Bronze Age Spikes

These Bronze Coated Crystal Points are so gorgeous, they didn't need much to make them in to a beautiful pair of Earrings.

Just some roughly wrapped copper hoops and they are done and Fabulous!!!!

These earrings are available for purchase HERE!

Kristi

KristiBowmanDesign.com

KristiBowmanDesign.Etsy

KristiBowmanDesign on Facebook

Curve With Silence

Since I started doing ceramics, I've been ruminating on trying to make my work more 'from scratch'. I recently started doing metalwork classes to help me to this end. The thing now is trying to co-ordinate all the different lines of development/experimentation that I'm doing with these different materials. Do I sit down and sketch designs then make all the elements? I don't tend to work like that. I've always favoured the chance, 'hands on', combining of things, the designs that come to you when you happen to have some of the materials in front of you.

I've just finished (and listed!) a large batch of beads. When making them I did make the time to make some beads just for me, to use in pieces that were already formed in my head. This pair of earrings is one example.

Admittedly there wasn't much to add. Really, sometimes, I'm just a sucker for 'sticking a pearl on top'. I did stretch to a pair of blackened vintage bezels, drilled to make bead caps, and a couple of etched brass rings.

And I don't think they need any thing more. They're listed here on Etsy.

Bye for now, Claire

www.somethingtodo.etsy.com

www.somethingtodobeads.etsy.com

www.somethingtodowithyourhands.com

Vortex Spikes

I see a Vortex in these Gorgeous Lampwork Beads by BeadFairy and thought they were perfect paired with the Titanium Coated points.

Wrapped up in lovely Purple Sari Silk and Copper wire and topped with Czech Glass Beads.

Available to Purchase HERE!

Kristi

KristiBowmanDesign.com

KristiBowmanDesign.Etsy

KristiBowmanDesign on Facebook

You're Alright, Kid

Sometimes in life you just need someone to tell you:

...you're alright, kid...
...you done good...
...you're a superstar...

Go ahead, laugh, but I'm serious! Think about it. As children, we're rewarded all the time when we ace a spelling test, or draw a pretty (read: hot mess) picture, or build a wonky sandcastle on the beach. 

As adults, we're lucky if we get some garbled recognition from our boss on a job well done, or if our tired spouse mumbles that the dinner you cooked was good, or if a neighbor stops to comment on how nice your flower garden looks. We just don't get the positive reinforcement that we became accustomed to as kids. 



Now don't get me wrong, there's nothing worse than an inflated ego, but when we're typically our own worst critics, it can be really refreshing to hear someone else appreciate our hard work.


Well, I'm here to tell you that you're awesome. You get a gold star...or at least a couple rusty patina-ed ones. 
 



These cute little spiky stacked earrings feature ceramic horns from Marsha Neal along with some prized African bauxite, old Neolithic quartz trade beads, and crusty metal spacers. I love the verdigris-meets-terracotta color palette, and I love the subtle faded military theme with the little star charms. 

So the next time you're feeling a little beaten up, take a second to pat your own back and realize how hard you really do work. 

Happy Wednesday!
Nikki
LoveRoot on Etsy