Teardrops Falling...

 This evening I cried....

I cried because my heart was touched...I cried because I felt so sad for two different families...and I cried because I realized that the things that had me down five minutes before, were teeny-tiny when compared to my customer and her friends' family.  Hearing all she shared - well - it put everything into perspective and made me thankful for many things - including the opportunity to simply be there for someone in need and simply listen.

Back in December, one of my former customers from the shop that used to carry my wholesale jewelry line (before I "retired") contacted me to create a Cancer Survivor Necklace for one of her friends.  You see, that friends husband (with no internet connection) wanted to order something special for his wife - so my customer and her husband were helping him out.  

Tonight she called and was so surprised and happy that I remembered her.  She went on to tell me how much her friend loves her necklace and how meaningful it is to her (and told me she never takes it off).  Once again, her friends husband needed help shopping for his wife again - and wanted to order a pair of earrings to match the necklace.   We chatted a bit about the design and time frame - and then everything just stopped...her voice became quiet and sounded...so sad and broken.  Then she told me that this couples' daughter just had back surgery (a tumor was removed from her spine)...and the  husband?  Well due to complications, one of his legs needed to be removed.  And then she shared with me that her own husband was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer.  My heart went out for all of them...

When I finally hung up, I cried again.  I'm thankful that I could offer a shoulder and bring some small measure of comfort.  I'm thankful that a piece of jewelry I created from the heart and with their story in mind...is still bringing comfort.  I'm thankful that I took the time to simply listen to someone that needed to talk. 

So today, when you are thinking about your problems...or looking at the news with stories of cheating & violence...or dealing with bullying & drama...or maybe you just dropped the eggs and spilled your milk... remember this and the message it brings.  This is real life with real people who have real problems & struggles and all the questions that come with it.  Everything else - well it's little and insignificant in the big picture.

Life is a journey...and when I create something - I like to depict a piece of that journey...and the love and emotions that come from the heart...

Life is way too short to not share your heart and spread a little happiness and love.  When you have the opportunity to share burdens, lighten the load, give gifts from the heart, and offer your support by simply listening - do it.  No-one can predict the future...but we can go hand in hand and be there for each other.

~J-Lynn

Butterfly Haven Bracelet designed for Blissful Garden Bead Challenge

Butterfly Haven

FEATURED in the December 2011 Bead Trends Magazine

This was my design entry for Blissful Garden Bead Challenge (voting begins tonight on Heathers website - link below).  Heather (the very talented lady who creates these beautiful beads), periodically does bead challenges.  I've always wanted to participate, but for one reason or another, never get my name on the list - but this time I did, and I have to say it was a LOT of fun!

The beads I received (which were a complete surprise to me as I didn't know colors or design)...have a pretty periwinkle blue base with Cream and Pink raised florals with leaves.  I knew I wanted to do something a tad more elaborate and also decided that I would add a quad-color scheme (versus just accenting with one or two colors).  So here's a little show & tell of how I got from the planning stages to the final design...

It all started with the beads...and pairing up a selection of Swarovski crystals.  I chose Rosaline, Khaki, Light Colorado Topaz, Silk and Light Sapphire Swarovski Crystals.  Originally I was going to create this Bracelet in Sterling Silver but opted for the warm and antiqued shades of Vintaj Natural Brass.  Adding interest and lots of details is one of "my things" - so choosing the chain was just as important as choosing the colors.  Two variety of Vintaj chains, along with my hand-made connector chain using flattened blossom bead caps, Swarovski Crystals, and wire.

Close-up of the Blossom Bead Connectors - stacked crystals wire wrapped and ready for the next links (these can be completed with jump rings...but I encourage you to practice your wire wrap loops)

Planning quickly goes to full out design...below...

Once strands are connected, it's time to start adding the little details with dangles, wrapped blossom bead caps on tiny Riverstone teardrops, creating dangle charms using more flattend Blossom bead caps and a variety of sizes and colors of Crystal dangles.

Close-up of the triple strand Bracelet (this would make an awesome necklace as well) that needed just ONE little additional detail...

A beautiful Vintaj Butterfly :)

Simply gorgeous...I haven't decided whether this will remain with me, be given as a gift or sold to one of lovely fans.  But wherever it goes - it will be well loved because of the relaxing color combination, and happy thoughts and good vibes eminating from it.  It's so much lovelier in person as I've buffed some of the brass to reveal some of the golden hues that lay underneath.

Happy Summer thoughts to all of you - please feel free to share my Blog link and if you want - visit Heather's website and vote for your favorite Bead challlenge Bracelet at http://www.blissfulgardenbeads.com/ - I sure hope you pick mine, but then again there are a lot of other gorgeous designs - so my wish for you is to simply enjoy them viewing all of them and vote for the one that tugs on your heart string...or makes you go "ohhhhhhh" :)

Be inspired!

~J-Lynn

Tips for Jewelry Shopping and Designing...

Repaired Swarovski/Garnet Sterling Silver Earrings

Sometimes for family...I give in and repair Earrings...even when they are not my designs LOL.  Since I've taught jewelry design and other creative classes for decades...this is a little Tip I'd like to share for all my fellow jewelry designers (whether you are seasoned or just starting out) OR for those of you that purchase jewelry at craft shows...this will help you know what to look for in choosing designs that are quality products and made to last.

Having taught Jewelry and many other creative classes for decades, I thought I'd share a quick little tip and lesson on using the proper gauge wire and taking the time to practice your wire wrapping technique.  The below picture is how we started out yesterday...

These earrings were originally made with Sterling Silver findings, average grade Garnet gemstones and Swarovski Crystals in a simple stacked drop design.  Whoever originally made these...had good intentions I'm sure - but unfortunately didn't choose the proper wire gauge or use correct finishing techniques on their wire wrapped loops.

Take note of the earring in the forefront...you'll notice that the Headpin is completely in tact at the base.  So what happened?  The unknown designer chose a higher gauge wire (26 gauge in this case), which is allowed the Swarovski Crystal and bead cap to simply "slip" right off the headpin.  When choosing your headpin take care to "test" to make sure the tip has a large enough diameter to accommodate your bead (when purchasing - look at the base bead and make sure that the headpin completely covers the opening).  Larger Swarovski Crystals have a slighly larger opening then a 4mm and below...so most of the time when I'm working with 6mm and above, I'm using 22-24 gauge wire.  I repaired these earrings with 22 gauge headpins.

Let's discuss the wire wrapping...these were a good attempt...but needed just a wee bit more TLC in the wrapping and professionally finishing.

Tipster...practice your wire wrapping techniques so that your wraps are even and not on an angle...and make sure that you cut your wire end flush and professionally tuck - otherwise you run the risk of losing repeat customers due to your creations falling apart or hurting your customers (sharp ends). 

Check out my online Tutorials for step by step visual instructions designed to assist you in improving your technique and knowledge of how to spot quality jewelry creations.

Mastering Wire Wrapping - JLYNNJEWELS BLOG April 2011

Wire Wrapping Tutorial from BEAD TRENDS BLOG (Snowman Earrings November 2010) 

Close-up of finished repair...even wire wraps on 22 gauge Sterling Silver headpins with properly cut and tucked wire ends

HAPPY DESIGNING or SHOPPING!  

Should I apologize or not?

I still love you all...just have been really busy...
Good Morning everyone...it's been a long while...and I'm thinking that maybe an apology for my absence is in order...but then again...I have been creating lots of new jewelry designs, lampwork beads, and of course the Wood Art Tiles.  So...maybe I will just leave it as "Sorry I was busy creating and didn't realize how much time had passed since I last posted on my blog - I have high hopes to do much better" ;) - well here's the quick catch-up with some fun photos!

May was extremely busy...not just with the business but personally too.  My son finished his Junior year in College, and my daughter who is a dancer performed at the Joyce Theater in NYC...as well as a few local ones.  So aside from business to-do's and dance things...I was also juggling Birthday and Anniversary milestones...and a few out of state Road Trips.  I love May but am always glad to have things slow back down to a normal speed with June!

So here's a quick catch-up...

• In May - we all went to the "Melting Pot" for the first time...it's a 2 hour deal with all the dipping and cooking your meal LOL - and I have to say that my favorite part was the Cheese Fondue and Chocolate Fondue...pictured above :)
• My Earrings "Gypsy Soul" were featured in the June edition of Bead Trends - and here they are:
  
  

The July Bead Trends edition will feature two designs of mine - a gorgeous necklace and a pretty amazing Bracelet - hope you like them once I am able to reveal them in a couple weeks!

WOW...so in May we also had a fabulous Photo Inspiration contest which resulted in me getting LOTS of ideas for new jewelry designs based on the actual photographs.  You can check out my album of the photos, Wood TILES I created - as well as "inspired by" jewelry designs here...just click on the photo to view the complete album on Facebook...

Decoupaging on Wood tiles is nothing new to me...I actually did a demonstration for TV on it ~10-15 years ago.  But I was inspired to create a special tile for a friend back in late February (Hope Tile)...

And from there it's all blossomed into new artwork...and I'm so enjoying creating the ART & PHOTO tiles that feature my fellow artisan's artwork, my own Watercolor artwork, as well as some very talented digital artisans too...here's some photo samplings.  Although I'm trying hard to get things listed...many times the tiles will be sold prior to ever getting on Etsy  or Artfire...so if you haven't liked our Facebook page yet, please do so...as that's where all the sneak peeks happen (and "Reserved Listing" sales too).  Look for new shapes, jewelry designs and some special new Watercolor art from me too...

1" double sided ART tiles 

J-Lynn's Watercolor ART 3/4" Tiles (scanned/digitized in miniature)

CUSTOM TILES for our professional Photographers

Copyright Amanda Cargill Austin

Look for our Photography Partner program rolling out at the end of June 

1 1/2" Tile Pendants (excellent for Filigree wrapping or your own design- drilling is free)

Elongated Hearts are making many people happy!

Available in 1" charm/dangle style (single or double sided), 1 1/2" and 2" as well

Chunky Hearts also available 

New...rectangular "Tag" Tiles - excellent for wrapping or drill holes to create your own design

Well I leave you with a few samples of jewelry and home decor pieces made with our tiles...keep checking in on Facebook to see the latest from J-Lynn and other Jewelry Designers using our ART Tiles :)

J-Lynn Watercolor and Jeff Dostalek Photo image featured on Tiles

J-Lynn's Watercolor ARTwork featured on tiles

Pink Rose Delight in Flight

New...Home Decor Danglers...for Car Mirrors, Hooks, Purses, Cabinet Knobs and more...



New Tutorial & Published Designs with Bead Trends

                               

Hi everyone - so sorry for the lapse in posts...I've had a list of things to share but for some reason, the hours slip by, and I miss the opportunity to post - I'm attempting to change my ways and be more consistent.  So...let me begin this post by saying that May is one of my favorite months - it's not too cold or hot, and the flowers always look gorgeous and fresh!   These are a few shots from my front and backyard (close-up)...photography is another passion of mine too.

  

May is also an especially exciting one for me professionally...as it was my "debut" in the Bead Trends May publication (page photos below - and yes designs are available for special ordering).  The months have flown by since that November day when I submitted a handful of designs - but I'm really enjoying revisiting my Educational background through my published jewelry designs, as well as my Tutorials. 

The funny thing about this publication business... is that after successfully selling wholesale for quite a few years, it never crossed my mind to submit any of my designs.  But fate had a hand in that...and it all started with my browsing the Bead Trends Facebook page and seeing a post requesting fans to share their Holiday Earring designs.  So after a little "pep" talk...I posted my Crystal Snowmen Earrings.  Within a few hours, I was very surprised and excited to receive a super sweet email from one of the Editors at Bead Trends (Jeri), asking if I would consider doing a Tutorial for their Blog.  Since my background includes teaching arts, crafts & design - and having a lot of experience with graphics and professional presentations, I was really excited to provide one for their Blog.  And it was this first experience with Bead Trends' professionlism and friendliness, that had me submitting my jewelry designs for print publication just a week later, and the rest - as they say...is a growing history with an amazing group of people and high quality, caring Company.  It's been such a pleasure and very rewarding experience to share tips, techniques, ideas, and designs.  But the sweetest part of it all, is meeting so many people that share that creative passion - no matter what the art form.  Life is good :)

My latest Tutorial for Bead Trends Blog features Vintaj Natural Brass Filigree Leaves that have been treated with a combination of Acrylic paints and Tim Holtz Adirondack Alcohol Inks.  I LOVE working with any type of medium that allows me to have something in my hand :) - paintbrushes are a favorite!  Click on the picture to go to Bead Trends Blog...

Bead Trends publication...if you are unable to purchase this mini-booklet in your local book store...do yourself a favor and subscribe to Bead Trends ONLINE - it's full of many jewelry designs that will really inspire you to new levels in expressing your own creativity and unique style.  The photography is amazing too - here's a picture of the Bead Cover (featuring a talented fellow designer), and the pages featuring my jewelry designs.  Have a super Friday and have a wonderful Mother's Day!
~J-Lynn

                              
                            

Tutorial - Mastering Wire Wrapped Loops

Earthy DROP EARRINGS

GIVE-AWAY - Earrings!
...Become a "follower" of our Blog - and you could win a pair of JLynnJewels earrings.  Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 5/17/11 at 11pm EST
Increase your chances...leave a comment below and you'll be entered twice!

Supplies:

2 - 4mm Bicone Swarovski Crystals (Indian Sapphire shown)

2—3mm Bicone Swarovski Crystals (Black Jet shown)

2—Czech 11x9mm Oval (Wasabi w/Picasso shown)

2—Czech 5x4 Rondelles (Emerald Wasabi shown)

2—Czech 5x6 Rondelles (Blue shown)

2—Fallen Angel 9mm Art Nouveau Bead Caps

4—Fallen Angel Star Flower 5.5mm Bead Caps

2—3” Fallen Angel Brass Headpins
Rosary & Bent Chain-Nose Pliers, Wire Cutters


INSTRUCTIONS:
No matter what level beader you are, this tutorial is geared to take you step-by-step with an easy approach to wire wrapping to give your basic drop earrings a clean, professional, finished look. These earrings are fun to create and can be created in a multitude of color combinations—be creative in your choices and also arranging your stack.

1. Begin by stacking beads on Head pins.  Grasp the head pin just above beads with the tips of your rosary pliers. Gently bend the wire over the top of the pliers (pushing down and away from you) to make a 90 degree angle (side view shown). Note...The size of the top loop/circle is determined by the wire placement on the rosary pliers. To ensure your earrings have the same size top loop, be consistent with wire placement (tip...beginners can mark their pliers with a sharpie to line up their wire).
2. Rotate your pliers a 1/4 turn to the top of wire (side view shown).
3. Without shifting your pliers, shape the wire up and over the pliers ending with the wire pointing down.
4. Reposition your pliers so they are in the opening, then shape the wire to complete a circle (which will be off-center until you complete the next step).


5. Without releasing your grip on the pliers, rotate/turn your circle so that it is centered over the headpin and the end of the wire is angled up.   
6. Press down on the end of the wire so that you once again have a 90 degree angle and perfect circle. (tip...create your 2nd earring and compare loop sizes prior to completing the finishing details).
7. Place your Rosary pliers vertically across the top of your circle. Take your bent chain-nose pliers and grasp the tip of the wire then cross over the center of the headpin staying parallel to your rosary pliers.
8. Continue winding the wire around the head pin taking the time and care to keep coils tight and precisely next to one another (reposition your bent chain-nose pliers after each side to side pass).
9. Using a pair of side cutters, clip the excess wire on an angle (this will ensure you have a professional looking end).
10. Using your Bent chain-nose pliers, press and tuck the end of the wire next to the last coil so there are no sharp edges. Open your ear wire sideways and slip on the stacked drop, then move the ear wire back in place

Designer variations...try any style oval bead, and coordinate your Czech Glass rondelles and Swarovski Crystals with them.. This particular style is shown with Fallen Angel Black Brass—but you can also create a similar design with Sterling Silver or Vintaj Brass Metal.

Note:  All images, jpgs, jewelry design, text are the property of JLYNNJEWELS and copyrighted/monitored. You are free to use this tutorial for your own personal use but it cannot be copied and redistributed without the consent of JLynnJewels in any form.

ENJOY!
Compliments of Janice Everett at:http://www.JLynnJewels.com
http://www.artfire.com/users/JLynnJewels
http://www.Etsy.com/shop/JLynnJewels

DECOUPAGE DIY Tutorial Project & COLOR Intro

Good Morning...taking a few moments in between writing up instructions for magazines and jewelry designing - to post a couple things here.  Time is flying...!  Above are my own original Watercolors in miniature ART tiles (I scanned my original art pieces and worked hard cropping a variety of sections to create these tiny little masterpieces of art to utilize in jewelry making and other craft projects - another item in my NEW "Altered ART collection").  I have to say it's always a little nerveracking to put yourself out there in such a personal manner because "ART" is so subjective to opinions.  So I've been overwhelmed in a good way with all the positive responses I've been receiving and plan to share more of my Watercolor art with you - maybe even in digital format :).  I LOVE COLOR...can you tell?

Currently I'm working hard to get more DIY decorating and craft tips up here on the Blog - as well as on my Facebook Business Page..and my website.  In my "former" Corporate life - I worked Education, Marketing and Public Relations for Jo-Ann etc. (when they first rolled out the super stores in the late 90s).  Long story short - I had an amazing job, super people that I worked with - and was  paid to teach, share, demonstrate and promote all things that I love.  I write this with a smile on my face because they were magical times - and I was involved with the community, churches, schools, and a lot of businesses and groups that loved me in return.  I also had the pleasure of attending many events like the CHA conference in Chicago and was a regular on a local TV show in Nashville called the "Talk of the Town".  So...I don't think there is anything I haven't tried...and if I find I haven't, I soon will LOL - it's an addiction...anyone else have troubles with this type of addiction??  We can start our own little Support Group right here on my blog :)

DECOUPAGE...is a very OLD art that actually started in the 12th century (in China)...and then became extremely popular in the 17-18th Century Victorian times where they cut out a lot of delicate shapes and patterns and applied them to furniture and other decorative pieces.  The ebb of crafts comes and goes - and in my years (I'll be 48 this summer...) it's really impressive to see how fashion, colors, trends, and crafts make their rounds...again and again.

When I was a little girl...I remember "decoupaging" all sorts of things on bottle caps, glass bottles (even Milk bottles and mason jars - LOL) - and lots of wood pieces including popsicle sticks.  We'd use images from magazines or things we painted.  Elmers Glue was HUGE...!  But wow how the Art & Craft Companies improved things...and "evolved".  It makes your head spin - and what I like is that it never stops...there is always something new or something re-invented or re-visited that makes things easier - in addition to basically guaranteeing a successful outcome to your creative project.

My fascination with decoupage continued into my adult life...and when I was first married and starting out in my own place - I collected decorating magazines and did multiple "collages" on regular xerox paper and compiled them in a 3 ring binder.  I did this for decorating, floral arrangements (yes I do florals - live & silk) AND outdoor landscaping.  And yes...I still have the binders and still add "favorites"  - it's a nice thing to refer to or simply look at to get inspired.

SO...
If you are contemplating decoupage - go to your local craft store and purchase some simple things...a paper mache piece (could be a trinket box), some craft paint, Mod Podge Satin or Glossy, a sea sponge and some Foamy brushes.  That's it - low cost & reasonable.  You can purchase paper cut-outs at the store or use Greeting Cards, magazine cut-outs...but I really encourage you to take a little extra time and browse through the images available on http://www.etsy.com/ - simply do a search on "Digital Images" and you'll be amazed at what you'll find - if you like Roses - do a search on Rose Digital Images...  I've purchased 3x5 digital artwork to use in frames around the house...like this:

The nice thing is that they can be printed at home whenever and for whatever you want...maybe to decoupage a garbage basket...light cover...votive holder...cabinet...lampshade?

Mod Podge can be purchased in individual bottles or this nifty Starter pack (LOVE this)

DIY Decoupage Project:

Base Coat your Paper Mache piece using a foamy brush and Acrylic paint (Cream or White) - allow to dry.  Dampen your sea sponge and wring out - and on a piece of waxpaper, place another color of Acrylic paint.  Dab/pounce your sponge in it - then on a scrap paper pounce up and down so that the excess paint is blended into the sponge.  Now do the same pouncing motion on your paper mache piece.  Reload your sponge as needed (and make sure that you keep it damp so that the paint flows and blends) and complete sponging your entire surface - allow to dry.

• Cut out your digital images with a sharp pair of scissors. Arrange your cutouts on the table to your satisfaction and take a digital photo you can refer to (if using multiple smaller pieces).
• Since we are keeping things simple - we are going to use the same Mod Podge (e.g. Gloss) for attaching our images AND varnishing.  Using your foam brush - apply a coat to the backside of your cutout and place on your paper mache piece.  Use your fingers to press from the center outward so that your image is flat with no wrinkles or bumps due to excess glue.  More than likely you will have a little bit of Mod Podge around the edges - use your finger to blend in.  Complete applying all your paper cut-outs.  Allow to dry.  TIP:  Do not touch the surface of the paper too much with your fingers as you could remove the top layer of print - if you feel you must touch it, apply a thin coat of modge podge over the top once it's attached to your paper mache piece.
• All that's left now is to seal and varnish it with Mod Podge.  That's right... we're keeping things simple.  Using your Foam brush...apply a medium even coat across the entire surface - taking care with your strokes (all in the same direction).  Once the top portion is dry - repeat for any lower sections.  If you'd like a more glossier look - apply another coat of Modge Podge.  TIP:  If your project has multiple paper images or a collage style...I like applying 2-3 coats of Glossy Mod Podge so that the pieces don't look like they've been cut-out and simply "glued" on.
• Now - if you'd like to further embellish your paper mache "Box"...you can add ribbons, trims - and yes even my Altered Art Wood pieces or Vintaj Brass charms or Tags - check out my Artfire or Etsy Stores at JLynnJewels (see right side bar picture windows).

INTRO to COLOR:

If you don't have yourself one of these wheels - get yourself one!  They are just fun to play around with, and get inspired with warm and cool colors - as well as, getting familiar with Hues...Tints...Tones and Shades.  There are Primary Colors (Red, Yellow & Blue)...Secondary Colors (which is a combination of two Primary colors which create an Orange, Green or Violet).  Then you can get tricky...with Tertiary color combinations (and that's one Primary and one Secondary mixed together)....and if that sounds way too complicated for your liking - you can buy them premixed LOL!

Actually my favorite part on the wheel is shown in the picture above - you can move the wheel around to get a variety of unusual color combinations to play with.  If you look at the center you'll see that I have a Blue Green, Red Violet and Yellow Orange combination.  It just so happens that the Color Combo Group (on Facebook) that I participate in has similar colors for the challenge this week!  So I'll be creating some jewelry or painting something with this "Triad" of colors (Teal, Purple & Gold).  You can see some of my past jewelry designs created for this challenge in my JLYNN JEWELS COLOR COMBO CHALLENGE photo album

Well - that's it for today - look for more Tutorials, projects and DIY tips throughout the month.  Invite your friends - we're growing and would love to hear your thoughts, suggestions - and of course if you have any questions concerning decorating, jewelry, arts & crafts - don't be shy!  AND...if you haven't visited my Facebook Business page - come on over at J-Lynn Jewels - favorite us by pressing the "like" button and you'll be eligible for different give-aways (in March we gave away 4 pair of Custom Earrings).  Keep in touch and make sure to leave any comments/questions by clicking on the "comment" link below.

Happy TGIF and hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

~J-Lynn