Fabric and Lace and Ribbon, OH MY!

Working with fabric, lace and ribbon, let alone using a sewing machine, has never really been on my radar.....but recently, I have become fascinated with fabric and journals.  I've also been incorporating more fibers into my jewelry.

This fascination started with Deryn Mentock's online course, Artisan's Day Journal. Sewing fabric on paper, I found, was really fun.  It didn't have to be perfect!

I now have a sewing machine and have been slowly accumulating fabrics, laces, ribbons, and trims.  I never knew it could be so much fun looking at fabric.....as a kid, my mom dragged me through fabric departments all the time and I was always happy when we moved on to the toy department!!!

An on-line workshop, Fabric and Lace Composition Journal, instructed by Gail Schmidt from Creative Workshops has now sparked further fabric and lace fascination!

Learning to print on fabric with your printer and.....techniques for giving fabrics and lace a vintage look were just a few of the techniques from this workshop. Gail's videos are very clear and informative! It's been great fun creating this journal and I've started a second one.  If you have the chance, check out this workshop. You won't be disappointed. 

Altering clipboards has also become an interest of mine.....and given me an outlet to use not only my acquired fabrics, laces, ribbons, and trims but also paper, stencils, rubber stamps, paints, inks, and bits and pieces of old jewelry that I've been using in my jewelry creations.

Talking about acquiring laces....I purchased a fabulous array of French vintage laces from La Clariére on Etsy.  



Everything was beautifully presented when I opened my package. I'm looking forward to using these and hopefully visit her shop on our next trip to Paris.

Given the opportunities to learn new techniques and acquire new interests has truly been a blessing that I am ever grateful for.

Until then.....continue to pursue new interests!

Jewelry Affaire Magazine, Autumn 2012 and Winter 2013......REALLY???

Once again, I was thrilled  
(I just can't come up with another word....
anyone have a suggestion?) to be published in  the Autumn 2012 and Winter 2013 Jewelry Affaire magazines.


I wonder what their process is for selecting jewelry pieces for publication. 
I can't imagine it being an easy task. 



If you are so inclined, purchase  a copy of Jewelry Affaire magazine and become inspired by creative artists such as Kathy Menasco, and her Tattered Dream Cuffs (Winter 2013 issue);  Brooke VanDerzee,and her very French necklace "Magestically" (Autumn 2012); and Tina Shiefer,  and her Vintage Drift necklace (Winter 2013).

Until then......Happy Creating!!!

The "New" Moi

The feeling came over me that I just needed a certain, ooh la la for my blog.  But how was I going to satisfy that feeling?  The thought of me attempting to re-design my blog didn't give me that ooh la la feeling.

I was so very happy with the banner and avatar for my shop Suite7 Bijoux Designs designed by Jeanne at Earlybird Graphics, it was a natural decision to ask Jeanne to do her magic again for my blog.....she was great to work with and totally enjoyed the experience.

What do you think?  I love it....it's my ooh la la feeling!  C'est magnifique! 

    
Until then..........Happy Beading and Enjoy!

Re-Inventing Myself

In November, 2010, I decided that I needed to do something different in relationship to my jewelry.  My work has evolved, trying different methods and mediums.  Taking workshops has helped build my techniques and skills.  It has also shown me what I do and do not enjoy doing...and given me an appreciation of the work that goes into a creative process.



From my "Oui" Series



My interest lies in working with metal, wire, vintage elements, and cold connections.  I enjoy working with all kinds of beads and incorporating them in my designs.  My thoughts went to my etsy shop and how I had ignored it for so long.  With a new determination, I decided to re-invent myself by giving my business a new name and become focused on creating a style of jewelry using the methods and mediums that I enjoy the most. I do not want to limit myself and know that I will continue to grow and learn while still

maintaining a "style"!  

Thus, Suite7 Bijoux Designs was born.  It has a French theme which some of my pieces reflect.  It was definitely time for a makeover.  Many jewelry artists have a definite style to their creations that with one look at a piece of jewelry you know who the artist is...designers such as Stephanie Lee, Susan Lenart Kazmer, Ruth Rae, and Denise Yezbak Moore.  They are and will continue to be an inspiration to me.

Until then........Happy Beading!

My Journey Into Beading

It came upon me quite by surprise.....in fact, I didn't realize it was even happening. I was getting hooked on beads...anything and everything to do with beads.

Being invited to join in a UFO (unfinished objects) night at her house, my newly acquired friend got her stash of beads out. I sat just watching with fascination. I'd never thought about beads. The next thing I knew I was buying beads, tools....I was like a kid in a candy store! C'était merveilleux! You'll have to pardon my French! (no, I'm no expert at the French language).

I am fascinated with anything French, so you'll have to pardon me if I get side-tracked now and again!

Well, back to my beads. I certainly have so much more to learn but am having such a wonderful time doing it. I've made some wonderful acquaintances along the way and I feel like my life has turned 360 degrees. And the journey is just starting!

I hope you'll join in my journey through my journal, Perles and Life. Until then...HAPPY BEADING!