Click on over to Artsy/Craftsy for this cute tute on making your own silk-covered bangle! It's an easy project, that can be altered and modified into a unique design- and utilizes that old bangle you've had since the 80s or earlier.
Tutorial Tuesday
While I was at BeadFest, I fell in love with one of these wrap bracelets that Nancy had made for herself, using the Craftgawker app on her new iPhone. I bought everything I need for this project- some of that pretty Rhinestone chain, I have leather cording and waxed linen cording, and lots of buttons. Check out the site where it shows step by step photos on how to make one, at Honestly...WTF.
Designer Spotlight: Shannon Chomanczuk
Each week, we are talking to jewelry designers and/or bead artists who enjoy incorporating leather, ribbon and cords into their work. We will get to know each designer, show off their jewelry creations and ask them their thoughts about using fibers in jewelry.
So, Shannon, tell us a little bit about yourself?
I started making jewelry after attending a handmade jewelry party several years ago. I remember thinking "I can do this - better." I jumped in to jewelry making with both feet. Having the salon made it easy to display my pieces for sale and I am still in shock when my clients wear pieces I made years and years ago.
What's your favorite type of cording or fiber to work with in jewelry?
Why do you like working with cords and fibers in your designs? What quality draws you to these materials?
Today we are talking with Shannon Chomanczuk.
So, Shannon, tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Shannon Chomanczuk, I have a 2 year old daughter and celebrated my 10th wedding anniversary this July. I have been doing nails for 10 years and I own my own salon. I have a 3 day work week since giving birth to my daughter.
Things you may not know about me:
I am the oldest of 3 girls and just turned 35 (last) Thursday.
I worked in banking for over 5 years.
I am a Notary Public.
I graduated Magna Cum-Laude from Marist College with a Major in Communications and a Minor in Photography.
I have 4 dogs, a Pembroke Welsh Corgi, a Miniature Pincer, an English Pointer, and a Chihuahua.
I am addicted to Good N Plenty's.
My favorite colors are pink and purple yet I rarely make pink and purple jewelry.
I started making jewelry after attending a handmade jewelry party several years ago. I remember thinking "I can do this - better." I jumped in to jewelry making with both feet. Having the salon made it easy to display my pieces for sale and I am still in shock when my clients wear pieces I made years and years ago.
I had a very difficult pregnancy. It was draining, exhausting, and extremely stressful. I was so tired and so sick all the time that I could not make any jewelry or even read a book. I had my husband pack up all my beading supplies and tools and put them in the garage. My beautiful daughter was born healthy, kicking and screaming 2 weeks early in June 2009. I was stuck in the house most of that summer nursing my colic daughter, it was during that time I found jewelry and beading blogs. In fact I think the first blog I was drawn to was Lorelei's. I slowly began to bring the beads back out of the garage.
The last 2 years have brought my work to places even I didn't think it could go. I am so blessed to have not only had pieces accepted by Bead Trends magazine but to have a piece on the cover of the September 2011 issue! There are still so many avenues I wish to explore- lampworking, enameling, metal working. I am looking forward to an open house I will be putting on in the Fall at my salon. I don't know what the future holds for me but I do know that I am ready for the blessings which lie ahead.
What's your favorite type of cording or fiber to work with in jewelry?
-I love to use leather and silk.
Why do you like working with cords and fibers in your designs? What quality draws you to these materials?
-I like using leather and silk in my jewelry because it offers a different texture to the overall design and it gives the eye another element to take in or to rest on, especially in a rather large piece.
I love to use leather as a toggle with a button or knotted with large hole beads or along side chain.
I love the feeling of silk especially the silk I get from Marsha Neal Studios. Silk offers a feminine touch to a design that may be using rather hard, rustic or industrial beads.
Adding leather, lace, silk or cording adds a different and an often unexpected twist to your jewelry designs. They can be knotted, wire wrapped, finished with ribbon ends, or tied into a bow.
This gives you the freedom to create the perfect combination of design and durability.
I love to use leather as a toggle with a button or knotted with large hole beads or along side chain.
I love the feeling of silk especially the silk I get from Marsha Neal Studios. Silk offers a feminine touch to a design that may be using rather hard, rustic or industrial beads.
Adding leather, lace, silk or cording adds a different and an often unexpected twist to your jewelry designs. They can be knotted, wire wrapped, finished with ribbon ends, or tied into a bow.
This gives you the freedom to create the perfect combination of design and durability.
Shannon, you have such a wonderful eye for design and mixing elements together. Congratulations on the September cover of Bead Trends Magazine. Thank you for talking with us!
You can find more of Shannon at her blog: For My Sweet Daughter
And
Her jewelry and copper etched pendants at her Etsy Shop: Shannon's Etsy Shop
Materials Monday
Ooooo La La! Check out this ribbon I found on etsy! It's silk pleated ribbon and comes in many hand-dyed colors. I just love the texture of it, there are so many things you could use this for! Just think of the possibilities!
Check out Shibori Girl Studios !
Designer Spotlight: Gaea Cannaday
Each week, we are talking to jewelry designers and/or bead artists who enjoy incorporating leather, ribbon and cords into their work. We will get to know each designer, show off their jewelry creations and ask them their thoughts about using fibers in jewelry.
So, Gaea, tell us a little bit about yourself?How did mom know that giving me the name Gaea, the Greek goddess mother earth, I would love to work with the earth? Dirty hands are busy hands and I like mine dirty! Studying art and design in collage has given me a nice base to grow from. Working with ceramics for the first time opened my mind to utilitarian beauty. My parents and grand parents were creative people, painting, sculpting, writing poetry which instilled in me a deep love of all things art. I hope to never stop learning and growing in my work!
Today we are talking with Gaea Cannaday.
Gaea is a ceramic bead artist as well as a talented jewelry designer.
So, Gaea, tell us a little bit about yourself?
What's your favorite type of cording or fiber to work with in jewelry?
Who can pick a favorite type of cording to work with?! There are so many dreamy choices! I am having a love affair with recycled silk sari ribbon at the moment! The colors are juicy and the feel is divine! They give everything a romantic and earthy feel. I just want to roll around in it... Ok! too much information! Leather is always on my radar! It is so easy to work with and practically requires no tools! Just scissors and simple knots make any project a cinch!
Why do you like working with cords and fibers in your designs? What quality draws you to these materials?
There is a richness with leather and silk that is warm and inviting. Leather can be romantic and tough at the same time. Silk just takes me to a whole new world! I try to imagine what exotic lands it began its journey in. There is just something fantastic about natural materials. I have a whole fantasy that goes on in my head when I look at silk and leather. It totally fuels my creative fires!
Gaea, I love the look of your beads together with the leather and silk. They are a perfect match. Thank you for talking with us!
You can find more of Gaea at her blog: Gaea Handmade
And
Her jewelry and beads on her Website: Gaea's Website
And
More jewelry and beads at her Etsy Shop: Gaea's Etsy Shop
