First and foremost, welcome to the world to little Madelyn, who was born yesterday to my brotherinlaw and sisterinlaw. I can't wait to meet you!

And now to Artful Seniors on Fire Spotlight #2:

ATouchofGlass This artist describes her studio, "Hi. I mostly make stained glass designs for commissioned work although I make a few pieces for sale. If you have a pattern you like, one you've seen or would like one similar to one of my finished designs, I will be happy to make it for you.
Thanks for looking, Carol"















































bydorothylouise: the artist describes her studio: "Many many moons ago I started out making inexpensive jewelery, at first aimed at little girls to fill out my table at the Farmers Markets and Craft Sales where I took my ceramics...... You know... just to have some affordable pieces to cover costs. The first grown-up jewelery had ceramic feature pieces: then because the lustre of pearls enhanced the lustre finishes on the ceramics, I added faux pearls. So I then had extra pearls to which I added shells and Mother of Pearl beads and pieces.. ......see................. the snow-ball effect. Meanwhile I had developed an interest in gemstones and their meanings and ancient attributes.

I had mostly put aside jewelery-making to concentrate on the flower-growing and herb- gathering, but age and injury caught up and I am no longer able to gambol on the hills and through the woods.

Sietse, perhaps to ease flak he was getting because of my frustration, encouraged me to get back into it. After all I do not have to be able to walk to make jewelery...... Now as well as the gemstones I have developed a love for Swarovski crystals and lampwork glass beads........

Sietse decided to try his hand at carving horn, so many of my pieces are really a joint effort as he cuts and polishes the antler pieces and polishes the teeth, fang and claw used in our specialty Totem Jewelery.

We hope you enjoy our creations."

This is one of her vintage offerings:























And this is one of her ceramic offerings:
























I hope you enjoy visiting these studios.

ArtfulSeniors on Fire Spotlight #1

First, Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone!

Okay, folks, this should amuse us until sometime in the fall: I'll take those three guild rosters in the order posted and highlight one or two (depending on whether or not I have other news) of each of the artists in each of the guilds. I wanted to start with Artful Seniors On Fire because they have a wide variety of artists. Next will come West Coast Crafters, then last will come ArtFire Jewelry Designers and Jewelry Supply.

Acadienne	Crocheted items and gift baskets

Acadienne's artist describes her store: Here you will find hand knitted, crocheted, and, coming soon, embroidered items for you, your home, and your children. Baskets found in thrift stores have been repurposed and filled with spa cloths, dish cloths, and baby items for the spring or any season, and all sizes and prices are represented. All items can be ordered in custom colors, just ask! All items are made in smoke-free environments, including my workplace of 86 to 97-year olds with no contagious diseases, just dementia. Have one well-groomed dog who does not come to work with me.

She started selling because she saw an article in the newspaper, and because friends and acquaintances asked her to sell them things.

I didn't see any green for St. Pat's, but I love this towel set:























and this shawl:

























I'm next: Alisuns: Swarovski , gemstone, and glass jewelry

I started selling jewelry because I was working in a pharmacy with an unhealthy atmosphere: the negativity and futility of the job was making me ill and I knew I'd have to leave. Since coming to the San Francisco Bay Area I've had trouble staying employed for the first time in my life. My age had begun to overshadow my experience, and most SFBay companies need office help with a broader range of skills. I thought this might be a way to supplement my income: How come no one told me how much it would cost? Hehehe!

Just in case there isn't something green in the rapid cart, here's one of my green items:























And for the other christian religions, here's something orange:
























Next, we have ArtbyJoan: puzzle greeting cards, Acrylic canvas paintings. Joan began selling her art because she thought it might be fun! What a great way to start a business!

Joan introduces her studio: ArtByJoan's products are all hand painted and signed by me. I paint on many surfaces that are truly one-of-a-kind paintings, one stroke at a time.

I love painting roses, and am painting roses on mini canvases that are great surprises to be given on Mother's Day, Anniversaries, Birthdays, and special occasions.

Roses are a great way to tell someone you love them, thank them, proud of them, job promotion, get well painting, or any occasion!.

My prices are very economical, because I want to paint and spread happiness as well as teach art. My affordable prices give everyone a chance to own a unique painting.






























Field of Poppies, an 8x10 original on canvas.

and

An original art signed pin, priced at only $3!

















All the pictures should be clickable. I hope you enjoy the rest of your St. Patty's day.

AJDJSS roster is broken and I can't fix it!

It's down below a buncha table cells I cannot get rid of. Please scroll in the original post :(

03/21/2009 - Mirricat
03/19/2009 - lineanove
03/18/2009 - nyxenchantments
03/16/2009 - JanelsonArts

1337art	jewelry, collage, and more
Alisuns	Swarovski and gemstone sterling and gold fill jewelry
almondtree	jewelry and jewelry supply, wire wrapping
amyleejewelry	OOAK jewelry
appleblossomfl	unique, handmade everyday jewelry and fun accessories at an affordable price
Aridanfashions	crystal, glass, beadweave jewelry
arielsdad	Jewelry and Jewelry supply
BacisCreations	jewelry
beadallabouti...	Jewelry supply
Beadlady5	Unique handcrafted necklaces, bracelet,s earrings, & more
beadsupplies	Supply
BelleLunaDesigns	This store was empty at the time of this posting
Berrybeads	jewelry
bijouxdesigns...	A little something for everyone!
BLuOrbDesigns	jewelry
brandybrookdesigns	Why wear ordinary when you can wear original?
BrassMonkeyOr...	Adornment for body and soul
bwdesigns	jewelry and jewelry supply
bydorothylouise	vintage and OOAK jewelry
ByHisStripes	Jewelry Supply
CalysJewelryC...	Jewelry
CarolJeansCre...	Jewelry and jewelry supply
catinalife	Gemstone jewelry by Joy
cctexan3	handcrafted lampwork and gemstone jewelry
CMandMJewelry	one of a kind jewelry for all tastes and styles
creativehaven	jewelry
CreativeSpark	handmade jewelry, artwork and household trinkets.
Cthings	Jewelry and custom jewelry
debideaux	glass jewelry supply and silver glass / swarovski jewelry
DebsDazzles	jewelry
DesignsByLynnea	Jewelry & more
Designswithattitude	Fused Glass jewelry
DLCreations-AL	jewelry and jewelry repair
dwhitecreations	handmade jewelry that has a definite ethnic flare
ErkNJrkCreations	jewelry and pendants
FaceofContentmentDesign	PMC and Art Clay classes, hand-crafted silver jewelry, and original polymer clay accesories
gardenofglass	jewelry and craft supply
gemkitty75	Jewelry with USA produced components
gemsbyjerri	Jewelry and jewelry supply
GlitterCrow	This store was empty at the time of this posting
goddessjoy	Handmade Adornment for the Everyday Goddess
HalfMoonBeads	OOAK jewelry and lampwork beads
Iadorbeads	jewelry that sings to your soul
ImagineThat	Handmade artisan beads and premium stones
JessicaSharra...	Wearable ceramic art
JewelrybyDesi...	Jewelry
jinx1764	Feathered and beaded accessories
JonaraBluMaui	Fresh and Funky beaded jewelry with an island twist! Specializing in beach wedding jewelry.
JSmaz	Chain maille, woven bead, and gemstone jewelry
JStoneCreatio...	Jewelry and candles
justthebest4u...	Jewelry, especially wire wrapped
Katsara	jewelry, including fiber jewelry, and other fiber arts
kcrystina	jewelry, mostly gemstone
LaBellaLuna	jewelry
LaDeDaCreatio...	funky polymer clay jewelry and supplies and more
LHJewelryDesign	Gemstone and crystal jewelry
libertydoll	jewelry and jewelry supply, lots more
libragear	hand made chain jewelry
LissaHarlin	This store was empty at the time of this posting
LoriRobbins	lampwork and lampwork jewelry
luxbeads	jewelry supply, gemstones
mamadivine	Extraordinary jewelry for the extraordinary woman
maryajewelry	Metalsmithed jewelry
mirthreverenc...	OOAK jewelry and lots else
Moonstone	jewelry and craft supply and Jewelry
mountaindreamers	sterling and semiprecious stones for everyday wear
MySassyGlass	glass jewelry and supply
MysticCreations	Jewelry and Jewelry supply
MyWiredImagination	Wire wrapped jewelry and tutorials
NatureWhispers	jewelry supply, furniture, paintings
NCTeddyBearLady	Jewelry, teddy bears, and more
outofthepinksky	Jewelry
patricia2558	Jeweled magic
phoenixllewelyn	Jewelry
pixestreasurechest	unique jewelry inspired by Nature
popnicute	OOAK jewelry, tutorials, and more
Roseange	jewelry, collage, and more
Rougeriverbeads	beading supplies
RoyalDesigns	Semi-precious gemstones, pearls, Swarovski and Czech crystals, lampwork, sterling silver and gold vermeil.
SanikiCreations	OOAK jewelry
schoolofcharms	Timeless and Eclectic Jewelry
ShinesBySherry	Jewelry and jewelry supply
ShinyAdornments	handmade beaded and wire wrapped jewelry
southfielddesigns	jewelry, bead weaving
StudioCDesign...	Trendy casual, vintage classic or contemporary elegance paired with beautiful hues of bold color
STudioOnTheHill	handmade high quality jewelry and supplies
SurpriseSupplies	Beautiful beads to inspire your creations
SusanCalvert	Necklaces and card art
suzbax	Jewelry to keep
TheQueensRoyalCoach	QUEENLY CHARMS, BEADS, BRACELETS, NECKLACES, KEYCHAINS, ALTERED ART JEWELRY
timothyadamdesigns	metalsmithed everything
trinketsnwhatnots	Handcrafted Jewelry and Quilts that Suits Your Style of Living. One of a Kind Items!
VanBeads	Lampwork glass beads, fused glass, and beadwork
ViragoCreations	jewelry supply
WhimOriginals	metal jewelry and supply
whimsybymari	Lampwork and gemstone jewelry
WillowWalkerD...	beautiful, colorful and unique dichroic fused glass and wire wrapped jewelry
ZuZusPetalsCreations	Jewelry

ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Guild

First, congratulations to CDZUIBA, the lucky Risky Beads giveaway winner!

Okay, I ran through the AJDJSS roster (the guild was once called ArtFire Jewelry Design and Jewelry Supply Studios, and the tag is in too many places to edit so we use the mysterious extra S) and copied your slogan or listed a few words to describe the contents of your studios. Please feel free to comment below with an edit of your store description and I will do that for you.

1337art jewelry, collage, and more Alisuns Swarovski and gemstone sterling and gold fill jewelry almondtree jewelry and jewelry supply, wire wrapping amyleejewelry OOAK jewelry appleblossomfl unique, handmade everyday jewelry and fun accessories at an affordable price Aridanfashions crystal, glass, beadweave jewelry arielsdad Jewelry and Jewelry supply BacisCreations jewelry beadallabouti... Jewelry supply Beadlady5 Unique handcrafted necklaces, bracelet,s earrings, & more beadsupplies Supply BelleLunaDesigns This store was empty at the time of this posting Berrybeads jewelry bijouxdesigns... A little something for everyone! BLuOrbDesigns jewelry brandybrookdesigns Why wear ordinary when you can wear original? BrassMonkeyOr... Adornment for body and soul bwdesigns jewelry and jewelry supply bydorothylouise vintage and OOAK jewelry ByHisStripes Jewelry Supply CalysJewelryC... Jewelry CarolJeansCre... Jewelry and jewelry supply catinalife Gemstone jewelry by Joy cctexan3 handcrafted lampwork and gemstone jewelry CMandMJewelry one of a kind jewelry for all tastes and styles creativehaven jewelry CreativeSpark handmade jewelry, artwork and household trinkets. Cthings Jewelry and custom jewelry debideaux glass jewelry supply and silver glass / swarovski jewelry DebsDazzles jewelry DesignsByLynnea Jewelry & more Designswithattitude Fused Glass jewelry DLCreations-AL jewelry and jewelry repair dwhitecreations handmade jewelry that has a definite ethnic flare ErkNJrkCreations jewelry and pendants FaceofContentmentDesign PMC and Art Clay classes, hand-crafted silver jewelry, and original polymer clay accesories gardenofglass jewelry and craft supply gemkitty75 Jewelry with USA produced components gemsbyjerri Jewelry and jewelry supply GlitterCrow This store was empty at the time of this posting goddessjoy Handmade Adornment for the Everyday Goddess HalfMoonBeads OOAK jewelry and lampwork beads Iadorbeads jewelry that sings to your soul ImagineThat Handmade artisan beads and premium stones JessicaSharra... Wearable ceramic art JewelrybyDesi... Jewelry jinx1764 Feathered and beaded accessories JonaraBluMaui Fresh and Funky beaded jewelry with an island twist! Specializing in beach wedding jewelry. JSmaz Chain maille, woven bead, and gemstone jewelry JStoneCreatio... Jewelry and candles justthebest4u... Jewelry, especially wire wrapped Katsara jewelry, including fiber jewelry, and other fiber arts kcrystina jewelry, mostly gemstone LaBellaLuna jewelry LaDeDaCreatio... funky polymer clay jewelry and supplies and more LHJewelryDesign Gemstone and crystal jewelry libertydoll jewelry and jewelry supply, lots more libragear hand made chain jewelry LissaHarlin This store was empty at the time of this posting LoriRobbins lampwork and lampwork jewelry luxbeads jewelry supply, gemstones mamadivine Extraordinary jewelry for the extraordinary woman maryajewelry Metalsmithed jewelry mirthreverenc... OOAK jewelry and lots else Moonstone jewelry and craft supply and Jewelry mountaindreamers sterling and semiprecious stones for everyday wear MySassyGlass glass jewelry and supply MysticCreations Jewelry and Jewelry supply MyWiredImagination Wire wrapped jewelry and tutorials NatureWhispers jewelry supply, furniture, paintings NCTeddyBearLady Jewelry, teddy bears, and more outofthepinksky Jewelry patricia2558 Jeweled magic phoenixllewelyn Jewelry pixestreasurechest unique jewelry inspired by Nature popnicute OOAK jewelry, tutorials, and more Roseange jewelry, collage, and more Rougeriverbeads beading supplies RoyalDesigns Semi-precious gemstones, pearls, Swarovski and Czech crystals, lampwork, sterling silver and gold vermeil. SanikiCreations OOAK jewelry schoolofcharms Timeless and Eclectic Jewelry ShinesBySherry Jewelry and jewelry supply ShinyAdornments handmade beaded and wire wrapped jewelry southfielddesigns jewelry, bead weaving StudioCDesign... Trendy casual, vintage classic or contemporary elegance paired with beautiful hues of bold color STudioOnTheHill handmade high quality jewelry and supplies SurpriseSupplies Beautiful beads to inspire your creations SusanCalvert Necklaces and card art suzbax Jewelry to keep TheQueensRoyalCoach QUEENLY CHARMS, BEADS, BRACELETS, NECKLACES, KEYCHAINS, ALTERED ART JEWELRY timothyadamdesigns metalsmithed everything trinketsnwhatnots Handcrafted Jewelry and Quilts that Suits Your Style of Living. One of a Kind Items! VanBeads Lampwork glass beads, fused glass, and beadwork ViragoCreations jewelry supply WhimOriginals metal jewelry and supply whimsybymari Lampwork and gemstone jewelry WillowWalkerD... beautiful, colorful and unique dichroic fused glass and wire wrapped jewelry ZuZusPetalsCreations Jewelry

Please don't discount those studios with one-word descriptions. Either it meant they did so many different styles that it couldn't be summed up in a phrase that made sense, or their specialty is one particular style.

Artisan Spotlight

Since the last guild with which I am affiliated has Umpity members I'm taking a break by spotlighting another ArtFire Artisan.

Heather Hertziger of Watertown, WI, a jewelry designer, hot glass artist, and oil painter can be found online in quite a few places as well as ArtFire:

www.squareonebeads.com

www.squareonebeads.blogspot.com
www.heatherspaintsandprettys.arfire.com
www.heatherdesigns.1000markets.com

www.skincarebyheather.blogspot.com

She has been designing jewelry since 2002, began lampworking in 2005, and oil painting in 2008.

Heather started designing jewelry because she has a nickel allergy and can’t wear a lot of the jewelry offered in stores. "People started telling me I should sell my work so I did. One thing led to another and I started making my own beads. All I wanted to do was make a few pretty pieces that I could wear and it just snowballed from there.

I’m still not sure where the oil painting comes in except that one day I found myself at the craft store buying paints, brushes, and a canvas, and now I can’t seem to stop."

Asked how did she learned her craft, she answered, "I learned through trial and error. That’s why my business name is Square One Beads. Every time I messed up I started again from square one."

Heather creates full time and also works as an Aesthetician giving facials and other body treatments, but that is only a part time job to get her out of the house once in a while. "Otherwise, she says, "I’m afraid I would forget how to talk to people face to face and become a total hermit."

Asked, anything you want to share with others in your craft or who may be considering your craft? She says, "I would have two things to tell someone who is starting out as a designer or thinking about becoming a designer. The first is don’t be afraid, beads don’t bite. If you don’t like how something turns out, take it apart and do it over. There is nothing saying that your first attempt has to be your final attempt. As long as your piece doesn’t fall apart when you are done with it you have done it correctly. There is no one correct way to do something. The second thing I would tell someone is to use the best materials they can afford right from the start. If you start out using cheap materials you’ll get a reputation for using cheap materials and that will be hard to overcome later when you start using more expensive materials. The thing I love best about jewelry making is that there is no one way to put something together. You can give 30 people a bag of the exact same components and you will get 30 completely different pieces. Jewelry is so subjective that no matter what you create there are going to be those who love it and those who hate it. That makes the whole field of design very exciting for me."

In her studio on ArtFire, you will find lampwork beads, display stands, a wide variety of jewelry styles, and more. Stop by and browse her goddess lampwork, beautiful jewelry, and send a note through her contact button!