you today.  xo


The Irish Wedding Song
Here they stand hand in hand
they've exchanged wedding bands
Today is the day of their dreams and their plans,
and all we who love them just wanted to say.
May God bless this couple who married today
In good times and bad times in sickness and health
may they know that riches are not needed for wealth
and help them face problems they'll meet on their way
Oh god bless this couple who married today
May they find peace of mind comes to all who are kind
May the rough times ahead become triumphs in time
May their children be happy each day
Oh God bless this family who started today
As they go may they know every love that was shown
And as life it gets shorter may their feelings grow
Wherever they travel wherever they stay
May God bless this Maj and Loman who married today  xo

Year of the Jewelry - Week 10: Wabi Sabi

"Wabi sabi is the beauty of things imperfect, impermanent, and incomplete, the antithesis of our classical Western notion of beauty as something perfect, enduring, and monumental." -- Leonard Koren, author of "Wabi-Sabi: for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers"

This weeks YOJ challenge was exactly that - a challenge, to create a design that reflects the true connotations of Wabi Sabi.  However, I did it.  This week I took some time out from my looming and went back to the metal clays and finished working on a design I had started some time ago. 

To me the pendant is the epitome of imperfection whilst retaining beauty within, maintaining the very essence of wabi sabi.  I'll let you be the judge xo

YOJ - Week 8: Multiples

"For every disciplined effort there is a multiple reward" ... Jim Rohn

The theme for this weeks challenge was timely has I had been commissioned to create three bridesmaids cuffs!  The dress material sample I was provided was a blessing and in consultation with the bride I was able to match the oyster colour using one of the fabulous hues from the Miyuki Delica collection.

Each bridesmaid will wear a OOAK (one of a kind) Caron Michelle original.  I designed the cuffs changing one element in each one so that each cuff is an original and no two designs are the exactly the same.

Year of the Jewelry - Week 7: Off the Cuff

"All life is an experiment.  The more experiments you make the better "... Ralph Waldo Emerson

This weeks YOJ challenge was Off The Cuff.  An easy one for me in respect that is what I love to do, create loomed pieces.  However - I needed to challenge myself and create something a little different, try a different technique on the loom.  Following on from last weeks Steel Grey Loomed Spike Cuff .  I decided to play with some mini spikes.  These are such a luscious colour and were beckoning to be incorporated into a loomed design!