I was commissioned to do a mixed media piece of art using leather cording.  That’s right, you read that right.  I ordered a mega ton of leather from Leather Cord USA they have the best out there. They asked me what I was going to use it for and I happened to mention I’m a jewelry designer. Then they asked me if I would design some jewelry and do a review. I did not receive any form of compensation for this review.  In fact I bought all the leather suede you see here.

Their leathers are used by major designers worldwide and it’s the most superior leather I have worked with and they always use the most environmentally friendly dyes.  It’s soft, flexible texture feels so good in my hands.  Have you ever used cheap leather?  It’s brittle, stiff and will break apart the minute you tie a knot in it.

From their site:
If it’s cheap, inexpensive leather you want, you should understand where it comes from and how it’s made. Sorry. We don’t sell it.

SOLD

One, maybe two of you seen my 7k Bracelets For Hope bracelet. That was made with leather from Leather Cord USA.

Any of  you do a slip slide knot closure?  It’s easier than it looks.  The lampwork bead in the center I don’t remember her name, but I bought it at the Twin Cities Bead Bazaar many years ago.  I used 6mm calf skin and added in my own waxed lined cord and wood beads.

Leather Braided - Orange

Leather Braided Wrapped Bracelet - Orange

Leather Braided Wrapped Bracelet - Orange

Pantone Top Spring Colors for 2012

I decided to use two of the Pantone colors, Tangerine Tango and Margarita for this wrapped bracelet.  This also looks great as a necklace.  I used 3mm Split Suede in orange and braided it together, adding my Peeled Paint Art Bead along the way. This bracelet will wrap around your wrist 3-4 times.

Leather Wrapped Bracelet - Turquoise

I use the same 3mm Split Suede in turquoise and pewter charms.

These two I used the 3mm regular Suede Lace in black and purple and added two metal springs from the Industrial Chic collection.

I added a 8mm Peeled Paint bead to the end of each clasp chain extender with my Faux, polymer clay stones. This is the first time I make them this size. I have usually make them pebble size. You can see them on my website.

Ok readers, it’s bargin day at Jewelry by Jeannie. I have a great deal for you. Purchase one of the wrapped bracelets (orange or turquoise) and get one of the faux stone bracelets FREE!

FREE first class shipping with any purchase of $75 or more.  U.S. residents only.

Happy Shopping.

Drinks made from ground cacao beans were important for ceremonial purposes for both the Mayans and the Aztecs, and the beans themselves were so highly valued that they were often used as currency. The Mayans and Aztecs were the first civilizations known to cultivate and regularly use the cacao bean, beginning at least 1,500 years ago. Spanish tongues had difficulty pronouncing Aztec words, so early explorers changed the Aztec drink “xocolatl” to “chocolat.”

Xocolatl was a bitter drink not well liked by the Spanish conquistadors, but by adding sugar, the drink became an instant hit in Spain and throughout Europe. As European colonies in the New World grew, so did chocolate production; by the 1700s, powdered cacao beans were finding their way not just into drinks, but also into cakes, pastries and sorbets as well. In 1828, methods developed by Dutch chocolate maker Conrad J. van Houten for separating the fat of the cacao bean and treating the remaining “cocoa powder” with alkaline salts like sodium carbonate allowed for more diverse applications of the ingredient. Joseph Storrs Fry, of England, produced the first edible chunks of modern chocolate in 1849 by combining cocoa powder with sugars and then reintroducing the cocoa butter.

By the last quarter of the 19^th century, chocolate making was dominated by the Swiss who made a series of advances to improve the quality and the versatility of chocolate. In 1867, Henri Nestle created powdered milk and Rudolph Lindt developed the process known as “conching,” which makes chocolate smoother and more easy to use in a variety of ways. Another Swiss chocolate maker, Jules Séchaud, developed a mechanized process for creating filled chocolates.

How chocolate became the treat of choice for sweethearts on Valentine’s Day is a highly debated topic. Regardless, it’s a sweet that’s enjoyed almost everywhere throughout the world, and one with a history as rich as its flavors.

Bead Soup Package

Bead Soup Goodies

Lots of lamp work in soft colors. Check out that clasp and those bead caps.

To see the list of bead soup partner’s go to Lori Anderson’s BLOG.  Lori is the creator of The Bead Soup Blog Party and author of a new book, Bead Soup.

The Global Genes Project (GGP) volunteer team is collecting blue jean/denim inspired bracelets for families living with rare disease, the campaign is called “7,000 Bracelets for Hope.”

To help raise awareness we’re asking 7,000 jewelry designers, volunteers from the craft community and various artists to donate one bracelet to this campaign to show their support for kids living with rare disease, disorders or conditions. These bracelets will then be distributed to participating families in December 2012.

I sent in these two bracelets. Go HERE for more information.

Happy Hump Day,

Bead Soup

List of tutorial participants:

Zachary Anderson

Kerry Bogert

Jennifer Cameron

Diane Cook

Malin deKoning

Cassie Donlen

Jeannie Dukic

Nan Emmett

Lyn Foley

Brandi Hussey

Libby Leuchtman

Shannon LeVart

Barbara Lewis

Melissa Meman

Sharon Palac

Heather Powers

Erin Prais-Hintz

Stefanie Teufel

Cindy Wimmer

Notice the name at the top?  That’s her nine year old son.  I’m so excited for him.

Don’t ya just love the cover?  It’s so inviting and playful with color.  The book is not ready for pre-order yet, but Lori will be selling autographed copies on her web site soon which will include a free extra tutorial.

Can’t wait to get my hands on a copy.

Please visit Lori Anderson’s BLOG today for a chance to win one of my Photo Journaling Albums.

20% OFF ALL ALBUMS TODAY ONLY.

Thank you my friend,

Gin Blossom

I combined one of my Gin Blossoms with my Peeled Paint art beads.

Front of necklace

Close-Up

Check out those bead caps

Bracelet with OOAK bead caps

Here is a better look at those Peeled Paint bead caps in this bracelet.

Close-Up

I have pendants and art beads I bought and the more color, complicated, intricate, detailed they are….well lets say they are still sitting in my stash and will remain there.

From one of my readers, “they are just too hard for me to incorporate into a design.”

When I set out to design my Peeled Paint art beads and Gin Blossom pendants, I really kept that in mind.  “KISS.”  right?

You can click here to see how to pair all types of beads with my Gin Blossom pendants.

Cyan

13mm azure, silver leaf, Peeled Paint art beads with silver plate rhombus cut beads.  Finished with 1/8″ leather.

Cyan

Close up of beads

Cyan

Chain detail on side of necklace with one 8mm Peeled Paint art bead.

Cyan

Close up of side swivel closure.

Cyan Planet

Really cool earrings.  The Cyan necklace and earrings are listed on my website.

Design Team for January

Molly Alexander

Courtney Breul

Michelle Buettner

Shannon Chomanczuk

Cindy Cima Edwards

Beth Emery

Kristen Stevens

Me – You’re Here

Our Flickr Group.

Club members don’t forget to join our group and post your monthly creations there.

Thanks for stopping by,

Last week I was out of town teaching.  I’m a health and fitness educator for the masses.  I was having a conversation with someone when I realized about two sentences in I had this same conversation with her last year.  At the time I had given her some advice and steps to help her move forward, but I know she did not hear a word I said.

So today I want to talk about incremental changes.  How often do you reflect on changes and growth in your own life? Do you make choices today that you wouldn’t have four years ago or even three weeks back (just prior to making those new year resolutions)? Can you hear yourself singing a new tune?

Often these incremental changes aren’t apparent until we’re put to the test. It’s just about this time in January, that our resolve can be tested as well. For example, over the past three weeks, you may have decided to improve your health, by eating well, getting adequate sleep, and exercising more often. Then the ultimate test comes, you have major work demands & deadlines (as new projects come in), your team requires you, someone or something in your family or relationships needs your help, you get a cold….you hear that voice saying I don’t have time to do anything that is required to stay healthy!! YES your resolve will be tested until you are firm and committed to doing and being your best self!

 Baby Steps

It’s vital to see the small, incremental changes you have made and not to sabotage your intentions and plans for a better life.  In every step and positive change, you will have embodied (whether you realize it or not) something new, entering your consciousness, informing your choice and actions. It may show up as resistance or tension, the whole time feeling a little out of sorts.  It’s time to acknowledge what you are coming up against and move on despite it and possibly tweak your plan, keeping the big vision or goal, in mind.

Experiencing life with a new-born and generally having children teaches us one thing for sure, change is constant, life is somewhat unpredictable, and just when you have a plan, they will make you adjust, tweak, and find a better way to manage, cope and learn! Children are like mini bosses!

So for all of you who have decided to make a change this new year, new life awaits. New challenges will emerge, opportunities will show up, and “teachers” will enter your life in various ways.  Give permission to make a few mistakes and possibly fail on first attempts. If you truly are meant to learn something, and if your change is intentional, then be prepared to dust off from the temporary set-back and get moving again. Learning anything new and worthwhile takes time, repetition, and some risk. Kids are a great example to us, they take risks everyday and thank goodness they do – as every new step brings new learning and life.

Tell me, which circle are you?

Join me Wednesday for the kick off of the Echo Creative Club Blog Hop.

Secret Sparkle

Copyright 2012

Swarovski crystal and pearl dangles threaded onto 40 strands of black linen wax cord with a ornate silver metal double ring toggle clasp.  Fits any size wrist.

Side View

Double ring toggle clasp

Tip:  Use flat bead cones when you work with large amounts of cording, stringing, etc. so your piece will lay nicely and won’t feel bulky.

20% off most bracelets. Sale end soon.

Have a GREAT weekend everyone.  We’ll meet back here on Monday.

Hey Homies, 

I have decided this will be the year to make it or break it for my online jewelry/bead business and blog.  Here are some of the changes I’ll be making.  Good?  Bad?  Only time will tell.

I was going to close down my website and blog last year, mainly to due to time constraints and cost, but I’m not the type of person who sits back and waits for things to happen nor am I the type to give up easily.  I’m a leader, not a follower.

My first order of business was to start the Echo Creative Club.  Regardless of how my website does in sales this year, I’m committed to this club and my design team for the WHOLE YEAR!  Big thanks to my good friend Lori Anderson who helped me kick start this club.

Over the past three years I have given away thousands of dollars of jewelry, art beads, books, and albums on my blog.  It slowed a little bit last year and this year will be even less…much less! 

Give aways and steep discounts on my website have not proven anything for me except it devalues me as an artist and cost me A LOT of money.  I don’t offer discounts prices in either of my brick and mortar businesses EVER.  I don’t discount my art work either.  I don’t know why I choose to do it with my online business knowing it was a bad of idea from the start.  I’m a smart business women, I know better than that.

I will no longer offer huge discounts (50% – 75% off) on my website or sell some of my jewelry at cost.  On rare occasion I might do 50% off, if I’m discontinuing something or for whatever reason, but will try to avoid it all together.  A huge discount for me will be 20% off.

I will have One Day, and  weekly/bi-weekly sales instead of monthly sales.

I have changed my return policy.

I want to increase my blog readership.   I’m beating a dead horse on this one.  I know in order to do that I have to visit hundreds of other blogs and leave comments.  That’s impossible for me.  I work 10 -14 hour days (no computer) and travel 2 – 3 weeks every month WITHOUT a computer.  It’s sad that the nature of this business is like that.  I have a health and fitness blog (IDEA members only) and within six months I had over 5000 followers and never once left a comment on another blog.  I’ll just skip this plan and move on to the next.  

Lastly, I want to make one-of-a-kind art beads or pendants, that’s right, just one.  I will sell just the single art bead/pendant or use it in a design. See below.  The only exception to that is my Gin Blossoms and Peeled Paint art beads. Those will be my mainstay this year.

"I LOVE U" polymer clay heart pendant

This polymer clay heart is 1-1/2″ and is looking for a good home. Click HERE to purchase.

"United" Bracelet with polymer clay art bead

8-1/2″ with a antique gold metal toggle clasp.

One of my hand made, polymer clay heart beads. This bead is one-of-a-kind paired with ceramic, wood nuggets, faceted Czech glass and nugget, and dyed red, 12mm quartz beads. I added a sterling silver “true love” charm to the toggle clasp..

20% off until Sunday.

Close-Up of Art Bead in "United" Bracelet

Now if I could only figure out what to do with all my discontinued
art beads and pendants.

Phones are addictive, but not for me, I HATE them.  I hate everything about them.  Some of my friends can’t put them down and it bugs the S*** out of me.  I have a cell phone that is five years old.  I don’t care about the latest and greatest, never have.  Trends bug the S*** out of me too!

I don’t even like talking on the phone.  It’s one of my pet peeves.

What I hate even more is people constantly snapping pictures with them.  Right now it’s just makes me……can’t say, this blog is rated PG.

So I have a new rule that my friends must abide by when we’re out together; phone stacking.

Rule: stack your phones on the table when you’re out with friends. First person to pick up their phone, picks up the check. That should be a pretty strong incentive to keep your attention on the real people in front of you, not the ones that aren’t there with you.  Think of it as an adult “time out.”

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!

It started last year when we sat down and I told them all to hand over their phones to me or leave…yes leave.  I don’t mess around.  If you want to be with your phone…GO, be with your phone.  I hope you two will be very happy together.

I implore you to start this with your friends unless you’re one of the offenders.

Stack’em up Baby,

Join me tomorrow for a look into my website and blog plans for 2012.

Many of the clients and people I meet have a litany of excuses for not making the change they want to see in their lives. The problem is, these excuses tend to have more power and influence than necessary. If you say, “I don’t have time” then you live as if you don’t; constantly getting caught up with what’s urgent and not necessarily important. We tend to want instant gratification; although, it’s more rewarding and real to focus on what’s important and bring continuous improvement and meaning to our lives.

I’m not saying that excuses aren’t somewhat legit, but when excuses start running your life, you’re likely to receive more of what you don’t want! Why? You have lost courage and stopped focusing on what you want;  taking a back seat, rather than the driver’s seat. Take charge, respect yourself, and receive the gifts waiting for you to accept!

To help you move forward into 2012 and achieve your resolutions, I have 10 easy steps.

1. Get Clear – what is it I want? And why do I want that? Why is it important to me?  Why important now? Is it adding value to my life today? Get to the  heart of the matter.

2. Focus – aim at one positive change that will positively affect other areas of your life – create a ripple effect!

3. Commit To One Decision – decide on what that is. Something that can change your life or move it forward. If there are multiple things – pick just one.

4. Write it down – Journal the experience and reflect on it every day, every week, every  month – this has a positive, affirming quality, and keeps you on track.

5. Speak it – add voice to your resolve, talk about it.

6. Be it – be it as though you already are, test out new actions.

7. Engage others – buddy up, make your change / resolution with others; people succeed when working together towards a shared goal

8. Say no to excuses and distractions – see them for what they are – take responsibility for your life and choice – recognize what’s stopping you.

9. Steps – create a step, take a step. Change happens in small increments.

10. Envision – dream-up, vision and manifest the best possible outcome – where you want to be!

Every day, every moment you have an  opportunity to reinvent or recreate your life. I made a positive move this morning and encourage you to do the same. This is your year to shine and change the status quo! Be amazing!

Taa Daaa! I have been working on this album for a long time with many failed attempts. My goal was to make an album for lots of 4X6 photos.  This is my best interactive album to date.

7-1/2" X 5-1/2" Photo Journaling Album

This one has room for 46 4X6 photo and more for smaller size photos. This is one of my most interactive albums to date so it’s lotsa fun to page through. 18 pages of fun.

The cover is hand dyed fabric paper I made with real flowers. It has so much texture, I just love the feel of it.

inside pages

Designer paper collection by Heidi Grace called, Dear Daisy. “Love It!”

Pockets for journaling tags and photo mat for smaller photo.  That whole section pulls out with room for 3 more 4X6 photo and more under it.  See below

inside page

Open that flap with the pocket to reveal more space for 4X6 photos and the bi-fold to the right you pull out.

inside page

Different page here with lots of space and interaction.

Large 4X6 photo mat to the left
Place to hold 20 journaling tags
Photo mat behind that for smaller photo
4X6 pull out photo mat above for two more photos
Another pull out 5X7 photo mat about that for two more photos

inside page

inside pages

Don’t ya just love those polka dots?

inside pages

The next one is the same style with the same amount of space for photo’s, just different papers. This paper collection is called, Flea Market.

Cover of Album

I cut squares of all the papers in the collection and pieced them together.  I left the cover blank so it can be custom to your order.

Inside page of front cover

Inside Pages

Inside Pages and Journaling Tags

Inside Pages and More Journaling Tags

Inside Pages

Inside Pages

Inside Pages

Inside Pages

Both of these album are listed on my website to keep all you memories and happy moments.  You get a FREE (see below) photo journaling album with purchase of one at regular price.  See my website for more details.

Get One FREE With Purchase

Click HERE to see inside pages of these FREE albums.

happy hump day,

As adults, we still design or build models to describe or better understand our experience; often in the form of mental models.  We can get stuck in these, our ego says, “it took years to create this, how dare you come along and dismantle everything I know!” The great undoing may be treacherous; and yet, powerful and freeing; not unlike building blocks tumbling and crashing to the floor.

There is something so satisfying (for me) by designing and constructing a concrete representation of ideas and processes. They take form and structure yet still malleable to be infused with new insights and variables. While coaching and facilitating teams or groups of people, it’s quite clear to me that although I have a structure or process, the parts within it are moving or adapting to the context in which we are present. I’m also aware and rather intentional about the co-creative and collaborative experience underway.

It’s even more fascinating when I start to notice other models coming into play. Will one supersede and crash the other? Will one aspect of a model; a moving part let’s say, alter and change the flow? Will another model be created? Will it transform and bring about new possibilities?  Whether models are used to describe our process or experience, one must be prepared to let go and allow room for other structures to take it’s place; for when we hold on, we stop co-creating and growing. Sure a little repetition is okay, that’s a big part of learning but when the model or process becomes too fixed or inflexible – then we get caught up in being right!

For today, consider what you are building: a relationship, a project, an appreciation for something or someone, a business plan, a team, a strategic plan…it doesn’t matter so much as to what it is, but rather your approach and attitude.  Be Flexible.  What are you willing to keep, tweak, demolish, or add? What will be transformed? Who might just come along and crash your model and if someone does you can say, “thank you, I’ll start anew.”

With Love,

jeannie

Sign – up’s start tomorrow

January 7 – 9

What is a Bead Soup Blog Party?

Here’s how it works!

First, you must have a blog!

Second, NO, you do NOT have to make your own beads!

Third, YES it is open to International beaders!

This is NOT a competition.

This is open to ALL skill levels.

Did you know Lori is writing a book?  The book about the Bead Soup Blog Party, published by Kalmbach, will be out October 2012!

Thank you all for leaving a comment.

Bead Trends January 2012

Do you have your January Bead Trends issue yet? What to get a FREE one?

Dry Ice

Close Up

14K gold clasp

This necklace is in this issue.  It is ALL Swarovski crystals. Oh so pretty.

I’m in good company this month. There are some amazing designs in there.

Leave a comment and your name will be entered into a random drawing to win the January issue of Bead Trends. Winner will be posted, in this post on Monday, January 9th. Winner will NOT be notified, so please check back.

If you post this giveaway on your blog, FB, etc. come back and let me know.

It’s New Year’s Day, do you know where you muse is?

I hope I can help you find her this year.

So what is Echo Creative Club?  I’m looking for experienced jewelry designers to use my art beads and pendants for FREE.  I will be concentrating on my Peeled Paint art beads and Gin Blossoms for now.

What does the name, Echo Creative mean?  Echo is something you put out there and it comes back.  I put my beads out there and they come back in a creative design from you.

Guidelines:

Must have a blog of two years or more.

Experienced jewelry designers, preferably published in a magazine, but not required.

You’re required to design something by the 25th (ie, January 25 of this month) of that month and post on your blog.  This is not optional!

You will post your Echo Creative Club piece in our Flickr Group each month.

I will pay first class shipping charges, but if you want them sent priority mail or express, shipping charges are on you.  International applicants will have to pay All shipping charges.

I will give you a choice, providing there is one of what I’m offering for that month.  So lots of choices, peeled paint or gin blossom?  What color?

This post will become a tab at the top of my blog so I can keep you informed about who is participating each month.  You can even choose your own month(s).  All twelve or just one, two, three…

If I have an overwhelming response to this club I will choose more than one designer per month.  Keeping my fingers crossed.

 You will be given more information by email when you sign up.

BONUS: If you happen to submit your design to a magazine and it gets published in 2012, you will receive a $50 gift certificate to my website.

Who wants to take the first slot for January?  Will it be you?  You can contact me by email if you’re interested, NOT through this post.

I’m SO EXCITED about this I just want to pee my pants and shout it from the roof top.

This may not be for you, but if you know someone who might be interested, PLEASE, send them my way.

Thank you,

jeannie

Chrysler Building

Chrysler Building, 1928-1930

William Van Alen

The Chrysler Building was designed by architect William Van Alen for a project of Walter P. Chrysler. When the ground breaking occurred on September 19, 1928, there was an intense competition in New York City to build the world’s tallest skyscraper. Despite a frantic pace (the building was built at an average rate of four floors per week), no workers died during the construction of this skyscraper.

This month’s Art Bead Scene Challenge is the Chrysler Building. Oh love the steely blue. I have been in that building so I felt compelled to enter this month’s challenge.

ABS Challenge

I chose oxide silver chain in the color on the building…or very close.

Gin Blossom Pendant

I used one of my Gin Blossom Pendants as the focal and two blue resin beads.

Lariat

Added one of Kerry Bogerts glass rings to represent the windows.  I have been hoarding this glass ring so long and now I know why. It’s perfect for this lariat.

I made these scalene triangles to mimic the star burst shape and added faceted, fire polished Czech glass beads.

This lariat will be on my website 50% OFF today only.

I’m giving away one of my Gin Blossom pendants.  See previous and leave a comment to get your name entered into a random drawing.

I started with a sketch of a flower first. I wanted it to have lots of texture and depth, so I added the little petals in the center and leaves between each flower petal.

Gin Blossoms-Light

I sent my sketch to Mad About Molds. That was the first time I ever had a custom mold done. I usually make my own. The first mold they made was too flat. I told them I wanted the pendant to have a dome shape so I was surprised to see this flat (really flat) mold.  Jeannie was not happy.

Gin Blossoms-Dark

It all worked out and the end result is smashing.

Vitruvian Man - For Sale

I like things that look vintage or aged. I make a lot of my art work that way, so it was just natural for me to make the pendants look that way.

Now it was time to play with them.  They can be paired with any type of bead or used as a bracelet focal. Some have two holes.

Resin, Acrylic and Smoky Quartz Gemstones

Magnesite Turquoise and Smoky Quartz Gemstones

Resin and Faceted Glass Beads

Paper Beads

Paper Beads and Red Quartz Gemstones

Ceramic Bead Mix

Buri Seed Beads and Red Quartz Gemstones

My Own Peeled Paint Art Beads

jade

Faceted Glass Beads

Cherry Quartz and Faceted Czech Glass

Ceramic Mix

Swarovski Crystals

So tell me which Gin Blossom is your favorite and what beads would you use with it?

My Gin Blossoms are waiting for you to play with. You can go to my website for more information on size and finishes.