Altered Eras now at Things British!

AlteredEras.etsy.com

Are you familiar with the fantastic Etsy shop, Altered Eras?

The Green Fairy Absinth green & bronze necklace from AlteredEras

If you love unique vibrant jewelry, it is a must- shop spot.

Wuthering Heights Earrings from AlteredEras

Paula MacKay combines vintage items, literary works, historical bits, flights of fancy and oodles of imagination into some wonderful whimsical jewelry creations.

photo courtesy of Things British

And if you happen to be shopping the fashionable Carnaby St. in London, you can find Paula's jewelry at Things British in Kingly Court - woo hoo! A hearty congrats, Paula.

Dr Who Inspired necklace from AlteredEras

While you are there, be sure to oooh & aaah at Paula's new logo (if you can tear your eyes away from the fabulous baubles.) Yep, that's it up there on the top of this post.  I've been keeping myself busy with all sorts of cool projects - one was helping to design the new Altered Eras logo for Paula's packaging. 

There are lots of fun little projects happening in my world at the moment - one of the reasons my blogging has been a bit light. Another reason is family-time... and they are clamoring for attention right now.... so I'm off!

Before I go, just a quick reminder - last chance to enter my random drawing tomorrow. You have until 1 a.m. (EST) to comment on this blog & be entered. (Light crowd so far, so your odds are looking good). Winner gets their choice of any 1 ACEO from my ArtSnark Etsy shop. Click here to check out the selection.

Also pop back tomorrow for a new interview & Thursday Giveaway Prize.

Blood & Bats Gothic Bracelet from AlteredEras

Want to see some more of Altered Eras lovely creations? Check out these links

AlteredEras.Etsy.com

https://www.facebook.com/AlteredEras

http://www.thingsbritish.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/ThingsBritish

The House of Decadent Delusion interview & giveaway (ends 9/22)

Jardin du Luxemboug necklace from DecadentDelusion

Hey you! How has your day been? I'm just heading over to The House Of Decadent Delusion - care to join me? Susan Gualtier's Etsy shop is full of all sorts of lovely creations & crafting supplies. I've also heard a rumor that she is sponsoring the new random drawing here (more info on this later). C'mon, grab your hat and let's go check it out...

I recently met Susan over at the Time Travelers Team on Etsy. We've been talking about crafting supplies and Art trading cards for a couple of weeks and she invited us to pop by and say hello. While we are wandering around, if you need additional info be sure to click the links.

Lot of hand dyed silk cocoons from DecadentDelusion

Susan Gualtier: Welcome to the House of Decadent Delusion, where you can find handmade jewelry and fiber arts by the most decadent of crafters.... myself!  This shop is my "house in the countryside," where I can feel free to retreat into an ideal artistic world of my own creation.

Sometimes people ask about the name of my shop. It's derived from the decadent movement in art and literature, and in particular from the book "Against the Grain", by Joris-Karl Huysman, which has greatly influenced the way I think about art, aesthetics, and life. If you are curious, you can find out about this book from this excellent Wikipedia article.

Knitted Handspun Neckwarmer from DecadentDelusion

Hi, Susan. Many thanks for letting us drop in today! I have oodles of questions for you. First up - You work in a variety of materials. What are your favorites and why?

SG: My favorite media are wool and metal collage. I love combining colors and textures, and both spinning and metal collage allow me to do that. Both are a lot of fun.

Chocolate Butterfly Metal Collage Necklace from DecadentDelusion

You have everything from cute-n-fluffy to spooky Halloween in you shop. Are there any special Muses that influence your creations?

SG: I am very interested in art nouveau and the literature and culture of the fin de siecle. I also love surrealist art and literature. Finally, I am a fashion junkie. I admire designers like Alexander McQueen, who blurred the line between art and fashion. If I could have one particular talent, that would be it.

Art Nouveau Inspired Collage Necklace from Decadent Delusion

Do you listen to music while creating? If so, what is on your current playlist?

SG: I usually like it to be quiet when I create, but I do listen to a lot of music. I mostly enjoy punk rock and indie bands. Right now, one of my favorite bands is actually Taylor Momsen's band, the Pretty Reckless. She has a great voice.

What are your Top 3 favorite Etsy Shops?

SG: It's impossible to choose just three! I love Calliope's Attic, Paloma Antigua, and Miss Fickle Media for metal supplies, Loop and BohoKnitterChic for spinning fiber, and Melia's Muse and Art Snark (of course!) for feeding my ACEO addiction.

Vintage Copper Scarab Ring with Watermelon Tourmaline from Decadent Delusion

((blushes)) Is there anything you want to share about your new found love of ACEOs? For anyone unfamiliar with ACEOs (Art Cards Editions & Originals), they are mini-artworks. ACEOs can be made in any medium, always measure 3.5" x 2.5"... and are a great way to collect pieces by your favorite artists without breaking the bank.

SG: No, just that it only takes one to become an addict :)

Upholstery ACEO by DecadentDelusion

What do you like to do when you are not making fun stuff?

SG: Go out with friends, eat delicious food, read, learn, go to museums, see live music, and play with my cats.

100% Donation item all proceeds go to The Blind Cat Rescue & Sanctuary

Okay, here is a silly one for you - If you would have any superpower what would it be? Would you use it for good or evil?

SG: I would be a vampire, and I'd mostly use it for good. I definitely wouldn't sparkle.

Chocolate Vampire Kisses earrings by Decadent Delusion

Thanks, Susan, for letting us pop by today! Oh, and I think I heard something about a new prize? What wonderful goodies are you giving away to one lucky winner?

Snowy Owl Lace Earrings from Decadent Delusion

SG: A pair of white lace owl earrings. These fabulous lace earrings are a collaboration with my Mom (She goes by Millinery Mary on Etsy) She embroidered the owl pendants using a computerized embroidery machine. They are "free standing lace," which means that they are super lightweight, yet sturdy and rigid enough to function as beads and pendants for making earrings and other jewelry. I have accented each owl with a clear AB Swarovski crystal. Each earring measures approximately 1 1/2 inches long and is attached to a silver plated ear wire.

Ooh, thanks for sharing! These are really cute (& perfect for Halloween).   

Want to enter the random drawing for a pair of Susan's Lace Owl Earrings?

Want a second entry? Next jump over to DecadentDelusion.Etsy.com, pick out your favorite item & share it back on this blog before the deadline.

I want to thank Susan again for letting us drop in on her today & for sponsoring this fun random drawing. I also want to thank everyone who came along for the ride and took the time to share their thoughts. The featured artists and crafters really appreciate your comments. Plus it is your interest that keeps these interviews and giveaways coming.

Want to see more of Susan's creative world before you head out today? 

Blog -  http://decadentdelusion-againstthegrain.blogspot.com

Facebook page - http://www.facebook.com/decadentdelusion

Enter to win 3 pendants from LilybellesJewels on Etsy - ends 9/8

Moonlight Kitty necklace from Lilybellesjewels

Hey there. How have you been? 

I'm hanging out today with Barbara Ileiwat & Lily Belle from Lilybellesjewels on Etsy.com. Lucky for us, they've stopped by for a chat ... and brought prizes! 

Candy for your ears from Lilybellesjewels

Why don't you get to know each other a bit while I pop into the kitchen for something sweet to share - I'm making virtual cookies in your favorite flavor.  Meanwhile, Barbara can tell you all about her passion for jewelry - and cats. And Lily, well, Lily tends to do her own thing.  (However, if you are in a rush today, keep your hat on & buzz down to the end for giveaway details). Please note that clicking on any of the photo captions will take you to item details.

Swarovski Sapphire Blue Crystal Bracelet from Lilybellesjewels

Barbara:  Designing jewelry is a passion for me. I try to pay attention to the things I see all around me on a daily basis. It is amazing how many truly beautiful things we come in contact with each day and never really pay a great deal of attention to. The form of the branches of a tree, the texture of a lawn, the fabulous formations of the clouds in the sky above us. Because we see this things everyday, and because we have such busy lives, we very rarely take the time to stop and "smell the roses" as the saying goes.

Butternut yellow earrings from Lilybellesjewels

All of these things can be experienced and translated into a work that will stimulate the senses of another. You will notice in my shop that I very rarely stay within the boundaries of any one particular area of style. I am constantly changing my designs to reflect whatever beauty I may have been lucky enough to have been exposed to that day. 

gorgeous swarovski and copper necklace from Lilybellesjewels

Lily Belle feels that she is the creative talent in the team, and therefore I should not bother her with the day to day mundane tasks. Since she has never been very good at chatting, typing or any other menial task I should be the one in charge of any tiresome labor (and interviews). In case I forgot to mention; Lily Belle is a cat, but not just any cat. She is truly a foo foo girl, and considers herself to have exquisite tastes in all things pretty. She does oversee all the pieces, and only when she has judged it to be "the cats meow" are we allowed to place it on the site. 

Starlight Black Cat Bottlecap Necklace from Lilybellesjewels

Lily Belle: Meow

Barbara: Will there be codfish cookies? I guess so. Stacey did say she was baking your favorite....

Lily Belle: purrrr

Steampunk initial bottlecap necklace from Lilybellesjewels

Barbara: Lily Belle and I would like to mention that 10% of all sales will be donated to Mt. Olive TNR Project, a tiny Flanders NJ based group that is doing amazing work on a very small budget, and a small circle of very dedicated volunteers who are making a huge difference in the lives of feral cat colonies in their area. For those of you who are not familiar with TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return), it is a humane, effective way of managing feral populations within a community. For more information, or to make a donation directly, please visit them at http://www.mtolivetnr.org.

I'll take care of you bottle cap necklace from Lilybellejewels

Lily Belles Jewels is also proud member of the ARTISTS FOR ANIMALS team on Etsy, along with many other caring artisans whose shops we hope you will seek out and patronize. 

Artists for Animals Etsy Team

Many thanks, Barbara & Lily, for stopping in today. And now it is time to announce your awesome giveaway prize......drum roll please.....

3 for Free

On 9/8 one lucky winner gets 3 bottle cap pendants of their choice from LilyBellesJewels.etsy.com.  How cool is that?! Winner also receives 1 ball chain necklace to wear with them.  Click here to see some of the fun designs available to choose from.

To Enter This Random Drawing: Simply leave a comment on my blog before 1 a.m. EST on Sept. 8th. It is that easy. This random drawing is open worldwide and prize ships free to winner. Please leave an email address if your contact info is not in your blog profile.

(If you get a chance, pop over to Barbara & Lily's shop and let us know what your favorite pieces are. This is not required to enter the drawing, but I'd love to know which items are catching your eye)

Again, many thanks Lily & Barbara for dropping by and sharing your wonderful creations! 

And thank you, Reader, for your comments. It is your interest in these artists and random drawings that keeps them coming!

Before signing off today, here is a final thought from Lily and Leonardo da Vinci, "The smallest feline is a masterpiece."

Tampa Bay Beadwork Group

This was last night's project - tempting, eh? Holly, the owner of ebeads.com posted this colorful bracelet on the Tampa Bay Beadwork Meetup page to show everyone what we would be making. This fun group meets once a month to socialize & create a new piece of vibrant jewelry. If you are in the Tampa area in a few weeks and like beading, come check it out. You can find all the details & sign up at the meetup link above.

This was the group. A fun mix- newbies (like me) and lots of talented ladies who have been making gorgeous jewelry for years.

Some of the bracelets. We all followed the same pattern but picked our own colors. Mine is the blue & green, 3rd over from the right.

And here is my finished bracelet.

I can't wait to find out what August's project will be. If you want to play, check out the meetup link above. Or pop into Beads and visit Holly at her shop on 1543 S. Dale Mabry Hwy. in South Tampa. She also teaches classes at the store almost every day. Check the calendar on her website to find a project that appeals to you.

Studio Tour #26 - Liljya

Welcome back to another Studio Tour Saturday. Today we are off to Ashdod, Israel to visit with Lily of liljya.etsy.com.

 14k Gold Filled Crochet Choker from lilyja

Lily creates gorgeous & intricate jewelry pieces. She artfully crochets delicate wires of copper, gold & silver -  forming them into beautiful accessories.  

Sometimes she includes gems or beads. 

 A Night At The Opera Necklace from liljya

Many of her pieces feel both classical and modern at the same time. 

 Lace In Gold & Silver Crochet Ring (size made to order) from lilyja

All share a clean design and fresh organic quality. 

Lily's blog and Etsy shop also have this refreshing vibe. Click on any of the links throughout this post to view more of her lovely work. Now it is time for me to step aside so that Lily can show us around her world. (All photos are courtesy of Lilyja.)

L: I moved to this apartment about 2 months ago, and the first thing I did was to open the table so that I can keep on working while organizing the rest of the place.

L: My studio space is at the darker side of the house- there's a huge tree hugging that side of the house so it's more shady and I love it. I always feel a bit like I am in the womb sitting and working there;it is also quite small but fits me great.

L: I'm such a collector that I can fill any size space with everything. I can never throw things away, so  organizing this little space is an exercise for me to try and be precise.

L: Moving to this place was a chance to put in order in all those tons of beads and many little things I use to have on my table. 

L: Now I almost don't recognize my working table...

L: I'm using silver parts again and again, by melting them and make a new silver sheets to work with.  I'm collecting all of these bits and pieces together with old and unused silver jewelry I get from friends. 

L: My friend and family have this habit of bringing to me all kind of pieces "you might want to use" - and yes, I do. 

 

L: On the table I also have my laptop; sometimes while working I watch or listen to all kind of things. 

L: Last month I was watching (or should I say mostly listening) "Desperate Housewives" (oh, how could they kill Edie..?). This month I'm totally into classical music.

L: Some of the time I simply work in silence while above my head I have these three guys watching my work.

 

Thank you, Lily for showing us around your creative space! And many thanks to all who came along for the ride. Please take a moment to leave a comment before you go. Many artists featured here have told me just how much they appreciate your thoughts and encouraging words. 

Also, leaving a comment before 1 a.m. (EST) on 6/17 enters you in a random drawing for a pair of petit crochet wire earrings handmade by Lily. 

 

Petit Crochet Wire Post Earrings from lilyja

On June 17 one lucky winner takes home a pair of these lovely earrings in their choice of color (green, purple, brown, or turquoise). This random drawing is open worldwide with free shipping to winner.

Want to see more of Lily's intricate creations? Visit her online at http://www.liljya.etsy.com and  http://lilyja.blogspot.com

Would you like to share your creative space on this blog?  I originally featured studio tours  here because I can't resist peeking behind the curtain. I've since found out that I am not the only one who likes to see where others work their magic. Whether your workspace is big or small, fancy or humble, I'd love to share workspace! Just drop me a note & we'll find you a spot on the calendar - contact info is in my blog profile.

Thanks  again for stopping by. Wishing you a creative day!

Enter to win petite crochet wire earrings from lilyja

Crochet Silver Wire Thin Choker from lilyja

I first heard of the wonderful etsy shop lilyja when the owner Lily kindly selected one of my ACEOs for this lovely treasury.

I was struck by the clean open look of the treasury. (I was not the only one as this fine treasury was selected for the Etsy Front Page ). I decided to check out her etsy shop & blog which share the same refreshing vibe.

Throughout the wonderful world of lilyja you will find breathtaking jewelry, much of it crocheted from silver, gold, or copper wire. Click on any photo for more details.

Little Heart Brooch crochet silver wire from Lilyja

I am simply stunned by the delicate beauty of these pieces.

Victorian Lace Bracelet crochet fine silver wire from lilyja

Some incorporate gems or beads, like this 14 k gold filled & pearl ring

Once In A Lifetime crochet pearl/14k gold filled ring from lilyja

While others are so ornate, they feel almost ceremonial.

A Night At The Opera necklace from lilyja

Many of Lily's creations can be made to order in your size.

Photo sent in by one of her satisfied customers. You can read about it on her blog

Lily also creates a variety of intricate earrings, including these Petit Crochet Wire Earrings. At first glance so simple, a closer inspection reveals the loops & turns of the delicate colored copper wire. The post is sterling silver. Each ball is approximately 10mm round.

Fresh Green petite crochet post earrings, coated copper wire from lilyja

Aren't these just too cute? Enter the new Thursday Giveaway and you might be the lucky winner of a pair in your choice of color (green, turquoise, purple or brown).

Petite crochet post earrings, coated copper wire from lilyja

Just leave a comment on this blog before 1 a.m. (EST) on 6/17 to enter. One random winner will be selected. Prize ships free worldwide. Please leave your email if it is not in your blog profile.

By the way, thank you for commenting. Many of the artists & designers I have featured on this blog have told me how much your opinions mean to them. Sometimes it can be difficult to connect with people and find out how they truly feel about your work. Your comments provide welcome feedback (& at times a much needed boost of encouragement).

Want to see more of Lily's striking jewelry or wondering what she is up to next?

http://www.etsy.com/shop/lilyja
http://lilyja.blogspot.com
http://www.zibbet.com/Lilyja
http://twitter.com/lilyja

Want to come with me in 2 weeks to visit her creative space? Stop back here on 6/12 for a photo tour of the lilyja studio. Hope to see you then. NOTE: Click here for the 6/12 Studio Tour

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By the way, this Saturday 6/5 one random winner be selected from 7 days worth of comments to receive a copy of the new Cloth Paper Scissors Studios magazine (retails for $14.99). Free worldwide shipping. Click here for details.