The Challenge of Color - Earth as Art

I joined the challenge this year. Erin Pais-Hintz of Treasures Found and Brandi Hussey of BrandiGirlBlog are hosting the 3rd Annual Challenge of Color.

The Earth As Art image gallery is a group of over 120 pictures taken from the Landsat series of Earth observation satellites since 1972. These pictures of the unique features of our beautiful planet are a vital resource for understanding scientific issues related to land use and natural resources. I encourage you to check out these photos. They are beautiful images and so inspiring!

Each participant was assigned two color palettes from the Earth as Art images. I was given these two color palettes to choose from. 

A little background on the Dardzha Monster:  Looking like a monstrous ogre with something gooey in its mouth, the Dardzha Peninsula in western Turkmenistan lies among the shallow coastal terraces of the Caspian Sea. Strong winds create huge sand dunes near the water, some of which are partly submerged. Further inland, the dunes transition to low sand plains.

Background on the Dasht-E Kevir: The Dasht-e Kevir, or Great Salt Desert, is the largest desert in Iran. It is a primarily uninhabited wasteland, composed of mud and salt marshes covered with crusts of salt that protect the meager moisture from completely evaporating.

I committed to working the Dardzha Monster palette. I found this choice to be my challenge. I thought and thought, how could I design a lampwork bead in this color scheme. I had some ideas and got to the torch.

Round 1 of beads. I was not satisfied with what I was coming up with. The colors were proving to be a real challenge for me to create beads with. I had made a few more of the spacer beads. They seem to have disappeared from my work bench for the moment so they missed the photo shoot.

I know I committed to the Dardzha color scheme but it just wasn't working for me. So I thought I would try the Dasht E Kevir color scheme.

These beads are from the second round at the torch. I was seeing blues and off whites in the Dasht photo. Then I thought earth and nuggets. So I created nugget shaped beads as well as round beads.

It all looked good going into the kiln but once the kiln had cooled I was disappointed. Although I like the beads there is too much blue in these. Again not the look I had in mind.

Round 3 and I nailed it! (if I am allowed to say so myself). Okay, finally, beads I can work with. Immediately the ideas for a finished jewelry design began to  take shape.

 This is a blog hop. I am sure you will want to check out what all the participants  created based on the images they were assigned. We were given some great inspiration photos. I can't wait to see what everyone has come up with!

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/2012/11/3rd-annual-challenge-of-color-reveal.html

Rebecca Anderson http://songbeads.blogspot.com

Kris Auderer http://strandedinthecity.wordpress.com

Chrizette Bayman http://beadsoupmix.blogspot.com

Lori Bowring Michaud http://artfullyornamental.blogspot.com

Courtney Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com/

Lynsey Brooks http://yellowunicorncreations.blogspot.co.uk

Stephanie Buss http://maxandlucie.blogspot.com

Iveth Caruso http://www.creativeatelier.net/

Shannon Chomanczuk http://www.formysweetdaughter.blogspot.com

Lisa Cone http://inspiredadornments.blogspot.com/

Cece Cormier http://thebeadingyogini.com

Lori Dorrington http://lorisglassworks.blogspot.com

Dawn Doucette http://designsbydawnmarie.blogspot.com

Jeannie Dukic http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog/

Kim Dworak http://cianciblue.blogspot.com/

Beth Emery http://storiesbyindigoheart.blogspot.com

Janice Everett http://JLynnJewels.blogspot.com

Pam Farren http://www.re-maker.blogspot.com

Donetta Farrington http://simplygorgeous-donetta.blogspot.com

Gloria Ferrer http://judetaama.blogspot.com.es/

Cherrie Fick http://designsinthelight.co

Therese Frank http://www.theresestreasures59.blogspot.com

Patty Gasparino http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com

Tanya Goodwin http://pixiloo.blogspot.com/2012/11/3rd-annual-challenge-of-color.html

Ambra Gostoli http://chicandfrog.wordpress.com/2012/11/27/3rd-challenge-of-color

Jess Green http://tabbiekoshka.blogspot.co.uk/

Denielle Hagerman http://somebeadsandotherthings.com

Mary Harding www.maryhardingjewelrybeadblog.blogspot.com

Karla Hartzog http://www.karlakrafts.com

Kim Hora http://www.kimmykats.com

Brandi Hussey http://brandigirlblog.com

Emanda Johnson http://ArtemisiaStudio.blogspot.com

Jennifer Justman http://soulsfiredesigns.blogspot.com/

Sue Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com

Ema Kilroy http://emakaye.blogspot.com ***** you are here *****

Lee Koopman http://Stregajewellry.wordpress.com

Linda Landig http://www.LindasBeadBlog.com

Kirsi Luostarinen http://kirsiluokorut.blogspot.com

Cynthia Machata http://antiquitytravelers.blogspot.com/

Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca

Beth McCord http://www.ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com

Mary K McGraw http://mkaymac.blogspot.com/

Karen Mitchell http://www.overthemoon-design.com

Cheri Mitchell-Reed http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/

Aimee Moisa http://threecatsdancing.blogspot.com

Karla Morgan http://www.texaspepperjams.blogspot.com

Penny Neville http://copperpennydesigns.blogspot.com

Becky Pancake http://beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com

Kashmira Patel http://sadafulee.blogspot.com

Alice Peterson http://alice-dreaming.blogspot.com

Kayla Potega http://www.teejewelry.blogspot.com

Debbie Price http://greenshoot.blogspot.co.uk

Bobbie Rafferty http://beadsong.blogspot.com

Caron Reid http://caronmichelle.blogspot.com.au/

Nicole Rennell http://nicolerennell.com/blog

Cynthia Riggs http://cynthsblog.blogspot.com/2012/11/3rd-annual-challenge-of-color.html

Andrea Ross http://silvermapledesigns.blogspot.com/

Sally Russick http://thestudiosublime.com

Annie Scherz http://www.studioluma.ca

Pam Sears http://crazycreativecorner.blogspot.com/

Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com

Sandra Stein http://sannipanni.wordpress.com

Kristen Stevens http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com

Tracy Stillman http://www.tracystillmandesigns.com

Sherri Stokey http://www.knotjustmacrame.com/2012/11/challenge-of-color-reveal.html

Lola Survillo http://www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com

Kay Thomerson http://KayzKreationz.blogspot.com

Jo Tinley http://daisychaindesignsjewellery.blogspot.com

Emma Todd http://www.apolymerpenchant.com

Cory Tompkins http://www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com

Pam Traub http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com

Melissa Trudinger http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com

Michelle Tucker http://michellescreativemusings.blogspot.com/

Shelley Graham Turner http://www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com

Monique Urquhart http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com/

Rachel Van-Walsk http://balancedcrafts.com/blog

Patti Vanderbloemen http://www.myaddictionshandcrafted.blogspot.com

Lesley Watt http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.com

Lynn White http://lynnwhitejewelry.com/Lynn_White_Jewelry/Lynns_Jewelry_Blog/Lynns_Jewelry_Blog.html

Joan Williams http://www.lilrubyjewelry.com

Thanks for joining me. As always you can visit my Etsy shop to find lampwork beads, metal components and finished jewelry at Ema K Designs.

Beads on Sale

I am hosting a sale on my one of a kind lampwork beads in my Etsy shop. Sale begins now.
ONLY BEADS ARE ON SALE at this time. See the category Beads On Sale.

Use coupon code BEADSALE at checkout to receive 20% off your order! This is a great sale on unique lampwork beads, don't miss out. It is time to move some beads out of my inventory and on to a new home.

My personal life has been a bit crazy the past couple of years and participating in fairs has not been possible for me. Craft fairs have been the heart of my income over the past six years. At this point in time I need to raise some money in order to pay my bills. I have been learning some new skills and will be offering new beads toward the end of the month so now is a really great time for me to destash the beads I have in inventory.

I am offering an extra special offer to my blog readers. If you are reading this post through to the end you can receive 25% off your total purchase. Simply enter coupon code blogpost at checkout and your discount will be applied.
Thanks for stopping by. I hope you enjoy the SALE!

New Year Resolutions I don't know....

I'm not one to make New Year resolutions. I never have been. For the most part I have always done what I set out to do with my life. Now that I am getting a little older I see the need to maintain my focus in order to stay where I intend to be. I am constantly being pulled in so many different directions. Everywhere you turn, especially once you have children in school, there seems to always be someone wanting you to volunteer for this,  donate to that, spend some time helping with an event, join this group or that group. Nothing is wrong with all that, in fact much of it is very good, but sometimes you have to say "no". It is easy for life to become one giant to do list. Then, suddenly you stop, look around and say WAIT A MINUTE! What is my intention?


I don't think I am complicated, I like to do what I like to do.
I like to do anything outside, in fresh air.
I like to be around people; kind people, well intentioned people.
I like to read.
I LOVE to make my beads.
I like to be creative and crafty.
I like to visit with my family and friends.
I like to have cocktails with my friends.
I like to drink tea with my sisters.
I could throw all types of things I like to do in that mix but basically that really sums it up. Put me with some great people, outside, add a cocktail or two (or a cup of tea) and I am happy.


That leads me to this post. I am questioning what I am doing right now? Am I heading in the direction I intend to be heading in or am I just doing because someone asked me to? Last year was a tumultuous year with my familys' medical issues and I think now is as good a time as any for me to pull in and spend time with myself and my intentions. My family still has health concerns to deal with but that inspires me even more to slow down and take a look at my direction and ask myself some questions. Where am I going? Where do I want to be? What do I want?


I think now would be a good time for a website and blog redesign, to better reflect me as a person and the work I love to create. I hope I can make the time for this very soon. Redesigning can be so time consuming and I am not completely knowledgeable in everything web related.


I have resigned from two positions I have held in two different groups. I am leaving another group altogether. It is time to reevaluate my direction.
It is my intention to dabble a bit more and have fun in the challenges I choose to participate in, such as Bead Soup.
I would like to become more involved with Beads of Courage and the ISGB.
I would like to attend a Gathering.
I would like to add metals to my work, become better versed in metal smithing techniques.
I would like to enter my work into some local fairs this fall.
I would like to redesign and move my studio space to better suit metal smithing.
I would like to sell more beads in my Etsy shop.


Pink Mist

Misty Harbor

New Year Resolutions? I suppose they are but not because it is a New Year. I set these intentions because it is the right time in my life to make these choices. Thank you for taking the time to visit with me. Your comments are always welcome.

Favorite Things Tuesday July 19

Tuesdays are a great day to show off a few of my favorite things. Since we are in the middle of summer let's celebrate today with a summer theme.

I LOVE to drink iced tea all summer long. Even though I'm from the Northeast I visit the south often and have learned that the proper name for iced tea is Sweet Tea. I used to put sugar in my tea and would promptly gain 5 lbs by the end of the summer season. After all sugar water is what hummingbirds survive on, the only problem is I don't burn as many calories as a hummingbird. This summer, instead of using white, processed sugar I am using Agave Nectar. Let me tell you....it is GOOD stuff. I don't notice any difference in flavor, it is even a tad bit sweeter and yummier. So far I have eluded any weight gain. This is a very good thing because I LOVE my sweet tea!!! I think I will be giving agave nectar a try in my baking as well. It is so much better for you than processed sugar. I buy my agave at Costco but I have seen it at my local grocery store too.

I am so into turquoise this summer. Any and all accessories turquoise is right up my alley. I found these perfect summer accessories in dachuksb7196's shop on Etsy. Her crocheted item pieces are simply beautiful. She has some fun, sexy items for the one in your family that loves to be barefoot.

In keeping with the turquoise summer theme I created this bracelet in a style similar to Chan Luu, but ofcourse added my own lampwork beads to it. A wrappable bracelet which creates stackable layers. I will definitely be making more of these. If you have any color suggestions please let me know, I will be happy to put something together for you. I plan to list my leather bracelets on Etsy but it is likely I won't have time to do so until the middle of next week.If you are interested in more info on this bracelet please contact me on my Facebook Page, Ema K Designs. 

As always, thanks for stopping by and visiting with me. I look forward to your comments.

Step 1 in my 2011 Overhaul - Event Planning and Organizing

In my effort to better organize myself this year I intend to get a day planner which I will use specifically for my art and my business. In the past I have not been very good at meeting deadlines for events I want to participate in. I have signed up or intended to sign up for various contests or exchanges only to forget when the deadline is. I have printed out paper work to apply for a contest, written notes to myself, set up alarms in my cell phone calender only to end up loosing the paperwork amongst the mass of paper that finds it way into my home daily or realize I haven't given myself enough time to actually complete the work. And thus another opportunity floats right on by.

I am a visual person. I think if I leave a planner on my work bench and check it every couple of days I will be much better motivated. I will have a visual reminder of my intentions and become much better organized and actually meet deadlines and entry dates. Yes I definitely need to get better organized.

I found this planner while searching Google. Unfortunately the seller is no longer active. Maybe I should make my own, but then again that will take away time from the beads and jewelry I am intending to create. Perhaps I should support another Etsy artist and just buy one. Now if I can find one which suites my needs. (the one above does)

I have been searching Etsy and haven't found what I am looking for. My kids are home from school today, I didn't plan on working, I think making my own planner is going to be in my plans for the day. Stay tuned. I will show you a picture when I'm done.

The Direction of My Art and My Life

Happy New Year. 

I become self contemplative when the new year rolls around and this year I find myself in an unsteady, unsure space. Last March I had a major health issue take charge of my life. I slowed down for a while and didn't sign up for any shows. Then a couple of opportunities presented themselves and I jumped back on the band wagon. Now I find myself wondering about my direction again.

I have such a strong desire to create, I find it difficult to deny myself any opportunity to create. However, by next September I will looking at two sons in college and also feel the need to contribute financially to my family. Up to this point my business has not been able to provide that. So what does one do? It is quite a task running a business when you are the one who is responsible for creating all the products as well as handle ALL the other responsibilities related to running a business...business plan, marketing, vending at shows,  bookkeeping and so on.

In addition to my work I am MOM. I have been blessed to be able to be a stay at home Mom. I still have a younger son who still needs Mom around. I am pulled in many directions and at times feel conflicted as to where my attention should go. So what does one do?

My artful ideas are plenty. It seems my ability to translate those ideas into profitable internet sales are where my shortcomings fall. Selling my work at outdoor venues is always a joyful experience; it is however physically draining and I am still concerned about my health. So what does one do?

If I am going to continue to do what I love I need a plan. A better plan than the one I have been working with the past few years. I wish I could say I have the answers I seek. I don't at this very moment. I do have a plan for the moment. I am offering 30% OFF ALL lampwork beads in my Etsy and Artfire shops. I am practically giving my beads away. Beginning February 1, I will remove all items from my shops and I will slowly begin to list items which I see as a new direction for me.

Ema K Designs Esty use coupon code NY1130 for 30% OFF lampwork beads.
Ema K Designs ArtFire all items are priced to reflect 30% OFF

Thanks for visiting with me.
Ema

My New Tool

I am learning how to use my new lentil press from Jim Moore. So far I am loving it!

Even my husband was impressed by the quality of construction. I have told you before that my husband is a master craftsman. He can create anything. So for him to say how well made this tool is says A LOT. He even thought the cost was well worth it. I would have to agree that this tool is a beautiful creation in and of itself.

I have only had a little bit of time to create a couple of beads using it and I am more than happy with the way they turned out. This is a deep press, meaning that it requires quite a bit of glass to fill the lentil shape. I didn't use enough glass with a couple of beads and they didn't turn out quite right. But the ones I am showing you here, are just right.

Thanks for stopping by.

Wordless Wednesday 12/8

More work from my Fire Diva friends

Judith Billig of Icarus Beads

Rivers Edge Glass

Spawn of Flame

Beads by Clare Scott

Susan Lambert

Dorset Hill Beads

The Tree that Inspires Me

The tree. As I pass by on a beautiful, clear sky morning.

I love this tree. I pass it everyday on my walk, sometimes I pass it many times in a day if I am driving by too. It ALWAYS captures my attention. I particularly love the tree when the leaves are off it. I find I am drawn to it on clear, cool nights, with the moon lighting it up. It speaks to me on some level. I'm not sure I can explain why. I see age and wisdom in this tree. I see strength and beauty. I see it embracing anything and everything that comes its way. I see this tree embodying grace.

Just some of my work that has been inspired by this tree...

My hope is that people will leave this tree alone and it will continue to stand strong, towering over our road.

Wordless Wednesday

Featuring some of my favorite art glass pieces from a few of my Fire Diva Friends.

Amy Houston

Lori Bergmann

Karen of Giapet

Janel Dudley

Lauren of Maybeads

Lara Lutrick

Balancing Act of Life and Beads

Life is a balancing act. For me I am constantly trying to find the balance in life; trying to make sure everyone is taken care of myself included.  The lives of my children, my work, my husband's business, taking care to see my friends and balance relationships, I can't forget taking care of my trusty companion, my dog and then I must take care of myself too . Planning, planning, planning. Planning for shows, planning for trips, planning for holidays, planning for my kids heading to or already in college. You know the ...the list could go on. Sometimes I get so focused on the To Do List that I forget to enjoy the moments. After all that is what life is all about, the moments.

The past few times that I have had the opportunity to enjoy my moments at my torch I have been focused on creating something specific. Custom orders, beads for upcoming shows, beads to list in my Etsy or ArtFire stores and alas a little something for myself. I recently purchased a cuff bracelet made of turquoise, sparkling seed beads and some brown stoney looking beads. I want to create a pendant that is similar in color with a textural look to wear with this bracelet. So far I have not been satisfied with the results. Apparently, I am my own worst customer. I have created some pretty beads but I have not captured the look I want to pair with my new bracelet. (This will be a story for another day.)

My plan for today was to make beads, my plan would be to try again to capture that perfect pendant for myself. As I began I felt frustrated. I did not want to work with "those" colors again. Ugggh! I was just not into today. "But I want to make beads so what will I make?" I was not coming up with any of my usual ideas. So I decided to stop thinking and just do. This felt so freeing for me. I tend to be a thinker and can think a subject or idea to no end. But today, in my moment, I was free. I didn't think or plan. I just picked up a colored rod that looked good to me and began to wind the glass onto the mandrel. There was no preconceived plan, stringers were pulled on the fly, matching colors were picked in the moment. I found myself happy and satisfied to just let it all go. I didn't worry too much about winding the glass perfectly balanced on the mandrel, if it wasn't perfect when I squished the glass I would figure out a way to embellish the bead to make a balanced bead. I am tired of all the to do lists and the planning. Today I just need to be and create.

So today I created my beads of balance and I love them!

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving...and then comes round two
Thanksgiving is a multi day event in my family. It is tradition for the host or hostess to plan enough food for the day after Thanksgiving. The family will arrive for round two the day after. Personally, as the hostess, I prefer round two. This day is much more relaxed and fun for me. The food has all been cooked and the pots and pans have all been cleaned and put away. The only thing I have to do is take out all the fixings and let everyone reheat their plate. 

After we are all full of another turkey dinner, plenty of pie (apple pie is my favorite), a glass of wine or two and tea or coffee we play a game of Scrabble, watch  movies and sit by the fire.


I am thankful for my wonderful family. I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration.


Ema

Dunstable Artisans 21st Annual Art Show and Sale

Earlier this year I was honored to become a member of the Dunstable Artisans, a local group of extremely talented and diverse artisans. This past weekend was the annual art show. I was honored to be a participant in this show, however, I have to be honest and tell you that I was more than a bit nervous. I have known of this group for MANY years and attended a show quite some time ago. I have always believed the individuals that belonged to this group were amongst the most talented artisans in the area. I could only hope to live up this reputation.

Back in August, it was with much trepidation that I began to prepare for the show. I have to admit that my expectations for myself can be high, so I push myself hard to be the best I can. I don't always love that about myself but it is what it is. Much would be needed; in terms of my work, I created as I usually do and even stretched myself to create some new products which have been running through my head for some time. Setting up a booth in this venue was going to be my challenge. I have done a lot of shows and fairs in the past but nothing like this. Almost all of the shows I have participated in the past have been outside venues. The one inside venue I participate in, is in a museum and only tables are allowed. Obviously vendors can not interfere with the museums pieces which are on display.

Preparing for a high end inside venue brings with it a whole new set of requirements regarding booth set up. I felt I would need to present myself , my work and my booth in a professional manner. The biggest challenge was going to be some type of wall system to define my booth. The Artisans were more than generous in their support, offering ideas and  even offering equipment used by others during their "first" year of shows. It was important to me to figure out something I could afford and that I felt represented me. I began to look into pipe an drape set ups and was astounded at the cost of these systems. This was not in my budget, not this year anyway.

My husband and I began brainstorming. I should tell you that my husband is a self employed electrician. He is a master at his work but he also has the ability of being the most fantastic handyman, I am telling you...he can fix or create anything! We took a trip to Home Depot and browsed the store trying to find something that would work as a pipe system. We settled on fencing materials and some items from the plumbing department to create my very own customized pipe system, at a price I could afford. I scanned the internet for some reasonably priced, suitable drapes. I was proud of the set up we ended up creating. I think we both did an excellent job. (I hope you don't mind me giving myself a little pat on the back)

For the record..my wonderful husband created the wooden display stand for my focal beads, the wooden wine stop display and the black boxes for my necklaces to be displayed on. I seriously don't know what I would do without all his help. I think I will have to bake him a cheesecake for all his efforts, heck, I'll have to bake him a cheesecake a month for the next year.

I learned so very much from the artisans at this show. There are items I know would like to tweak before next years show but for this moment I can say I was happy with the set up I and my husband achieved. I am grateful and thankful for the generosity and support of the Dunstable Artisans. I am also grateful and thankful for the all the wonderful people who attended the show and were willing to support their local artists. I also have to thank my family for allowing me the time to let it be all about me these past few weeks. Now we will all return to our regular schedules....ahhhhh.

Ema

Pumpkins and Pincushions

What a fun collection I found myself in, it's all about pumpkins and pincushions. I have a glass pumpkin featured but my quilting background allows me to thoroughly appreciate the pincushions. I wish I was still quilting enough to allow me to buy one of these beautiful pincushions.

Pumpkins and Pincushions Collection on ArtFire

This collection was curated by Glass Dragon Bear. Take a peak (pun intended) at some of her beautiful work.

A couple of my favorites which are featured in this collection.

How cute is this pincushion created by Foxtail Creek Studio?

An adorable creation by Schmaltzy Craftsy.

As I said I wish I still had a need for pincushions like these. Beautiful work.

Thanks for stopping by my spot in the blogging world.

Ema