Pearls and more pearls ....

Diamonds may be a girls best friend but pearls are her soul ...

 If you haven't guessed it by now - pearls are my favourite material to work with.  There is something about the lustre, feel and look of a pearl that generates so many ideas and thoughts on how I can work them into a design.

I'm really excited about  my current design - I can't share a picture just yet - as the project is for the next edition of Digital Bead Magazine however I can give you a teaser on the materials being used.  I'm using a mixture of old and new with this design, incorporating some techniques I have showcased previously but adding a modern twist to a classic design.

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

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 9: Simplicity

"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication" ... Leonardo da Vinci

Week 9 and the year is already starting to slip by.  This weeks YOJ challenge was simplicity.  How can you go past a classic pearl bracelet!

Design:  Caron Michelle
Technique:  Erin Simonetti Warp Management

OTTBS Earring Challenge - Week 3: Ellad Fan Earrings

Although slightly behind in this challenge, I am enjoying perusing the many tutorials on offer by some wonderful designers.  This weeks designer is Ellad2.  She has an incredible arrangement of tutorials on offer and each one comes with detailed instructions and loads of photos so that if you are a visual learner like me you can easily follow the directions.

Following on from my experimentation with Preciosa Super Duos and the Twin Beads earrings from Weeks 1 and 2 - I decided to try Ellad2 fan earrings tutorial.  These were fun to make and I could see that I would have fun with this design in the future.  Here are my Bronze Fan Earrings.  

Year of the Jewellery - Week 2: Grace

"Like any other gift, the gift of grace can be yours only if you reach out and take it - maybe being able to reach out and take it is a gift too"  ... Anon 

This weeks submission is Grace.  When I think of grace - my first thought was pearls.  The recipient of this cuff is the epitome of grace - lovely, serene, beautiful girl.  So without any further ado ....

Silver and Pearls - Commissioned Cuff

Laced with silver, set with pearls. - William Shakespeare

(Ibid., Act ii, sc. 1. "Comedies," p. 217, col. B, line 32. 16)

This gorgeous cuff was commissioned by a lovely friend of mine. It was with great pleasure that we collaborated our ideas on style and design.  I promised from the first moment she had seen a similar cuff, that I would make one for her - however, it was a challenge as no two cuffs created are ever the same.  So there are variations to the original and this is now on the wrist of my beautiful friend.  Thanks Kiley x

 

For Sale ....

"Whatever you believe with feeling becomes your reality" ... Brian Tracy 

Drum roll ... I am thrilled to announce that I will be selling my loomed beaded cuffs!  

I recently applied (and was accepted) to sell at the super cool Incube8r  Gallery.   (http://www.incube8r.com.au/)  

Incube8r is a local gallery that supports artists - it is located in the hip Fortitude Valley in Brisbane, Queensland - check out their website for more information about Incube8r and see what the other wonderful artists are doing!


Stay tuned for the unveiling on Friday. I am very excited to be embarking on this journey, it is an incredible opportunity and one I am grateful.  I look forward to meeting the other fabulous artists and participating in the activities organised by Vicki (the owner) .


I am setting up my "cube" on Friday.  Here is one of the cuffs that will be for sale - it is a Champagne Pearl Cuff - created with Miyuki beads with the focus on the delicious Swarovski pearls and Swarovski crystals. 

For those who are not able to access Incube8r - I am available for commissions and will soon be launching my online store.