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.

Big Reveals this Week

This week is an exciting one. I joined a couple of challenges and the reveal dates for both challenges are this week!

The first is the The Challenge of Music hosted by Erin Prais-Hintz. The date for this challenge and blog hop is leap day, February 29th. Find more info on The Challenge of Music on Erin's blog.

The second challenge is Bead Soup hosted by Lori Anderson. The reveal date for Bead Soup is March 3rd.
To join in all the blog hopping fun you can visit Lori's Bead Soup blog.

There will be lots of great blog reading and beautiful creations revealed for both of these. I hope you can join us and have some fun with the participants. Some people are adding giveaways to their reveals. You won't want to miss it.

Here is a sneak peak of tomorrows reveal......

Inspiration is Everywhere

I have been inspired by Romana at Create with Joy to write this blog. Romana writes an " inspirational blog that celebrates creativity" and she  invites us "to inspire others and nurture your creative spirit" by linking to her Inspire Me Monday postings.

Today I share my new love...Kumihimo braiding. I have been completely smitten since I took a class back in October 2011. Recently on a shopping adventure, in search of ribbon I could use to create some Kumihimo bracelets, I stumbled on some yarn that was off white and white. It was actually a combination of different types of yarns and ribbons that, when all together, got me to thinking of flowy, fairies, romance, victorian and bohemian styles. This yarn was GORGEOUS! I had to have it! I swear I had heart palpitations when I saw it. The cost was out of my league at over $50.00 for a small skein. So I walked out of the store with my "reasonably" priced purchases and headed home to create my bracelets.

The tools I use to make Kumihimo braided jewelry.

I haven't been able to stop thinking about this small skein of yarn. It has been haunting me ... before I fall asleep, when I wake up in the morning, as I showered, waiting to pick my son up from school ... every quiet moment I had I envisioned the finished piece I would be creating with it. The beads I would be making to accompany it. Seriously I couldn't stop thinking about it. 

Then along came a challenge from Erin Prais-Hintz at Treasures Found, The Challenge of Music.  I have always felt certain songs reflect on my life and I didn't hesitate to sign up for Erin's Challenge. Now I knew I had to have this yarn!!! I knew exactly what I would create and which song my creation would represent. Here began my frantic internet search to find an affordable alternative to the much coveted yarn I had to have. I found something I could afford and anxiously awaited its arrival. I had a couple of false starts and needed to make a couple of additions in materials to get the look I was going after but when I had it I knew I was right on track with my vision. Now I just have to get into my studio to create the beads I need. Here is a sneak peak of what I was able to put together using Kumihimo braiding techniques and my fantastic, whimsical yarns. 

Stay tuned for the reveal of the finished piece. The reveal date is February 29th!

You can find more info on Erin"s blog post on the Challenge of Music. 

As always, you can visit my Etsy shop to find unique lampwork beads and jewelry.

Thank you for stopping by and visiting with me.

Bead Soup Sign Ups

Bead Soup is coming. There have been some rule changes this year so make sure you follow up with Lori Anderson and her blog, Pretty Things.

Monochromatic Challenge Fire Diva Style

The Fire Divas have created some beautiful beads for this Monochromatic Challenge.
You should vote for your favorite and you could win a lovely prize, a coupon for 20% OFF anything in Lori Bergmann's Artfire shop, AshlynDesigns.

Online Surveys & Market Research

Transitions ... from shirt to bead

My son found this t-shirt on line. I purchased it for him for Christmas. When it arrived I was wishing I had bought one for myself. I love this t-shirt!!! I still could buy one and so can you if you want. You can find the Transitions t-shirt right here on shirt.woot. The problem is I'm not a huge fan of t-shirts. Those necklines feel like they are strangling me and drive me nuts all day.

Now if you have been following my blog you will have noticed that I am hooked on making tree silhouettes. It was a natural transition for me to turn this t-shirt into a tree bead. I love it!!!

Transitions by Ema K on Etsy

Now maybe I won't keep threatening to steal my son's t-shirt or maybe I will because I have listed this bead in my Etsy shop. He better watch out. :D

Bead Soup Blog Party - What I Sent

Here is a shot of the goodies I sent to my Bead Soup partner, Elizabeth Freeman of Desert Whimsies. I packaged and mailed my beads to Elizabeth a couple of weeks ago. She has had some time to consider what she wants to create.
There are only two rules:
Elizabeth must use the focal and she must use the clasp. The big reveal will take place on Saturday, February 26th. I will keep you updated as we go along. You can learn more about Bead Soup, hosted by Lori Anderson here.

My next blog post will be showing off the bead goodies I received from Elizabeth.
You can find Elizabeth and her polymer clay creations on Etsy and follow along on her blog, Turquoise Sky.

Thanks for visiting with me.

Updated to include 2011 Bead Soup links:
Sneak Peak
What I Rec'd
The Big Reveal 
What I Sent

Cast Your Vote for Your Favorite Bead

The Fire Divas like to play...this month we are hosting a lampwork bead challenge. Let's see what the incredibly talented Divas came up with for our True Love Challenge this month. It could be hard choose they are all so fun and delicious, don't forget to vote on the right side of the Fire Diva's blog!


Entry 1


Entry 2


Entry 3


Entry 4


Entry 5


Thanks for voting! Results will be posted in one week!

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

Art Charms Part 2

I am excited about the art charm exchange I joined which has been hosted by Jennifer of Glassaddictions. Last week I gave you a sneak peak of the beads. Now I have the 10 beads made into charms. I mailed them off to Jennifer on Monday. 

I wanted a group photo of all the charms but in my excitement to get them in the mail, I forgot to take pictures of them before I attached them to my cards. I had to back track a little bit and attempted to take photos with them attached to the cards. 

I don't want to ruin it for the participants of this exchange so I won't show photos of all the charms until we have all received our charms. I will show you just one....I made all my charms different so no one knows exactly which one they will be getting. 

As an artist I love to participate in exchanges like this. It always stretches my artistic abilities. It helps me to think beyond my preferred colors and methods. We all have our favorite color palette and the colors for this exchange are not in my palette. What I have found is that these colors work beautifully together and I will be making more beads with this color theme. I enjoy how something so simple as an exchange between friends can open up a realm of new possibilities.

It is also tons of fun to look forward to receiving goodies in the mail. 

You can learn more about all 10 participants in this exchange by visiting their blogs.

Art Charm Exchange Participants:

1. Jennifer http://glassaddictions.blogspot.com

2. Susan http://suebeads.blogspot.com

3. Kristie http://ArtisanClay.blogspot.com

4. Paige http://pmaximdesigns.blogspot.com/

5. Nan http://spiritrattles.blogspot.com/

6. Amy http://copperdiem.blogspot.com/

7. Lauren http://maybeads.blogspot.com/

8. Loretta http://www.designsbyloretta.blogspot.com/

9. Ema http://emakaye.blogspot.com/

10. Janel http://janeldudleybeads.blogspot.com/

Fire Divas Quarterly Jewelry Challenge Fall 2010

Summer is winding down and the holidays will be here in the blink of an eye. The Fire Divas are hosting our quarterly jewelry challenge. Our theme this time is 'The Holiday Season', and we welcome submissions reflecting any or all of the holidays that are upcoming between now and the end of the year. If you'd like to see some holiday-inspired Fire Diva creations, check our our Flickr page.

As challenges go there are rules to be followed. You will find the rules at the end of my post, but first you must check out the fabulous prizes offered by our Divas....

 http://www.emakaye.etsy.com/

http://www.twoglassyladies.ca/

http://www.etsy.com/shop/JanelDudleyBeads

http://arensea.etsy.com/ or http://arensea.artfire.com

http://www.teasebeads.artfire.com/

http://www.artfire.com/users/BabsBeadsandDesign

http://www.lajewelrydesigns.etsy.com/ or http://www.lajewelrydesigns.artfire.com

http://www.hollysfolly.com/

http://www.lutrick.artfire.com/

Owl bead from http://www.maybeads.etsy.com/

http://www.beadygirlbeads.etsy.com/

Now for the details:

All submissions must feature Fire Divas' lampwork. We require the name of the Fire Diva who made the beads used in the submitted piece, so if you submit something, please be ready to provide that information.

We will allow one submission per person per contest, and a maximum of two photos per submission. Entries may be submitted here (http://www.flickr.com/groups/firedivachallenge/) for approval, no later than October 15, 2010. Please include, in the comments section, the following:

• Information about the beads
• Description of the piece
• Inspiration for the piece

Submissions will not be approved without all of this information.

Fire Divas reserve the right to approve or reject any submissions.
Fire Divas reserve the right to modify or cancel the challenge at any time.

The winners will be determined by an open poll which does not allow multiple votes.