Custom Lampwork Pieces

A couple of months ago I received 4 pretty lampwork beads from a customer of mine. She had picked them up at a local art show. She brought them to me and asked me to create something custom for her with them. Here are the results of that endeavor....

I started with the bracelet. I loved the colors of these beads...chocolate and turquoise..yum...! I picked the one I wanted to use in the necklace and set it aside. The Mocca Swarovski color was a perfect match as was the Turquoise Swarovski. I decided to use Sterling silver links instead of stringing it on beading wire. It gave the bracelet more movement and all sides of the lampwork beads can be seen. I made the necklace a little more simple, I wanted it to compliment the bracelet, not compete with it.
I love doing custom work...! It challenges my creativity and lets me design using pieces that I don't have in my vast bead stash ( the fun part). It's an awesome feeling to know that I have customers out there who trust my design ability enough to create something for them from something they love...! If you have a focal or some beads that have been collecting dust that you've been waiting for an idea about what to do with them...drop me an email, I'd be glad to help as a consultant or a designer.

Where did the Month go..?

I have no idea where this month went. I blinked and it's almost gone. I have been busy trying to keep up with my stock of Naked Sandals, it has been a full-time gig, but that's not a bad thing. I didn't realize how big barefoot sandals had become, until I saw that a link to my Artfire shop was included in an article on the web site Handmade News. The article is called Trends to Try: Summer's Hottest Sandals. Who knew..? No wonder I can't keep them in stock..!

This last photo is a necklace I made with a glass seashell bead made by StudioMarcy on Etsy. Isn't it pretty...? Marcy is a part of my Unique Women in Business Group. An awesome group of Business Women who share ideas and support each other. I knew when I saw that bead, I had to have it. Marcy has a lot of cute creatures, little food beads, fish and seashells in her shop.

Biloxi Art Association Festival of Arts

Just a quick note today...! It's been a hectic week...! The Fais Do Do last weekend was a rousing success. The weather was perfect..! ( About 15 degrees cooler than last year, Yea!)

I will be at the Edgewater Mall this weekend for the Festival of Arts. I am not sure of my location yet, but I shouldn't be too hard to find, try the rock climbing wall area.

I got a lot of stunning sea glass ( example leftt) in a couple of weeks ago and some gorgeous Kazuri beads on Monday. I haven't had too much time to play yet, but hope to before Saturday...!
This bracelet is made of aqua sea glass, mother of pearl and swarovski. The stunner of the piece is the Sterling silver box clasp with an inlaid swarovski crystal. I'm not sure if I like it or the seahorse the best..!
Hope to see you there this weekend...!

Absence of Reason....

...or is it Reason of Absence....?? hmmm...tough call..!! I know it has been awhile...but I have a really good reason...! One..I turned 40 about 2 weeks ago...two...my Mom was here for a visit from Wisconsin. She hasn't been here for 3 years...so we had a lot of time to make up for, while she was here... so the jewelry biz was put on the back-burner as much as I was able to leave it there. It wasn't easy I tell ya, it was the first time since I opened Caly's Jewelry Creations that it wasn't my priority.

Mom and I got to spend time in some of our favorite restaurants. One my birthday, we got to have lunch at Yuki's with my friend Patty for sushi. Mom requires at least 2 sushi lunches while she is here in order to get her "fix"...no complaints from me. I guess the sushi in Wisconsin isn't near as wonderful as what we have here.





This last photo was taken at my other favorite restaurant...Shady's. I think I have spent the last 6 birthday's at my favorite Thai restaurant and oyster bar. Grilled oysters for appetizer and lemongrass soup for dinner..nothing beats it...! I could eat Thai everyday...! The photo below is one of the owners of Shady's and a good friend of ours Chuck S. If you're ever in the area and want some great food, I highly recommend Shady's. They just opened a 2nd location in Ocean Springs.

Mom and played cards, talked, worked on projects around the yard I have sorely neglected and had a wonderful time.

As much as I love my business..it was a needed break and now I am back with fresh eyes and an eager muse.

I have 2 shows coming in very shortly. I will be at the Biloxi Shrimp Festival across from the Hard Rock Casino on June 6th and then at the Edgewater Mall for the Biloxi Art Association Festival of Arts on June 12th-13th. I'd love to see you there...!

Got out the Kazuris today..!

Yea...! I got to play with my Kazuri beads today...! They were a real hit at my last show and I realized I only had 1 bracelet left, so I took them out and was immediately entranced by the colors. Before I knew it...the afternoon was gone and I all these beautiful pieces..!
I am in the process of loading these pieces to my Artfire studio.

Dauphin Island: Treasure Trove & Marti's

You can now find Caly's Jewelry Creations on Dauphin Island, AL...! The Treasure Trove and Marti's are the newest additions to my retail outlets. The Treasure Trove is carrying my beach-style jewelry which includes: Sea glass and sea life charms. Marti's is carrying my line of Naked Sandals..! They should receive their first shipment of sandals in the next 2 weeks.

The 2nd Annual Dauphin Island Art Show was an official success...! There were 33 artists there showing off their many talents, from polymer clay ( See Janie at Life Art Designs) to pottery, photography, watercolors, artisan jewelry ( my good and talented friend Lisa of Serena's Jewels was there) and handmade soaps. We had beautiful weather and a great turn out...! I had a great time hanging out with Lisa and her husband in their home on the island. They were the perfect hosts and I look forward to being able to go hang out again with more time to spare.

Summer Sea Glass Set

Wow...! Say that 3 times fast...!! Summer Sea Glass Set... Summer Sea Glass Set...Summer Sea Glass Set...Ok...maybe not so bad. I think I have been making Naked Sandals too long..I'm getting delirious...! What can I say..as fast I make them...they hit the door, I can't keep them in stock. If you live in the area though, you can now find Caly's Naked Sandals in the Taunt shop located in the Hard Rock Casino as well as Sea About It in Ocean Springs.

I will be on Dauphin Island for the 2nd Annual Dauphin Island Arts Festival this weekend. The festival is located in Cadillac Square Park....I will be in booth number 22. The Festival hours are 9-5 on Saturday and 9-4 on Sunday. If you're in the mood for a road trip to the beach or will be in the area, stop by and say Hi..!
Now....on to the new pieces....! I have got some great pieces of sea glass in stock now and I am finally getting a chance to play with them...this set is the first in what I hope to be a great summer line. I love the royal blue color. I'm not sure I want to list this set....it is too yummy...! Oh..all right....if you insist....if for some this set makes it past the Dauphin Island show...you will find it in my Artfire Studio next week. I may even have other great colors for you to choose from...! I'd love to hear your comments on these pieces...!