Boot Camp: Fiber in Jewelry

by Staci Louise Smith

Well, we are finally going to get some boot camps in again!  Boot camp is a time when we, as a group, concentrate on one area of jewelry making or design.  We bring you ideas, tips, resource links and tutorials to help you try out a new area of jewelry making.

This one is on fiber in jewelry or fiber jewelry.

You can see a Boot Camp post the 2nd and 4th Monday of both April and May, as well as scattered through the month on personal posts.  

I first fell in love with fiber for jewelry way back when I was making mainly sea glass jewelry.  I went to a bead show and found Marsha Neal's silks.  I was smitten.  I ended up coming home and ordering from her online.  I was hooked on the variety of colors.  

I have never stopped loving fiber in my jewelry.

I thoroughly enjoy the softness fiber can add to a piece- it adds a softness and contrast against the hard beads.  

We will be sharing lots of ways to use fiber in your jewelry, as well as showing you some of our favorite places to buy it!  Fiber in jewelry is not limited to cording!  That is just what I have always been drawn to.  

We cannot wait to have you join us as we explore this medium.

Here are some teasers of my favorite fabric cording to start you off drooling, or in case you want to get some so you have it to try out as we go along!

I love the rustic look of recycled sari silks.  This is my favorite go to shop

https://www.etsy.com/shop/goldenonetoo?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count

Marsha had me at hello- and I am still a fan

https://www.etsy.com/shop/MarshaNealStudio

And recently, Karen Totten has decided to use BATIK FABRIC to use as cording.  My first batch is on the way.  I have always loved batik fabric- to wear, to drool over, anything......so I am uber excited to use it for some jewelry.  Stay tuned...

http://www.starryroadstudio.com/store

I leave you with some more recent necklaces I have used fiber in......

I started a Fiber in Jewelry Board on Pinterest- you can check out lots of great artists using fiber in many ways in jewelry.

https://www.pinterest.com/stacilouise/fiber-in-jewelry/

Hopefully it brings you some inspiration!
Enjoy!

Dreaming of Fall

Blog by Genea C-K

Hello friends!

I don't know about you, but I am dreaming of fall! I am not really into this hot weather crap. I love the crisp cool days, the changing leaves, wearing hoodies and jeans. I also love the earthy fall color palette. 

Color Palettes by Design Seeds.

"City Color"

"Color Yarn"

"Nature Tones"

It's no wonder I fell in love with my birthday gift from Karen and Nellie!  I just love the dreamy pastels and earth tones together. It's like a blend of spring and fall.

Here are a few of my favorite picks: Coffee Light and Sweet Sari Silk , Ceramic Discs, Large Hollow Pie Bead,  Interlocking Hammered Copper Chain.

For a little inspiration here are some GORGEOUS earrings on of my customers, Lisa Cone created. I just love everything about them! They remind me of finding treasures in the forest.

Are you dreaming of fall? What are you favorite fall beads?

xo Genea