Treasures, Treasuries, and Thoughts

I swore I would never do a blog! So much for swearing. I didn't think that I would have much to say or share. I was wrong! I have been so blessed with a wonderful family, loyal friends, sharing colleagues, and the support from so many that I will never run out of topics to write about.

I have opened an on-line store at a place called Etsy (rhymes with Betsy). The items on the left are available for purchase there. These will change from week to week to show you my latest creations. The link to the store is in the upper left corner of this page.

I also have items for sale listed on Art Fire. The link to my Art Fire Studio is http://www.jstinson.artfire.com/

I hope you will visit this blog, my Flickr page (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jstinson/2500402289/) and my Etsy and/or Art Fire stores often. (http://www.jstinson.etsy.com/ http://www.jstinson.artfire.com


So come along on my Trail of Treasures! It will be a Spirit Journey for me and I invite you to join me on the trip.

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Custom Pendant



Not long ago, I was contacted by a very nice lady who had a pair of native american earrings. She wanted a pendant to match them. After several e-mails, we determined that the best way to approach the situation was for her to send me one of the earrings.

It is often difficult to match the work done by someone else even if you are able to locate the beads. Exact matches are usually not possible. Even dye lots from one batch of the same beads differ from one another. So, I had no idea what I problems that I would face.

She also wanted the pendant to be larger than the earrings. This gets into another set of problems. How do you replicate the original design but enlarge it?

She did not want a necklace, only the pendant. She will be able to change the necklace portion with leather, ribbon, or cord depending on her mood and her apparell.

Next problem. A pair of earrings that one has had for several years will be dulled somewhat due to sunlight, wear, etc. New beads will be brighter.

The pendant is finished and is about as close as I could make it. I just sent the photo off to her and am waiting to hear back. I hope she likes it!

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

New Listing



This striking black and AB (auroa borealis) white bracelet was made on my trusty loom. It has a somewhat "art deco" feel.

The beaded portion of the bracelet is 6 1/2 inches long and 1 1/8 inches wide. The silver plated chain and lobster claw clasp make the bracelet adjustable to fit wrists up to 9 inches.

If you like the design but would prefer it in other colors, I have similar ones posted on this site or you can contact me with your specific interests. I would be happy to loom one just for you.

Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) for viewing.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Pink Fan Fare Earrings: New Etsy and Artfire Listing



I was requested by one of my customers to make these earrings in pink for her daughter's upcoming birthday. While I had the beads out, I decided to make and list a second pair in my Etsy ( http://www.jstinson.etsy.com ) and Artfire ( http://www.jstinson.artfire.com ) stores.

These have been made in a variety of colors and I would be happy to custom make a pair for you in any color you choose. Many of my customers have become a fan of these Fan Fare earrings and have them in several colors! Let me know what you think!

Monday, May 4, 2009

Uncle Sam Wants You Earrings



I had the good fortune of selling a pair of these earrings to one of my faithful returning customers this morning. I decided to re-list them in my Etsy and my Artfire stores. http://www.jstinson.etsy.com and htpp://www.jstinson.artfire.com

These cute earrings were done initally as a group project at my monthly beading club, the Omaha Beady Bunch. http://www.beadybunch.org

The design is by Angela Womach and permission to reproduce was generously granted by Rings and Things. http://www.rings-things.com

Uncle Sam, sporting his traditional red, white, and blue hat, is reminescent of the posters used during World War II for recruitment. It is a timeless image.

The earrings are made in brick stitch of seed beads. The earrings measure 1 1/2 inches. The gold hypoallergenic earwire adds an additional 1/2 inch to the total drop. The width is just short of 1 inch at the widest point.

These earrings are cute, fun and patriotic! And I Want You to check them out!

Mvto and Wa-do (Thank you in Creek and Cherokee) for viewing.