Creativity Quote Bracelet

Last semester I created this collaged bangle for my Visual Communications class. The assignment was simple: create something (anything) that visually conveys a specific quote.

I choose this quote by Julia Cameron:

Creativity - like human life itself - begins in darkness

It fit perfectly with my idea of collaging a bangle, because the bracelet, like the quote, symbolizes the circle of life. Then playing off the quote again, I used a graduation of black, grey and white plain and patterned papers as the background. I placed the quote on top then added some stick-on gems for a bit of sparkle.

Then I presented it in this small box surrounded by black tissue paper, as if it were also emerging from darkness.

End of the Year Sale

I am having an end of the year sale at my etsy shop. If you like color, beach glass and/or fun and funky art, jewelry and supplies then stop in.

I'll be offering FREE SHIPPING on everything!

Beach Glass Cuff Bracelet

I am taking a break from blogging about my collage challenge to show you my latest creation: a beach glass cuff bracelet.

Over the weekend a longtime friend - and fellow jewelry enthusiast was visiting - so I signed us up for a class at a local bead store to make this bracelet. We had a blast and in less than hour we each had one of these lovely cuff bracelets.

Made from aluminum, the bracelet is super light and very stylish!

Architecture Inspiration

I believe inspiration can be found everywhere as long as we look for. But sometimes, it finds you instead. Sorting through my images this week I started finding connections between my photography and jewelry, especially my paper bangle series.

Above is a recent image where I captured the window of a lighthouse keeper's house. I loved not only the charming tiny painted boats on the shutter, but also the colorfully painted framing and smooth texture of the wood.

Here is the bracelet I created using wood patterned paper. The appearance of the wood grain gives it a natural look even though it is coating a resin bangle.

The shot of the actual lighthouse shows the contrast of the smooth exterior surface and the rough texture of the brick framing the door and windows.

Similarly, this bangle, which I covered in brick patterned paper, gives the illusion of texture despite it's smooth texture.

Finally, here is an image I took of a winery that mimics a French stone exterior. The use of the stone to create a building that seems so many centuries older than it really is intriguing to me.

Collecting these images and reflecting on my own experience as a teacher in architecture museums, I can now see that long hind sighted road that led to my current creative inspirations.

What are your inspirations? Where did they come from?

Pretty Pinks

As winter nears to an end, I'm looking forward to spring and all the colors it will bring. These pretty pink tulips inspired my spring color fascination. A gift for my recent birthday, they capture the essence of spring color.

I was so inspired that I went out and bought the paper below. Yes, that's paper. It's a lovely shade of pink and gives the impression of satin folds. I had no plans for it when I bought it. I've never used pink in any of the works in my shop, so far. But with spring just around the corner, I'm thinking this color is the perfect inspiration.

So, what should I make with this paper? A collage? ACEO? Bracelet?

Stone ACEO & Bracelet

I've added the final pieces from my fall/winter collection to my etsy shop. Considering the weather here has been cold and grey lately, it seems appropriate that I end with a grey ACEO and grey square bracelet.

For these pieces, I combined stone patterned paper with grey paper to create a contrast. I think the bracelet came out really nice. It's one of my favorite new pieces.

Color Changes Everything: Part II

In a recent post, I commented how color changes everything. By that I meant, how the background color transforms an object when photographing it.

After

Well for some time, I've been trying to find just the right background and lighting for my cherry stretch bracelet. Considering the sun here has almost been nonexistent in the past month, that has been the most challenging part. Finally, the sun came out recently, and I tried the image with a grey background. It's not perfect, but I think it's an improvement from before.

Before

What do you think? Which do you like better?

Cherry

Just in time for Cyber Monday, I am adding new items all day to my etsy shop.

Here is my latest ACEO collage that features red and cherry patterned paper.

Also, I've created a new wood stretch bracelet with a cherry motif. Both pieces are heavily glossed for a shiny appearance.

Color Changes Everything

I have been busy trying to re-purpose some pieces from last winter's collection, mostly my collage bangles, to sell in my etsy shop.

Here is my brick bangle, from earlier this year, photographed with a plain white background:

And now here it is photographed with a burnt orange background:

Which one do you like better?

Just Beachy

In a previous post, I mentioned my fondness for the beach in winter, yet nothing can compare to the beach in summer. The warm sun and cool breezes. It may only be Lake Erie, but to me it's the ocean.

Last weekend, I met a friend at Pennsylvania's Presque Isle State Park and soaked in the glorious beach, which was so much nicer than I expected.

Inspired by my love of the beach, this resin bangle bracelet is covered with seashell paper plus an inside strip of yellow paper and glossed all over for a shiny finish.

Blue

Summer is the best time to appreciate cool blues. Here in the Midwest, we recently had our first heat wave of the summer. With temperatures reaching into the 90s for almost a week, I'm sure I wasn't the only one dreaming of a cool pool.

This 5x7" paper collage is the perfect relief from the heat. Using decorative blue pool paper, plain blue paper, and a lined note card I created this simple oasis.

More cool blue was used to decorate this stretch bracelet which has text diamonds on blue circles.

More Bracelets

I'm loving this idea of creating wearable art, in addition to my collages. I started covering clear resin bangles with decorative paper and covering them with a shiny gloss. (see above)

Then, I started experimenting with creating mini collages on wooden stretch bracelets. This time I was inspired by shape and color. (see above)

Now, I am thinking about my next line. I still have a few of the bangles left and probably a dozen of the stretch bracelets left, even some white ones.


What kinds of designs, using paper, would you like to see on bracelets?

As Seen On....

This morning I was excited to learn that my burgundy bracelet, which is a resin bangle covered with decorative paper and recycled book text was featured on Scoutie Girl's blog in the Friday Scout Out: Burlap.

Green Grass

I recently completed this green grass bangle bracelet to celebrate spring. The color and pattern are part of my new collection of art and jewelry. Soon to come are more button rings, bangle bracelets and collages, plus new for spring are wooden stretch bracelets with collaged shapes and text.

Spring Preview

In my ongoing quest to find spring, I've been working on colorful new pieces to brighten my spirit. For my latest collection of art and jewelry dedicated to color, I am exploring using purple, yellow, blue and pale green in my pieces.

Above, I glued bright yellow circles then recycled book text stars onto a black stretch bracelet, then glossed them to create a fun collage inspired piece.

This new bangle, with an inside splash of purple, is covered with white lace decorative paper to create a feminine, yet whimsical piece. As you can see, I'm also experimenting with colored backgrounds for my images to liven them up.

Brick Bangle and Collage

One of the things I love about working with paper is its versatility. Even though it is only a two dimensional surface, patterns can give it the appearance of texture. This is especially true of this paper covered bangle bracelet. A clear resin bangle is covered with brick patterned paper and a hint of recycled book text, then glossed to give it a shiny appearance.

Using this same brick paper, I also made a 5x7 " collage on canvas board. Using similar tones, I incorporated a brown paper bag into the background and a couple of tree trunk images in the foreground. To add real texture, I added a button and ribbon.