Bead Soup in Progress!

A few days ago I shared about my bead soup that I received from this rounds swap partner. Now it's time to share a little taste of the soup! It's done, and I'd love to tell you about the cooking process, but I can't show you the final product yet! The bead soup party is on the 26th and I'll be able to reveal all then. For now...

I truly believe in evolution. Not Darwin's kind, but I think that so much of creating is an evolutionary process! I don't think most people realize the work that can go into even a simply strung necklace. Why? Because it's constantly changing until you settle down on the final piece!

This piece started out with a handful of bead soup from Shai. I separated the beads into two groups and I thought I knew exactly what I was doing with this set! So, a couple of nights ago I put the beads on a paper plate (don't ask) and proceeded with my plan. It failed. Completely. I later figured out how I probably could have made it work, but that was after I had finally managed to create something I liked!

So plan 1 down, I was on to plan 2! That failed as well and I was going to make a simple bracelet. I was about half way done when I remembered a focal I had noticed earlier but put aside because it was definitely meant for a necklace.

Trust me - that close up isn't the most flattering - it looks much better as a whole! But I have to preserve some of the mystery don't I? Looking at the focal, and then at the bracelet, I knew what these beads wanted to be - a necklace!

For those of you keeping track - that was plan 3 down onto plan 4. But wait - there's more!

I was originally thinking of using some heavy cream beads (they look like a coffee with tons of cream!) to accent the main beads. I got them out, looked at them under my desk light (the rest of the room is rather dim) and noticed that the shell's Shai had sent me are a dark brown to tan with white accents! Yes, I said white. Bye - bye heavy cream! Onto plan 5.

I pulled out the white beads and started to string the necklace and decided the white was boring. It also didn't complement Shai's shell beads very well by itself. Back to the bead box! Plan 6 was to add in some brown seed beads.

It took a couple of try's after that to get the write count of seed beads to main beads, but I'll leave it at plan 6 because that is such an incredibly normal part of the process that it doesn't deserve it's own incarnation :P

*Phew* That was quite a journey for a simple necklace! It turned out lovely though - and I even have a name for it! I just have to wait until the 26th before I can show it off :) I have one more piece to make with her bead soup too! I'm looking forward to working on that one - hopefully it will be a less convoluted process. Especially because I have a lot of projects in my bead box right now!

Where is the time going?

Once again it has been a long time since I last blogged. I did say that I was going to blog about 2010 in the life of Zazu Jewellery but unfortunately my scanner has broken so cant put my press articles in!

I have decided to start a party plan business so if you would be interested in getting some extra cash please do let me know.
I have my first recruit who lives in the same town as me and she has her first party booked  in a couple of weeks time.

I have been busy refining collections like this:

Creating new collections like these:

Its only two months til the British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF) and i'm getting really excited. There is absolutely loads of stuff to do still.
I now have all the stand furniture and need just a couple more necklace stands. The hotel is booked and most of the collections are completed.
I do however still need to design some promotional material, make up a stock of jewellery and get a hair cut!
I am hopeless with my hair so I plan to get it cut the day before we go in the hope I can keep the style looking good for 3 whole days!

Popular!

Black Spiral Hemp Choker

One of my more popular items has been my hemp creations - especially this month! So it's the perfect time to relist this necklace with all new photos. It's 15 inches and only $15! I didn't do that on purpose - I promise! The bead in the center is a lovely pink lampwork bead that I picked up in my local bead shop - and fell in love with! Is this lovely piece going to be yours?

I also happen to have a hemp necklace in line to make for myself right now - I'll show you pictures when I get to it! Whenever that is...

Not Exactly a Piece of Cake

Piece of Cake

I thought it entertaining that today's item renewal on Etsy was my "Piece of Cake" necklace! Why? Well because  my focus right now is on setting and obtaining goals, and I'm quickly being reminded that they aren't necessarily a piece of cake! Some of my goals I'm doing great with. Others...

My goals for my business are:

~ 60 Sales this Year, which breaks down to 5 a month.

~ Increase Traffic. Breaks down to the specific goals of post or renew at least one item 5 times a week. Blog 5 times a week. 

Simple, specific, and should be relatively attainable right? 

I even made a little sheet to keep track of how I'm doing on each of my goals (business and life)! I'll blog about that tomorrow (hopefully) and it's telling me that I'm not starting out so great on some things. Such as my business goals. My weeks starts with Sunday, and this is the first time I've blogged or posted an item! Which means I better not miss a day the rest of this week :P We'll see how it goes! Off to my T'ai Chi class :)

Getting Stuff Done!

I've been really sick with a bad cold, and it hasn't gone completely away, but it's finally better enough that I can function as long as I have some cold meds! Woohoo! So what does that mean? I've been working like crazy tonight! Check it out:

First of all - just go check out my etsy shop. 

I've spent all night renewing anything that has a good picture!

That's a LOT of items ladies and gentlemen :)

Tomorrow - I start taking new pictures of old items that need it!

As for Artfire...I finally added something again!

Blue and Yellow Millifiori Necklace

This beauty is only $15 with free shipping! 

Ok - I've worked on a bunch of stuff since I last posted...

But I'm to tired to take any more pictures. 

So look for this tomorrow :D 

Fun Stuff All!

Shades of Nepal

This bracelet is a special one.

My brother sent me the beads from Nepal! 

I'm so tempted to keep this one for myself...

But I like how it turned out so much that it's up for sale!

If no one grabs it things might not stay that way though...

Spring Fling

Ok, I know it's not exactly spring right now...

This would still make a GREAT Christmas present though!

AND it's 10% off! 

Nothing new crafty wise today - but I plan on doing a bunch this afternoon!

Make of the day and a project (thanks to Mummy!)

Today I made this pendant which has a chunky faceted Rock Crystal drop surrounded by white freshwater pearls. 

This is going to become one of my collections which will have this pendant which is ideal for Bridesmaids, a fuller  necklace which will have a fan effect with the Rock Crystal drops, Earrings and a bracelet.

It will also come in a midnight version which will have oxidised silver and black agate beads instead of pearls - perfect for a glitzy night out!

My Mum also gave me a broken silver matchstick holder, it is really pretty and decorative and both decided it would make a fab belt buckle so that is what I plan to do!

LOTS of CHANGES

Oh goodness! What a day it's been! I can decide where to begin! Wow. I've had a lot of things I've been wanting to get done for a long time and I got so much of it done today! Maybe I should just list it...

Cleaning:
1. Kitchen
2. Bedroom
3. Some of the living room

Design:
1. THE BLOG - I'm going for red and green right now in honor of the upcoming holiday - can you tell? LOL
2. I also created and updated both banners and avatars (and on Artfire the color theme) in both my shops.
3. I made the little section headers I wanted to make! You'll see in a minute ;)

Cooking:
1. Breakfast: pancakes and sausage :D Don't worry I really was behaving! I used sugar-free syrup and they were turkey sausages :P
2. Dinner: (breakfast was at lunch time) BBQ Pork loins, mashed potatoes, and broccoli.

Wow - it was a full day! Now on to the things in my shop and and the crafty stuff I got done yesterday!

Wood and Tubes Spirals

These babies are on CLEARANCE!!!!

Pink Delight Bracelet

Wouldn't this be the perfect Christmas present?

Mexican Peso Necklace

This would be perfect to add a bit of travel flair to your

wardrobe - and perfect to wear at Christmas! 

This necklace is a commission for my friend Gypsy :D

If anyone's interested in something similar just let me know! 

I made something else yesterday too - but I didn't like how it turned out :P 

So it's being scrapped and no picture! 

Until tomorrow ~ Ruthie

Latest order and commission

A lovely lady from America contacted me on Etsy asking if I could make one of my silver spiral necklaces for her and a pair of earrings that she wanted to go with it.

She knew exactly what the earrings should look like and this is them. I hope she likes them.

They are being sent out tomorrow for her.

Cafehandmade Feature!

I have been featured on Cafehandmade! You can read and learn all about me, the person behind Finding Charm! Don't forget to vote after you read the feature.

Featured in a Fabulous Way

I was approached by sixthirtythree asking permission to use one of my Etsy Shop photos in her blog. I granted her permission, but I had no idea how wonderful the blogpost would be. She put together a great summer outfit, accessories and all. My earrings were chosen perfectly for this black and white outfit. What a great way to promote fellow handmade artists. Please go to her blog and read her post. She'll continue to promote outfits...

Thank you Chloe!

Charm of the Week: Rainbow Multistrand Handmade Necklace, Bracelet and Earrings

Bright, colorful and unique this rainbow necklace is made up of a variety of glass beads. Four strands are strung through rainbow tube glass beads and adorned with larger beads and silver spacers. The necklace measures 22 1/2 inches.  http://www.etsy.com/listing/37156653/rainbow-multi-strand-handmade-necklace
Delicate hoop earrings float from your ears. They dangle shy of 2 inches.

The bracelet is also multistranded and coordinated with the necklace and earrings. A rainbow tube bead and orange round glass beads are used. Bracelet measures 7 inches.

Will ship international, please contact me so I can get you an accurate quote.

See more jewelry at http://www.etsy.com/shop/FindingCharm

Silver Spirals Necklace

I have been working on a new collection recently which is made from sterling silver. It is formed to produce a shell like shape.

The pics just dont do it justice! The inside is super shiney with a hollow blue glass bead and the outside is matted. It hangs from a 30" chunky belcher chain.

I also plan to make this in other materials.

I would love to hear what you think!

Speak soon
Chloe
xx

EtsyBloggers: April 23 Carnival

This month's Carnival topic is presented by: http://joeyandaleethea.com/blog

 

"4/23 is my birthday!! Tell us your birthday and what astrological sign you are. 

Do you ever read/follow your horoscope?"

My birthday is February 10, making me an Aquarius. My personality is that much like an Aquarian. I read my horoscope on Facebook, or my mom, who is very cosmic and astrology savvy, will occasionally read and send me my horoscope.  They are usually pretty on target. I enjoy reading and hearing them. 

I found more information about Aquarians here but I copies the information below.  You can also find more information about your sign there as well.

THE Zodiacal Sign of Aquarius commences on January 21st, but for seven days, being overlapped by the "cusp" of the previous sign, it does not come into full power until on or about January 28th. From this date onward it can not take its full strength until February 19th and is then for seven days gradually losing its strength on account of becoming overlapped by the "cusp" of the incoming sign Pisces. Those born people who were born in such "cusp" usually take from the qualities of both signs. These natures generally tend to feel very lonely in life. They are over-sensitive, and easily wounded in their feelings. AQUARIANS have great desire for material gain, but are not greedy. They are tireless workers and are willing to work for what they want, and do not demand more than their fair share. They read character instinctively, and for this reason they "see through" people too easily to be really happy.

People who were born in February are not demonstrative in affection, but feel very deeply.

They are usually high-strung, and their nerves are generally overwrought. This people often lose control and then say or do things that they bitterly regret later.

They are generally very active for the public good, and often give all they have to relieve the distress of others.

They are good thinkers, and are very successful when it comes to debate and argument, and difficult to convince.

They are excellent in business and finance when they apply their minds to such things, but usually they are more successful for others, and make more money for other people than for themselves. Such people are a seekers of knowledge, rational, open-minded, gifted with breadth of vision.

If people born in this sign manage overcame their sensitiveness and developed their will-power, there is no position they would not be able to attain. They are usually successful in some large sphere of action, where they can feel their responsibilities for others. As an idealist AQUARIANS would like to see that everybody is happy and their ambition is to do something important and meaningful.

They take a great interest in public meetings, gatherings of people, and public ceremonies. In spite of the fact that such people love theatres and concerts, and like to be where crowds of people congregate, they often feel lonely.

If born with money, these people rarely show who they are. They are inclined to let their opportunities slip, or realize them only when it is too late. If, however, people born in this period belong to the lower order of humanity they inclined to lose all sense of honor and principle, and are extremely unreliable, tricky in money matters, dishonest, and unscrupulous in gaining what they desire.

As a lovers these people are full of surprises. They simply cannot be happy or fulfilled unless they are free to do as they like. No matter how deeply in love these people may be, they are never willing to sacrifice their autonomy, but they always put honesty ahead of romance.

In general, it is not true that all people who were born in this time are evil people. In fact, those with the Sun in Aquarius are sometimes «one set against many» against great odds or against an institution; for light are at enmity with darkness in the same way that lions are at enmity with hyenas.

Aquarius - The Sign of the Water Bearer

The Aquarias' symbol is the man, who is holding two vessels in his hands : one contains alive water , another - dead. It symbolises the division between good and evil, black and white. It is in the Aquarias' nature to be interested in science's advanced achievements. For example - computers. In general ,he loves to use any modern technical achievements. Sometimes, he shows such a great interest in them, that they can replace contact with people at all. The inner world of people who were born under the sign of The Aquarias is very unstable. There are rather frequently the revolutions take place. That is why these people are usually moody . Though the Aquarias loves everything new he can find there something old .

Friends

They tend to collect friends the way some people put together an art collection. The typical AQUARIAN may have so many friends, but very few confidants. In real friendship or love they get on best with those born from May 21 to June 20, October 20 to 27, and, as a rule, with those who were born in November.

Health

These people are inclined to suffer most from the stomach, often through the nerves of the stomach in some peculiar manner that is difficult to relieve with ordinary medicine. Bad circulation often troubles them and there is often some delicacy of the eyes.

Color

The most favorable colors for them are all shades of what are known as "electric shades," as electric blues and electric grays.

Stones

The birth stones for the period are sapphires, pink topazes, and moonstones.

Heart of Glass

I have a jewellery party coming up next week and have been asked if I can have a wide range of prices.

I dont really have any jewellery under £10 so thought these pendants would be perfect! They are made from glass, really chunky and hang from a beaded necklace.

Hope they go down well!

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Chloe
XX

NEW! Delicate Lavender Swarovski Crystal Necklace and Pendant

This delicate lavender crystal necklace is designed with a pattern of two shades of purple. A filigree pendant is adorned with lavender crystals. The pendant measures 1 1/4 inches wide and long. The silver plated necklace measures 20 1/2 inches and a barrel clasp is used.
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=43768685

Will ship international, please contact me.

See more jewelry at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/findingcharm

Busy Busy Bumble Bee!

I have been busy making jewellery today for the first time in ages.
I have just got myself a new stockist who has taken a lot of my stock and I have a party coming up so thought i'd better get cracking!

Well this is one of the things ive done, its my favourite of the day. It's made from pretty white Freshwater Pearls, Swarovski Crystals and has a Sterling Silver Heart toggle clasp.

Necklace Discoveries

Spring Bubbles Necklace

One of the current Blog Fire Carnival Themes is "Wow Necklaces" and that tickles me because I was planning on writing a post about necklaces today anyway! I chose to show of my recent creation "Spring Bubbles" because I got a TON of positive feedback, and that makes me say Wow!

The reason I'm thinking about Necklaces today is that I'm in the process of going through my inventory and getting prepared for the summer bazaar season. One step in getting ready was to reorganize how I kept my necklaces. I had been keeping them in a clear plastic box separated by layers of construction paper. I would put two or three necklaces per sheet of paper and at first that worked. Eventually, though, my inventory just grew too large. It was awkward, things began to get tangled, and it was frustrating looking through it for a specific necklace.

Today I finally pulled out some snack bags and put all my necklaces in those. This will make it much easier to find the necklaces, and no tangling! I didn't have enough of the little baggies in my drawer, so I took a walk down the hill to the little grocery store to pick up more. It's a beautiful day out today!

I was rather surprised at what I found when I counted up my necklaces after they were in bags. After all, counting was a cumbersome process before! I have 40 necklaces in my inventory between my two stores. I think that's a good start for the summer bazaar season - how about you?

Oh yes - and for anybody who read yesterday's post, this means I have one thing crossed off the list :D

Charm of the Week: Cream and Amber Chunky Necklace with Pendant and Earrings

This is a fun necklace and earring set. As most people know, everything is bigger in Texas. I found these creamy and amber colored beads and repurposed them into this set. Wasn't sure what I wanted to do with them, then I stumbled across this pendant.  It's a mix of glass and plastic beads. The pendant is antiqued brass with shiny gold rhinestones. The center is a swirly chocolate brown.  Read more details about this set in my shop!

Charm of the Week: Swarovski Crystal and Black Rose Pendant Necklace

This elegant, dramatic necklace is adorned with black, gray and white Swarovski crystals. The black rose is made of high quality resin and backed with a silver plate. A white crystal sparkles from the center of the flower. Silver plated wire and lobster claw are used on this 23 inch necklace.  http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41423704

Will ship international, please contact me.

See more jewelry at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/findingcharm