Carol Ladine's Blog

2011-06-27T18:28:00.004-05:00

Here are Year of Jewelry 2011
week 21: On a musical note, Treble Cleff earrings in copper with a vintage crystal bead
week 22: Vintage Italian Carved Cameo ring in 14k rolled gold\
week 23: Mans Black Onyx ring in sterling silver
weed 24: Sun, sea and surf, Frolicking Mermaids sterling silver pendant

YOJ Weeks 18, 20 and 21

2011-06-02T12:41:00.008-05:00

Week 18-Mothers Love

Week 20-Three Feet of Wire

Week 21-Seeing Red

YOJ - Week 15 - Double Duty

2011-05-07T17:07:00.003-05:00

I found this unique two sided cameo from an Etsy seller and knew immediately it was perfect for this theme. Yes I know I'm kind of behind with this but just couldn't come up with any ideas until I saw the cameo. I created a pendant in Sterling silver and by adding detailing to both sides with a center bail it is completely reversible. Side one has a beautiful little Angel Girl and the other has a gorgeous bouquet of roses.

The faster I try and go...

2011-05-01T13:50:00.005-05:00

...the further behind I get. I'm still a little behind in Year of Jewelry 2011 since I haven't done Week 15 as yet but have completed weeks 16 and 17.

Week 16 was Easter Parade and I created a pendant using a beautiful porcelain Cameo that featured a lovely English Garden.

Week 17 was Water Worn. Since this fell at the end of the month I found myself very busy so I made a very simple pendant using white sea glass and creating a simple spiral setting around it in fushsia craft wire.

Year of Jewelry Weeks 13 and 14

2011-04-11T17:41:00.005-05:00

Week 13 was Complimentary colors. I chose yellow and purple Czech fire polish beads for my colors. The earring design is from my Victorian Style Earrings Tutorial. I've gotten a ton of compliments on the use of these colors.

Week 14 was Gods and Goddesses-Thor. I created a Thor's Hammer using 16ga half hard half round wire for the base. Bending the piece of wire in the center over my needle nose pliers created the bail. 21ga half hard half round wire wraps the handle and at the top the two sides of wire were spread apart and shaped to fit the little agate stone. The 21ga wire then wraps around the stone several times to secure.

Newest Curvy Feminine Necklace

2011-03-25T12:54:00.004-05:00

This one I made just for the Art Gallery in Paola. D'Marie Fine Art Gallery is going to have a first ever showing at the Crossroads Center in Kansas City on April the 1st. Doris is going to take a few art pieces from her gallery done by local artists. This piece is just one of mine that will have the honor of being showcased.

The metal is oxidized Sterling Silver. The little round beads are Coral Jade and the focal briolette is Cherry Quartz.

2011-03-14T11:15:00.004-05:00

This piece is going to serve several venues this month. I had taken my Week 1 YOJ 2011 to the Art Gallery in town and the owner loved it. She wanted me to make more necklaces like and similar to it so here's another one along those lines and of course it will go to the gallery. Now this is also my March Piece of the Month here, will be in the YOJ 2011 Week 11 gallery and of course will be posted on my blog. Now that's getting mileage out of a piece LOL! Anyway, the curvy wire parts are sterling that was hammered flat after shaping. The beads are a lovely shade of aqua Cats Eye chips and the little brioletts are aquamarine. The chain is Sterling plated and has a 3" extender.

YOJ - Week 10 - Irish Eyes Are Smiling

2011-03-10T18:21:00.001-06:00

This weeks YOJ theme was Irish Eyes are Smiling. For this theme I featured a pair of earrings I had made for my article/lesson for Beadingtimes Ezine since it was also an Irish theme. I had some beads that were 10mm dark green round and a lighter green in a different shape. I used green craft wire and silver bell caps and Sterling earwires to pull it all together for this pair of cool spring like earrings.

YOJ 2011 - Week 9 - Windswept

2011-03-10T18:05:00.006-06:00

Windswept was the theme for week 9 Year of Jewelry 2011. I did get it done on time, Feb 28th. I'm just kind of behind on things. I made a simple necklace of silver buy taking four wires of slightly different lengths, curving them, made a loop on each end and hammered the wire flat then textured them with a ball peen hammer. I then wired them together in a free form shape and stitched little Fresh Water purple pearls into the loops. A silver chain was added to complete the piece.

YOJ 2011 – Carol Ladine – Wk 8, Gods & Goddesses: Freya

2011-02-26T10:19:00.001-06:00

I was sorta stumped with this weeks theme but after reading about the Goddess Freya and going through some of my stash I decided on making this lovely cameo into a pendant in her honor. The flowers of course for Freya’s love of them and the cat represents the cats that pulled her chariot.

YOJ 2011 - Wk 7 - Something to talk about

2011-02-16T15:34:00.004-06:00

This week I’m experimenting. Took some 18ga Antiqued Brass square wire and pounded some of it and twisted some of it. Sorta manipulated into a free form shape then added small ice blue faceted briolettes. For now just using a pretty blue ribbon to hang it from. It's pretty good size at 1 7/8" by 3 1/2" total length.

YOJ Week 6, Amore, Double Hearts

2011-02-12T10:25:00.001-06:00

A hammered copper heart suspended below a cute Tiger stripe glass bead heart. The curled wire at the bottom of the bead is what holds the copper heart below. The top two pieces of the copper heart are wired together under the curl. Width is 1 1/4″ and length is 2 3/4″.

YOJ - Wk 5 - Down and Dirty

2011-02-05T18:17:00.003-06:00

Got this completed at the last minute just about. It's a rather large Turquoise Briolette with a surround or frame of coiled copper. The pendant measures about 1 1/4" by 2" and the chain, handcrafted by myself is about 20" long. This looks great with high neck and turtle neck sweaters. I used some older copper that had a natural patina.

YOJ - Wk 4 - Wild and Wicked

2011-01-29T16:07:00.002-06:00

I thought about several designs for this theme and decided to create a pendant using this beautiful African Jasper. The setting is Sterling Silver and the tiny accent beads are Purple Velvet and Black Swarovski crystals.

YOJ 2011 - Wk 3 - Mixed Media

2011-01-29T16:02:00.002-06:00

I kind of cheated on this one. It is sorta Mixed Media, loom beading and handmade forged clasp. I had finished the bargello patterned bracelet just a few days before so used it.

Year of Jewelry 2011 Week 2-Eclipse

2011-01-11T15:44:00.001-06:00

Finished my Year of Jewelry 2011 Week 2. This is a black druzy set in Sterling Silver pendant. The theme for Week 2 is Eclipse and I think this fit about as good as anything else I could think of.

It's 3/4" wide, 1 1/2" in total length and is about 10mm thick.

Year of Jewelry 2011 week 1-New Beginnings

2011-01-05T16:22:00.003-06:00

I decided to join Year of Jewelry this year and hopefully will be able to post all 52 weeks. This is my week one submission. First, it's my first attempt at using LOS and got it a little darker than I wanted it but it's still pretty. I used 19ga copper wire hammered flat after shaping and 30ga copper wire for the bindings. The beads are 4mm Black Onyx.

Year of Jewelry 2011

GO CHIEFS!!!

2010-12-27T08:17:00.002-06:00

Our wonderful Kansas City Chiefs are the #1 team in the AFC West! We are in the play offs and get home field advantage in the first game. It's so good to go from the cellar to the top of your league in just one year. Thanks to our great coaches, coordinators and team players!

Bargello Cuff

2010-12-27T07:38:00.005-06:00

It's been a very long time since I took on a project such as this one. The pattern is called Bargello and the colors are wonderful. This piece is done on a loom and I had to rebuild mine. I have only done one simple project on a loom recently and this is taking a bit of time. It's going to be nearly two inches wide after I add the final edging and about seven and a quarter inches long. I'm going to make my own clasp since the ones for these are pretty pricey. I'm using Toho seed beads since that's what I have on hand. These come out neater if made with Delicas. I also didn't have all the colors in opaque so the only opaque beads are the black, yellow and orange. The others are either transparent or silver lined. Does give the bracelet a little sparkle.

Playing catch up again...

2010-12-15T09:33:00.003-06:00

Trying to play a little catch up here with some photos of a few of my newest pieces.

Photo #1 is a porcelain cameo wrapped in antiqued bronze wire.

#2 is a beautiful art glass pendant with a copper wire woven bail and hung on a turquoise and copper necklace.

#3 was done for a Winter Wonderland Challange. It's white quartz in Sterling with Swarovski Crystal accents.

#4 features rectangular Turquoise beads, silver spacer beads and a silver fancy clasp.

#5 is a set consisting of Leopardskin Jasper and Perido Agate beads in two sizes.

#6 is a spectacular Horse and Mountain Porcelain cameo in Sterling Silver.

HOLIDAY BARGANS GALORE!

2010-11-19T13:33:00.003-06:00

Big 15% off every item in my Artfire Studio through November 30th! All pendants, rings and neckwires packaged in nice white gift boxes prior to packaging for shipping. Makes gift giving a breeze.

Pre Holiday Sale!

2010-11-12T11:07:00.003-06:00

I am having a Pre Holiday Sale 11/12/10 through 11/14/10! All items marked down by 15% in my Etsy Store and my Ebay Store plus a coupon code available for 15% off in my Artfire studio. Don't miss this opportunity to save on your holiday jewelry shopping! All purchases are placed in nice white gift boxes prior to packaging for shipping. Perfect for your gift giving!

2010-10-16T17:24:00.004-05:00

Did my first bead loom work in years. The only seedies I had were Tohos which are very nice but not great for bead looming. Since I live in Kansas just south of Kansas City of course we're KC Chiefs fans and these earrings are my statement of that. The first photo of course is the finished earrings. The second shows them still on my funky home made loom.

Busy, busy, busy...

2010-10-13T11:18:00.002-05:00

I had quite a few pendants and rings that were just setting in a baggie so I decided it high time to get them listed somewhere. I've decided on ArtFire and in the last two days have listed like crazy! Only (at this writing) have four more pendants to list but will get started on the rings this afternoon. With holiday shopping right around the corner you might want to check my studio Creations by Carol Ladine on ArtFire and favorite it for later shopping.

2010-10-02T14:13:00.004-05:00

Here is a piece I made for the month of October. The stabilized Turquoise beads are about 20mm by 30mm. The clasp is antiqued sterling but the larger silver spacer beads are antiqued but not sterling. I placed a size 11/0 black matte seed bead before and after each silver spacer bead. The stringing material is .019" (.4mm) Accuaflex. The length is approximately 18 inches. Oh yeah, the turquoise beads were part of the stash I purchased from a lady from the Jewelry Making forum at about.com This piece will be going to D'Marie Gallery of Fine Arts 5 West Wee Paola, KS the end of this week.

New Beading Books!

2010-09-15T13:36:00.002-05:00

My three new beading books just arrived in the mail and I'm thrilled! Looks like I'm gonna be a busy lady learning these new techniques. Naw, I'm not giving up the wire work but do need a bit of a change of pace.

Bon Voyage Michael!

2010-09-13T07:44:00.003-05:00

As of Sunday afternoon our grandson Michael is headed for the Navel boot camp near Chicago, ILL where he'll train for demolitions disarmament. We got a chance to have him and other family members over on Saturday for a quick light supper. We had lots of fun as usual and got a few photos. This is the best one I got. In the photo is: Michael, Sr (our son), Michael, Jr (our grandson), Me and seated is my hubby Anthony (Tony)

2010-09-01T10:47:00.003-05:00

8/30/10 - It's Christmas in Kansas!!! I had the chance to purchase a bead lot from a lady that lost her job a while back and needed to make some extra $$. I looked at her stash and thought it was worth every penny of the asking price. They arrived Monday 8/30/10 and I had a blast going through all of them. Still can't believe I was lucky enough to purchase before someone else did. I feel so blessed that I was able to help someone in need and receive some beautiful beads at the same time. It doesn't get any better than that.

2010-08-11T17:48:00.003-05:00

Just listed these two new pendants on ArtFire. A beautiful cameo of the Madonna in very detailed high relief. The second one is a vintage Victorian Lady in a more modified relief. Just as detailed though. Both pendants are wire wrapped in 14K Gold Fill and have generous bails.

www.creationsbycarolladine.artfire.com

Holey Moley!

2010-07-24T16:29:00.003-05:00

Holey moley how time flies! I had no idea it's been so long since I posted anything here. Guess I'd better start writing myself notes! I have done a couple of things lately. One is this beautiful pair of earrings I just completed. I created these from a tutorial, Victorian Style Droplet Earrings by Abby Hook.

All's well.....

2010-03-23T08:35:00.004-05:00

...that ends well they say. I didn't get to the Rings n Things bead show because Mother Nature decided we needed a snow storm. So, I buried my disappointment by going on line and buying lots of pretties. Most probably won't be in until later this week but I will take some pictures so you all can see.

One year anaversary!

2010-03-16T18:16:00.000-05:00

One year later and still not smoking!!

One year, 5 hours, 37 minutes and 11 seconds. 7304 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1,187.01. Life saved: 3 weeks, 4 days, 8 hours, 40 minutes.

DLST

2010-03-14T13:56:00.001-05:00

It's the first day of daylight savings time and I hate it. Not only that, it's about our fourth day of clouds and light drizzle, ugh. It usually takes me a couple of days to get used to it and it makes getting anything done that much harder.

Experiment...

2010-03-06T08:41:00.000-06:00

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

2010-03-05T18:12:00.006-06:00

I decided to make a few rings this morning so here they are. Back row is a Unikite and Adventurine, Adventurine and Pink Quarts, Red glass. Front two are, white Stardust and Sodalite, white Opalite and Faceted Hemitite. All are created using Sterling Silver wire.

In the afternoon I had to take our van to have the lift platform (handicap equipment) worked on. The only place is Lenexa about 40 miles north of us. On the way back took a side trip to the Olathe Michaels to use a gift card my daughter gave me for Christmas. Spent more that the gift card of course. But it was fun! Can hardly wait for the Ring n Things trunk show the 20th of this month.

A Tale of Two Bracelets

2010-02-08T17:31:00.006-06:00

Back in 2003 I made this cuff style bracelet and sold it on ebay. After a few years and a computer breakdown I only had a couple of small photos of it and wanted to make another one. The buyer and I had remained in contact over the years. Last spring I contacted her, told her what I had in mind and asked if she could possibly send some good size photos so I could see the details. She said she would see what she could do. A while later she wrote me back and asked what I would charge to put a nice clasp closure on the bracelet. She had put one on herself but didn't really care for it. Anyway, seeing a great opportunity I told her I would love to do it and would only charge for the return shipping .

To make a long story short, she sent the bracelet, I made the clasp AND got my photos. Below is the bracelet I just completed thanks to my good friend Ms. P!

Some of my newest pieces

2010-01-28T10:33:00.005-06:00

Here are a few of my newest projects. To the left and directly below are some earrings from my new Pretty Petals Collection

Next is a beaded pendant using nuggets, faceted beads and gold fill beads and wire.

Last but not least is a necklace of Leopardskin Jasper, dark brown glass bead that have little bumps for texture and a sterling silver wire wrapped Botswana Agate pendant.

You'll find all these lovelies in my shop at Etsy

Organizing...

2010-01-09T18:03:00.002-06:00

Worked on sorting and organizing my loose beads and cameos today. Geesh, what a job. Took me the better part of the afternoon and still not quite done. I have other supplies/findings that need organizing and simply a proper storage place. On top of that I have more beads and findings coming in next week then I get to sort and organize them. My goal is to totally redo my workspace/room and finally get some organization and have proper storage/shelving out the wazoo!

2010-01-07T10:53:00.003-06:00

I just completed my newest tutorial. It's a prong style setting for a large faceted gemstone. The stone used in the tut is an Emerald Cut, and I show you how to create the setting with the prongs on the diagonal.

http://www.creationsbycarolladine.com/facetedpendantsetting.php

Materials:
• 57” (4 3/4 feet) 21ga square 14k GF or
Sterling Silver wire cut as follows
• 7 pieces at 7”
• 1 pieces at 8”
• One large emerald cut faceted gemstone
• 2 to three feet 20ga Half Round Half Hard
wire. If totally wrapping the sides you’ll
need 3 feet
The one I used here is approximately 21mm
by 12mm by 7mm deep

Tools:
• Flat Nose Pliers
• Chain Nose Pliers
• Flush cutters
• Round Nose Pliers
• Some type of low tack tape
• Fine tip Sharpie
• Hard plastic or rawhide hammer
• #9 knitting needle or ¼” dowel
• OPTIONAL: Tumbler & Stainless Steel Shot,
calipers, prong pusher

Custom Order.....

2009-12-26T16:28:00.011-06:00

Early in December I was contacted by a someone wanting me to create settings for four lovely gemstones they had. These were all to be in 14k Gold Fill.

First we have a beautiful Yellow Kunzite cut in a pear shape. They wanted the setting to be similar to one on my website

This next one is an Emerald Cut Amethyst. The setting was requested to be similar to another one from my site.

This next one is a gorgeous Emerald Cut Aquamarine. I had carte blanche with this one. All the corners feature open work with the prongs also being wider at the base than the tips.

Last but certainly not least is the lovely square Cushion Cut Amethyst that was originally intended for a ring. Since it was too large, 19mm x 19mm x 12mm, it was decided to make it into a pendant. Again I had full reign on the design.

I had of course sent photos all along the process to get approval. They received the package on Monday Dec. 21st. and I received a message on the 22nd. The first sentence read....

"You would not believe the ear to ear smile on someones face yesterday when she opened the boxes"

I knew instantly the pieces were totally approved! These folks were a total joy to work with and looks like I'll be doing more for them after Jan 1st.

In closing I wish everyone everywhere a Safe and Wonderful New Year!

Busy, busy, busy!

2009-12-03T18:49:00.002-06:00

Here lately I've been so busy I haven't even had time to post anything. Right now I'm in the middle of a nice custom order and will have photos later. Getting ready for the Christmas Season as well.

I have decided to pull out of Ebay but am doing it slowly by ending listings just before they renew. The listings that I end I'm just as slowly adding them to my Etsy Store. Well, out of time again today. I'm tired (was shopping day) and I need to find a tall cool one and my easy chair.

Adjustable Birthstone Rings...

2009-11-10T15:54:00.003-06:00

A week or so ago I showed a photo of my newest birthstone rings. These rings are now available through my Etsy Store in either Sterling Silver or 14k Gold Fill. Here are a couple of new photos. One is an April Gold Fill and the other is of all the other silver ones I took to the gallery.

Yet another ring...

2009-10-24T16:49:00.002-05:00

One more ring, this one with Purple Velvet Swarovski Crystals

New Birthstone Rings...

2009-10-22T13:54:00.003-05:00

The lady that runs/owns the local Art Gallery where I have some things consigned has been asking for more adjustable rings. She really wanted to see the Birthstone rings in an adjustable style. I put on my thinking cap and decided to make a variation of my Two Bead Adjustable ring. Here are three I made yesterday using snap sets and Swarovski crystals. Silver sells better here than the Gold Fill so they're all in Sterling. The months are October (Rose), November (Citrine) and December (Blue Zircon). Took them into the gallery and low and behold, sold the November plus the lady ordered another one for February (Amethyst).

Just listed...

2009-09-20T10:38:00.003-05:00

I made this ring a couple of months ago and finally decided to get it listed. Decided to list on ArtFire. Check it out! New Ring

2009-09-14T11:35:00.007-05:00

Just listed four new pairs of earrings
in my ArtFire studio

2009-09-13T11:23:00.002-05:00

9/13/09: Just listed in my Artfire Store a gorgeous 14k Gold Fill sculpted wire dichroic glass pendant. http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=Shop&op=listing&product_id=414739

Black and Silver Thread Earrings

2009-09-10T12:54:00.002-05:00

Here's a pair of String Art earrings I did in silver and black

Pearl and lampwork necklace

2009-09-10T12:45:00.006-05:00

One of my rare beading projects. Lovely baroque FW pearls and a lampwork spoon pendant. I took this one to the Art Gallery. It'll be fun to see how well folks like it there.

New Pendant and Ring

2009-09-03T08:06:00.006-05:00

For all you horse lovers, here's a lovely salmon and white bust of a horse head ring. Stone is cat's eye or fiber optic and the setting is 14k gold fill. The size is 7 1/2. Available on auction until Sept 9th at 7:06 p.m. CDT

Click here to bid

This pendant is an exqusitely detailed bust of Jesus. I chose 14k Gold Fill with top detailing that resembles a crown. Available on auction until September 9th at 7:12 p.m. CDT

Click here to bid

Peruvian Thread Earrings

2009-08-10T16:08:00.007-05:00

The pair on the left were in a satchel of jewelry I won at a local auction back in the '80's. Paid a whole seven dollars for it and wound up with lots of wearable pieces as well as recyclable parts.

The pair on the right are the ones I just finished. Just love the color combination! Had a little trouble with the coiled part as the wire I had was a little heavy for this project. I plan on making more as I just looove them!

I'm Baaack.....

2009-07-30T11:24:00.004-05:00

I've had one heck of a time this past week. Somehow my google password got changed
(I didn't do it) around the 20th or 21st and I couldn't access any of my google accounts. I finally was able to get it fixed today hooray!

Arm

2009-07-19T11:45:00.001-05:00

7/19/09: 5 days after surgery to fix my arm. Poor thing is bruised and abused.

2009-07-09T16:46:00.004-05:00

LEFT: This is what my wrist looks like. Those white lines show where the break is. The area above them is tilted upward.

RIGHT: This is what they will be doing to fix it. Surgery is scheduled for Mon 7/13/09

Grrrrr.....

2009-06-29T16:39:00.002-05:00

Went to the orthopedic doctor today and guess what? They didn't set my arm yet. It's still quite swollen. As a matter of fact even my fingers are now swollen After I got home I had to cut my wedding ring in order to get it off. Thank heaven the shank isn't too thick. Probably the worst thing of all is it's going to take 12 or more weeks to totally heal.

2009-06-26T15:19:00.002-05:00

Rats! Took a bad fall yesterday and broke my left wrist. So much for my jewelry making for a while. Thank heaven I'm right handed. Won't even be able to get it set until Monday. Our wonderful son, Mike came over and took me grocery shopping. Picked up extras of all the heavy and hard to handle items while I had the help. Now for the next couple of weeks it'll just be the small stuff. The biggest problem will be boredom since just about every thing I do takes two hands. By the time this is over I should be quite good at typing, opening bottles, making beds, etc., etc. with one hand..

My newest creation

2009-06-12T17:12:00.007-05:00

This is a variation of the Pharoh's ring but instead of using a cabochon or cameo I used four 4mm and one 6mm Swarovski Crystals. The inspiration for this ring came from Dale "Cougar" Armstrong's new book Wirework. The metal is of course 14k Gold Fill.

Wedding Anniversary

2009-06-03T22:20:00.001-05:00

Hubby and I are celebrated our 48th Wedding Anniversary today 6/3/61 - 6/3/09!

2009-05-18T18:47:00.002-05:00

I'm sooo proud of myself! Didn't ever think I could do it.

Two months, two days, 6 minutes and 53 seconds. 126 cigarettes not smoked, saving $20.48. Life saved: 10 hours, 30 minutes.

Still not smoking, yeaaaa

2009-05-06T10:04:00.001-05:00

One month, two weeks, five days, 15 hours, 24 minutes and 30 seconds. 101 cigarettes not smoked, saving $16.46. Life saved: 8 hours, 25 minutes.

My three newest...

2009-05-06T09:59:00.005-05:00

All time favorite, the American Shorthair, lovely high relief Madonna and brand new, Unicorn cameo in white and blue.

Gonna be busy!!!

2009-04-29T15:56:00.002-05:00

I just got a whole bunch of new cameos in! I have new small horse head cats eye for rings, 30x40 cats eye kitty cameos, religious cameos, mermaid cameos, seahorse cameos and more. That's not all, still expecting one more shipment to arrive sometime next week. Whew, looks like I'm gonna be one busy gal!

One month, one week, five days, 21 hours, 25 minutes and 21 seconds. 87 cigarettes not smoked, saving $14.27. Life saved: 7 hours, 15 minutes.

New rings and earrings

2009-04-23T18:27:00.011-05:00

Here are some rings and earrings I took up to the gallery in town. First are the Birthstone rings plus one little lonely wrap ring. Second are a Pearl ring, a SS Moonstone ring and a GF Moonstone ring. Lastly are three pair of earrings in Sterling. The silver on the beads isn't sterling but those beads sure are pretty.

Update...

2009-04-23T07:17:00.000-05:00

One month, six days, 12 hours, 38 minutes and 1 second. 75 cigarettes not smoked, saving $12.20. Life saved: 6 hours, 15 minutes.

Whoo hooo!

2009-04-20T18:38:00.008-05:00

My muse has finally returned after nearly two months! Within the last two days I've been able to complete five pendants and three rings. There's gonna be more in the next few days so be on the lookout.

Decided to put these up for auction and see how they'll do. You can check it out at http://stores.shop.ebay.com/Creations-by-Carol-Ladine

2009-04-01T09:49:00.006-05:00

I've been doing a lot of procrastening so really don't have much to show right now. Did think I'd show some of the seed bead work I've done in the past.

The first one I made using Midnight Iris and still have. The white one was made for a friend I worked with and yeah, it did get finished and she loved it. The third photo was my largest project ever done. This piece took me nearly three months to complete. No, I don't have it anymore. Like a dope, tried to sell it on Ebay, years ago, and someone got it for a song. Oh well, I'm getting ready to make another one. Just have to get a couple of dowels so I can remake my loom.

I'm still hanging in there and not smoking. I have to admit, the afternoons are the worst time for me. I really need to get some non fattening snack foods. A couple of years ago I would'nt have had to be concerned about weight gain but I do now as I've finally gotten up to what they call my "ideal weight" for my height.

Two weeks, one day, 15 hours, 22 minutes and 11 seconds. 31 cigarettes not smoked, saving $5.08. Life saved: 2 hours, 35 minutes.

Still not smoking..

2009-03-25T20:56:00.001-05:00

It's been just a tad over a week now and I'm still not smoking. Had to take our van over to the dealer today to have some work done and waited for an hour and a half. Had nothing to do, only three mags for ladies and the TV was uch. That was a little tough but I know I'm just a little stronger this evening.

One week, two days, 2 hours, 18 minutes and 20 seconds. 18 cigarettes not smoked, saving $2.96. Life saved: 1 hour, 30 minutes.

2009-03-22T07:23:00.003-05:00

I had not been doing so good for a while so took my self to the Doctor on Monday March 16. I knew I had COPD and should stop smoking and had tried about a year ago. Lasted for one whole month. Started again but never smoked more than two a day since that time (I'd been a two pack a day gal). Anyway, I was having breathing problems and the problem was my albutoreal wasn't working as well as it should be. My capacity was down to about half of normal and my blood oxygen was down to 91. Normal is around 98. Doctor put me on a low dose of Prednazone, a corticosteroid, one tablet once a day. Within 24 hours the difference in how I felt was amazing. Sooo, hopefully I've gotten it through my thick skull, I can't smoke, period. Anyone who reads this please send positive thoughts my way to keep me on the straight and narrow. What you see below is my quit meter that monitors how many days I've not smoked and what I have saved. I don't think it will auto update so I'll check frequently and update the counter as necessary.

Five days, 12 hours, 52 minutes and 10 seconds. 11 cigarettes not smoked, saving $1.80. Life saved: 55 minutes.

My Helper...

2009-03-21T08:04:00.002-05:00

I just couldn't resist taking this picture yesterday. This is Suzie Q and she's a real "mama's girl". She's near me while I work, on my lap while watching TV and sleeps with me at night. She'll be just two years old May 20th of this year.

2009-03-17T08:02:00.006-05:00

After several years of not doing it I got the wild hair to start seed beading again. I got a bunch of beads and a few days ago made a couple of pair of earrings. The seed beads I got are ToHo which are rounded on the sides. I've found out I should have gotten Delicas which are flatter on the sides and make a little nicer woven piece. How was I to know since there were very few choices years ago. Anyway, the first pair I used Black Diamond Silver Lined. I love the way they blend with what ever color your wearing. The other pair I did in Pink and Black, a popular combination from the '50s.

Three New Pendants

2009-03-06T09:34:00.003-06:00

I've had these three lovely stones put away for nearly a year. Why, I have no idea. Anyway, the little Art Gallery I'm in here locally is having their Spring Expo this Saturday 3-7-09 and I thought it was a good time to get these babies out and make some pendants. Left to right are Laguna Lace Agate, Mushroom Jasper and Brazilian Agate.

Latest Tutorial Just Published!

2009-02-26T11:15:00.003-06:00

I finally have been able to create a tutorial for a prong style ring. This one is adjustable but I give instructions in the tut on how to connect the sides together if you desire. You can find the tutorial at my website Creations by Carol Ladine Just click on the link for tutorials.

2009-02-15T11:19:00.002-06:00

I thought I'd try my hand at some metalsmithing. The pair of earrings on the left were created from .030 copper sheet I bought at my local hardware store. These come in about 3" by 6" pieces and I sawed a strip off one side that's about 1/2" wide. After cutting the strip in half, shaping and smoothing the edges I textured them with my dremel, created the back and forth bends with my pliers, punched small holes in the tops and added the Sterling ear wires.

The right hand pair were created using 14ga copper wire. First I hammered them flat then textured them with my ballpien hammer. I then spiraled them around a 8mm dowel then turned both ends into a loop. Added jump rings (due to the width) and Sterling ear wires to the tops and wire wrap black glass beads to the bottoms.

Art Fire

2009-02-10T16:51:00.001-06:00

Just letting ya all know that I've opened a studio over at Art Fire. Don't know how things will go there but it's sure worth a try. Won't ya come on over and say Hi!

New Tree of Life Pendants

2009-01-06T17:25:00.009-06:00

I've decided to try my hand at the popular Tree of Life pendants and have created three lovely ones. My first one I used Unikite chip beads and they really made a lovely tree. The second one I used Coral enhanced gem beads that gives the look of a tree in lovely deep red color of fall. The last one is done in Amethyst beads.

My first slideshow...

2008-12-12T07:53:00.005-06:00

I had heard about posting on Youtube as a form of advertising so thought I'd give it a go. Of course I knew about the videos on jewelry making tips but this is more about a slideshow presentation of selected finished pieces.

99% DONE!

2008-10-10T15:46:00.004-05:00

My office/workspace in finally 99% done. All I have left to do is paint the closet door and jam and put up the new molding around it plus a piece of thin trim up high above my work desk where the patterned wallpaper meets the paint.

Of course I still have a lot of organization that is desperately needing to be done but I am working on that a little at a time. Seems like I have so many bits of that and pieces of something else. There are some things that are just going to have to go! Mostly just junk that I've stored away for some reason and don't even remember why on some of them.

Anyway, next time I post I hope to have some fantastic jewelry to show instead of WHERE it's made.

Office/workroom saga continued.....

2008-09-10T12:43:00.002-05:00

All the paintable wallpaper has been hung and I'm now starting to paint it. The first and second photos show where I've cut in the paint into the corners. I can get close enough to the ceiling and floor with the roller so don't have to cut the paint in there. This last photo shows the cramped quarters where I'm trying to do my PC work. Making jewelry right now is out of the question as that work table has stuff all over it for the moment.

Office/workroom progress.....

2008-09-04T11:15:00.006-05:00

I am slowly making progress. The first photo kind of shows the painable wall covering I chose to put up on the other three walls. Believe me, these walls needed something textured. I know it's not real clear but I think you can get the idea.

The second photo shows the starting of the painting. The color is kind of a seafoam green or aquamarine. It's real pretty. The last photo shows where I am at this point, one wall done.

I know this is going to all be worth it when done. At least that's what I keep telling myself when I can't find something because the room's in a real mess. My PC desk is setting right in the middle of the room and I'm constantly stepping over the wires and cords. Now you all know why I'm not making much jewelry at the moment.

As if I don't......

2008-09-01T10:43:00.012-05:00

...have enough to do I've started redecorating my office/workspace. The first photo shows the tallest wall in the room (nearly 9 feet) which has been a pretty periwinkle or lavender blue color. You can see some of the other color I had used which is kind of a salmon or light coral. These are pretty colors but I needed something a bit more soothing.

This tall wall is going to be done in a gorgeous icey blue victorian tone on tone wallpaper. This paper almost looks like it has a silk finish so will offer a little light reflection.

The next two photos just show the other end and side of the room. These walls are going to be done in a textured paintable wallpaper. The walls in this home are not the best and the wallpaper hides the imperfections great. they will then be painted a lovely seafoam green that matches the colors in the paper beautifully. You can kind of see that right at the top of the photos where you see that solid color.

I will be posting the progression of this project in the days/weeks that follow, as time allows that is.

My latest custom pieces

2008-09-01T09:59:00.005-05:00

With all the problems I've had with my computer over the last few weeks I completely forgot to post my latest two custom pieces. This order came from a lady who was one of my first customers when I started selling on Ebay in 2003. She had a lovely pink cats eye cameo of a Mother and Child and a large Nautilus shell she wanted made into pendants. After I received the cameo and shell I was wondering how I managed to get myself into this. Oh, the cameo was fine but that shell looked so delicate I was kind of scared to work with it. I did get it done and my lady was very happy with the results which are pictured here along with the cameo, of course.

PC problems...

2008-08-25T15:37:00.002-05:00

Just letting everyone know that I haven't updated this blog lately because I've been having computer problems. I'm using hubby's laptop and it's brand new and doesn't have much of my information on it. My PC quit on me about 2 1/2 weeks ago and I did everything I could think of to get it going again. Thankfully it's still under warranty. Have been on line with HP and I have to send it in for repairs. If they can't fix it they'll have to replace it. They send the shipping box and packing materials so that should arrive in a couple of days. Have no clue as to how long this is going to take.

In the mean time, I'm stuck with my old PC I can't use my high speed connection with or hubby's laptop and I don't like laptops. My palms or something keeps bumping the touch pat etc. and messing me up. Anyway, hope this all won't take too awfully long.

2008-06-24T08:22:00.002-05:00

A while back on one of the message boards I'm a member of someone was wanting to know about a tutorial for a cabochon/cameo bracelet that resembled the universal cabochon ring or as some know it the Pharaoh's ring. Anyway, I took on the challenge and after some trial and error finally came up with a workable design. The bracelet pictured here is the very one I created while writing the tutorial. This tut is 12 pages long and contains about 45 photos. I've classified it as an intermediate project and it really looks harder to make than it is, just quite a few steps to it. The tut is available both through my Website and my Etsy store. Thanks for looking!

It's finished!

2008-05-28T14:33:00.010-05:00

Yep, I finally got the center focal piece for the wedding headpiece done. Believe me when I say my skills were really challenged on this piece.

Both stones are prong set, both settings have spaces within the setting and the top stone has six places on the underside to attach the remainder of the headpiece. I think you can see them in the the last photo. Anyway, here are the photos of this piece. Oh yeah, despite my efforts the stones look like Sapphires while actually they are gorgeous deep purple Amethysts.

My lady's sister is an accomplished beader and will be completing the necklace and headpiece.

I'm thrilled.....

2008-04-27T13:58:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago I created a pendant for a lady that she will wear for her wedding coming up in October. Although she was thrilled with the design from seeing the photos I always worry about what a client thinks after they see the finished piece in person. Glad to say she was very happy.
Now she wants me to create the focal for her headpiece. It will contain two stones that will be connected together with a small chain. Beading will then be attached to the top stone setting to form the remainder of the headpiece. I'm not doing the beading just the settings for these two fabulous Amethyst stones.

On top of all this, I'm trying to get some pieces together for a small Fine Arts Gallery in our area. I've shown the owner some pieces and she has invited me to consign some of my work with her. It won't be a whole lot as it's a rather small place but it will give me some exposure in my local area.

That's all for now, will write more as time permits.

Sculpted Pendant tutorial is done!

2008-04-22T13:46:00.003-05:00

I have finally completed the tutorial for creating those beautiful Sculpted settings for cabochons and cameos. The tut is 17 pages long and contains 32 photos plus an inspiration gallery of 8 previously finished pieces.

The tutorial is in PDF format and is available for purchase through both my website and my Etsy store. Links are on the right hand side of this page.

I'm open to any input or comments.

Way behind.....

2008-04-21T12:43:00.004-05:00

Oh my gosh, I can't believe I'm so far behind! Wellll, on the other hand that is what happens when you get busy doing redecorating around the house. Used to be a lot faster but this old body just doesn't move like it used to.

Anyway, I have been pretty much keeping up with Year of Jewelry except for one week that I haven't done yet. I keep telling myself that I've got to get that done!

Week 16 is themed Brazil Culture and I couldn't think of anything. Then I remembered I had this real nice Brazilian Agate cabochon. I grabbed some Gold Fill wire and started wrapping.

Been Busy

2008-03-31T10:29:00.012-05:00

I've really been a busy little bee here the last couple of weeks or so. Been working on a really special pendant for a lady. It's going to be worn for her wedding. She had sent a photo of her dress and the style is like something out of a fairy tale, absolutely fabulous. The stone is a quite large Amethyst trillion. I just received her approval this morning and she's thrilled with it, yea!
I know it looks dark blue in the photos but it is a gorgeous dark purple Amethyst. The first photo is the one she sent me to show what her dress looks like. Isn't her in the dress though, wedding isn't until October

On top of that I'm completely redecorating my hubby's office. He's in a wheelchair so I enlarged the 30" door to 36" so he could get through easier. I'm now in the process of putting up wallpaper on the upper part of the walls. White beadboard wainscoting will then be on the bottom three feet.

Way behind.....

2008-03-26T09:41:00.002-05:00

Just a few words to say I'm running waaay behind on just about everything these days. I just have my fingers in too many pots and at the moment I'm just a bit overwhelmed. I keep telling myself, this too will pass. Spring coming along isn't really helping as there are so many things to do and the weather has been kind of wet and lots of clouds making it more difficult. I'd just like to see some good old sunshine. That always kick starts my motor LOL!

On a Victorian style earring kick...

2008-03-18T10:15:00.004-05:00

I had made this style many years ago and really love it. Matter of fact, one of my first wire earring projects ever was a pair of all silver earrings like this. After finally being able to get a nice supply of Swarovski crystals in various colors I'm making them again.

Left to right are Purple Velvet and Tanzanite, Light and Dark Sapphire, Jet and Crystal. Last but not least is a pair done with Turquoise beads. All the metal including the french style ear hooks is .925 Sterling Silver.

Yep, you guessed it, this was my YOJ 2008 week 11 offering.