Assembly Line (cont)

Bars are added first. Faux rivets are added last

Ready for the Kiln

These became the 24 Mended Hearts for the Etsy Metal Clay Team's Charm Swap. I made 25 - the one extra was a "just in case" one breaks thing.

New Spring Babies

Last year we had a couple of birds that took up residents under our back porch. One of their offspring returned this year to raise another family. From fuzzy babies to feathered fledglings - Just one of those circle of life things :)

Artful Mosaic Supplies

Creating the Route 66 Necklace was a long time in the making. I had spotted the Red & Black Ceramic Picasso Faces on Etsy about a year ago – and knew I had to get them – only I hadn’t figured out exactly why.

Dana Flemming a fellow New Mexico artist owns/runs a wonderful Etsy store, known as Artful Mosaic Supplies. Here you’ll find everything for your mosaic needs. She also specializes in MDF shapes for your creations. It was in her store that I found the ceramic Picasso Faces.

Having a love for all things vintage & retro, the faces reminded me of the art deco designs from this by gone era. After the pendant was made it had to be accented by just the right combination of beads. After deciding on the diamond shaped onyx & sterling silver beads, it was evident that only a hand made clasp, created in the cubist style would finish off the necklace.

If you are looking for unique and fun shapes at great prices this is the store to visit.
http://www.etsy.com/shop/artfulmosaicsupplies

It has been a honor and a privilege to share the success of the Route 66 Necklace with Dana – for if it wasn’t for her ceramic Picasso faces, the necklace may not be here today.

Please Visit Artful Mosaics at: http://artfulmosaicsupplies.blogspot.com/

Get Your Kicks on Route 66

Route 66 Necklace
As seen in Bead Trends Magazine - May 2010

Focal piece infomation:
The Ceramic "Picaso" Face is made by Dana Flemming
Artful Mosaic Supplies: http://www.etsy.com/shop/ArtfulMosaicSupplies

The Metal Clay (PMC3) work by Carrie Benvenuti
UraniumCafe
http://www.etsy.com/shop/UraniumCafe


Necklace design and fabrication by Carrie Benvenuti


Instrustion available on:
northridgemedia.net/blogs/beadtrends

Marvelous March

Spring has finally arrived, and the snow is starting to melt – visions of warmer weather fill my head. The daffodils leaves are about four inches tall and the trees are starting to bud – and soon the hummingbirds will return – and then the subdued landscape will once again be teaming with life.

And with the change of season, comes new creations designed to celebrate the rebirth of the world around us. The March issue of Bead Trends Magazine offers some wonderful ideas to jumpstart your spring/summer creative thoughts. Included in this issue is my Enchanted Forest Bracelet (pages 22 & 23). The bracelet features handmade bronze charms, a colorful array of 4mm glass beads, and glass leaves. Along with beautiful photos of artists work are tutorials on how each piece was made.

Enjoy your new creative adventure…

Enchanted Forest Bracelet

As seen in the March 2009 issue of Beads Trends Magazine