Jill MacKay's BLOG

My Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal

The generous Evie and Beth McCord sent me all kinds of goodies for our Bead Soup Blog Party  swap-hop and I had so much fun working with their lovely components. You can see more of their work here:  http://www.ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/ 

I used the main large copper enamel heart pendant and heart toggle clasp.  I will admit that this particular swap as being a bit of a challenge as bright red is not normally a color I would choose myself, and  I normally work with really large pendants.  Here's what I came up with:

I did a secondary beaded, silk micro-macrame component and strung both elements from a very simple stringing of seed beads dotted with an occasional crackle blue agate beads. I used size relationship between the tiny seed beads and the large pendants to create size contrast for interest.

 Lots of delicate negative space keeps your eyes looking. As you can see from my ice background it's been a cold week here in Colorado! I took these photos just after sunrise and it will look much different around here later today as that sun continues to shine.

Thank you again to Beth & Evie and to Bead Soup's Lori Anderson. It's always fun to participate.

Here's a list of the other participants!

http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/2013/03/7th-bead-soup-blog-party-first-reveal.html

A list of the 2nd Reveal Participants:
Agata Grygiel
http://inny-pamietnik.blogspot.com/
Ali McCarthy
www.northwoodscreativestudio.blogspot.com
Alice Craddick
http://www.alicesbeadsandbaubles.blogspot.com/
Amy Severino
www.amybeads.blogspot.com
Ana Krepel
http://catspajamas-dogstuxedos.blogspot.com/
Andra Weber
www.andrasjoyfuljourney.blogspot.com
Andrea Glick
http://zenithjade.blogspot.com/
Andrea Trank
www.heavenlanecreations.com
Anitra Gordy Boyers
www.LeeLuCreations.blogspot.com
Annette Rivers
http://mamaowlsmess.blogspot.com/
Anu Tuppurainen
http://koti-ilta.blogspot.fi/
April Grinaway
http://brooklynbeadgoddess.blogspot.com/
Audrey Bélanger
http://esperianterra.blogspot.ca/
B.R.Kuhlman
http://www.mixedmayhemstudios.com
Barbara Bechtel
http://secondsurf.com
Barbara Mason
www.Adorninglyyours.com
Becky Pancake
www.beckypancakebeaddesigns.blogspot.com
Beti Horvath
www.stringingfool.blogspot.com
Billi RS Rothove
http://www.billi-rs-rothove.blogspot.com
Bobbie Rafferty
www.beadsong.blogspot.com
Brandi Burdick
http://www.tofallorstumbleupon.com/
Candida Castleberry
http://spunsugarbeadworks.blogspot.com/
Carol Dillman
http://dillmansdallies.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Gebert
http://kookykardinal.blogspot.com/
Carolyn Lawson
www.carolynscreationswa.blogspot.com
Caron Reid
http://www.caronmichelle.blogspot.com.au/
Catherine King
www.Catherines-Musings.blogspot.com
Cathy Jakicic
http://bds.jewelrymakingmagazines.com/
Chandra Merod
www.junipergoods.blogspot.com
Charlene Jacka
http://clay-space.com/blog
Cheri Reed
www.creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com
Cherrie Fick
www.designsinthelight.co
Cherrie Warzocha
http://colorsofshae.blogspot.com/
Cheryl Brown
www.dragonflybeads.ca/category/blog
Cheryl Dunham
www.Renaissance-jewelry.blogspot.com
Cheryl Foiles
www.getyourbeadon.com
Cheryl Gangle
www.RockCandyJewelryDesign.blogspot.com
Chris Eisenberg
www.wanderware.blogspot.com
Chris White
http://dzeyenrstudio.blogspot.com/
Christina Miles
http://wingsnscales.blogspot.com/
Christine Murrow
www.charisdesignsjewelry.blogspot.com
Cindy Ritchie
http://mooseriverglass.blogspot.com
Clare Etheridge
www.catseatdogs.com
Cory Tompkins
www.tealwaterdesigns.blogspot.com
Cris Peacock
http://crispart.blogspot.com/
Cynthia Abner
http://createdtreasures.blogspot.com/
Debbie Rasmussen
http://kepirasmussen.blogspot.ca/
Debi Levine
http://oneheartsblog.blogspot.co.il/
Deborah Brooks
http://www.fromtheheartcreations.blogspot.com/
Deborah Read
www.deborahreadcom.blogspot.com
Debra Behrends
http://www.hopefuljourneys.blogspot.com/
Dorota Żerańska
www.gdymamczas.blogspot.com
Elaine Robitaille
http://www.tooaquarius.com
Elsie Deliz-Fonseca
http://www.ladelizchica.blogspot.com/
Emma Todd
www.apolymerpenchant.com
Erin Guest
http://www.renlish.com
Evelyn Shelby
http://raindropcreationsbyevelyn.blogspot.com/
Evie and Beth McCord
http://www.ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com
Francy Inman
http://www.8secondstudio.blogspot.com/
Ginger Bishop
www.lilmummylikes.blogspot.com
Gloria Allen
http://gloriaallendesigns.blogspot.com
Hajer Waheed
http://mybeadedworld.wordpress.com/
Hope Smitherman
http://CraftyHope.blogspot.com
Ilenia Ruzza
http://ile1974.blogspot.it/
Ilona Hegedűs
http://ilkabeads.blogspot.com
Ine Vande Cappelle
http://jewelsbyine.blogspot.com
Jackie Ryan
http://kydojewellery.blogspot.co.uk/
Janine Lucas
http://www.esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories
Jean Peter
http://jeanpdesigns.blogspot.com/
Jean Wells
http://jeanawells.blogspot.com/
Jeanne Steck
http://gemsbyjeannemarie.blogspot.com/
Jelveh Jaferian Johnson
www.jelvehdesigns.blogspot.com
Jennifer Cabic
www.jennifercabic.blogspot.com
Jennifer Reno
http://jenrenjewelry.blogspot.com
Jennifer VanBenschoten
http://www.vanbeads.blogspot.com
Jenny Davies-Reazor
www.jdaviesreazor.com/blog
Jenny Kyrlach
http://anafiassa.blogspot.com/
Jenny Robledo
http://peppasdream.blogspot.com/
Jessica Brower
http://ifcreations.blogspot.com
Jill MacKay
www.jillmackay.com
JJ Jacobs
www.comingabstractions.blogspot.com
Jo-Ann Woolverton
www.itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.ca
Joanne Tinley
http://www.daisychaindesignsjewellery.blogspot.com/
Johanna Rhodes Nash
http://firephoenixcreations.blogspot.co.uk/
Judy Robinson
http://woodbeads.wordpress.com
Juli Cannon
www.beadnik.net
Julia Gerlach
www.beadandbutton.com/beadbuzz
Julie Bowen
http://blog.autochthonous-evolved.com
Julie Panusis
http://catsmeowco.blogspot.com
K Hutchinson
http://jumbledhutch.wordpress.com
Karen Martinez
http://fairiesmarket.blogspot.com/
Karen Vincent
www.swallowtailjewellery.blogspot.com
Karen Williams
http://www.baublicious.blogspot.com/
Karin Slaton
www.backstorybeads.blogspot.com
Karyn Bonfiglio
http://plussizebangles.com/blog
Kat Douglas
www.Washoekat.blogspot.com
Kate Dufour
http://mixfolios.wordpress.com/
Kate Mulligan
http://mulliganstewjewelry.blogspot.com/
Kate Richbourg
www.katerichbourg.com
Kathleen Gallant
http://partnersincharms.blogspot.com
Kathleen Lange Klik
http://ModernNatureStudio.blogspot.com
Katie Nielsen-Nunez
www.Vikingcraft.blogspot.com
Kay Bolton
http://www.toodlesandbinks.blogspot.com
Kayla Potega
http://www.teejewelry.blogspot.com
Kelli Jacobson
http://www.CreativeMoonJewelryAndThings.com
Kelly Patterson
http://travelingsideshow.blogspot.com
Kelly Ramstack
http://adventureswithkelly.blogspot.com
Kiersten Kern
http://myglassbeadlife.blogspot.com/
Kim Sparks
http://beadabunch.blogspot.com/
Klaudete Koon
http://klaudetekoon.blogspot.com/
Klaudia Tóth
http://www.klaudiabizsu.hu/
Krista French
http://expressyourfaith.webs.com/apps/blog/
Kristin Oppold
http://www.yayjewelry.blogspot.com
Kym Hunter
http://kymhunterdesigns.blogspot.com/
Lana Kinney
http://somethinguniquebylana.blogspot.ca
Laura Guenther
www.blueantiquities.blogspot.com
Lauren Fenty
http://laurenbeads.blogspot.com/
Leah Curtis
http://beadyeyedbunny.blogspot.co.uk/
Lennis Carrier
www.windbent.wordpress.com
Linda Murphy
www.bonitabead.blogspot.com
Lisa Johnson
http://whimsyswonders.blogspot.com/
Lori Anderson
www.prettythingsblog.com
Lupe Meter
http://gesmpccorner.blogspot.com/
Lynn Jobber
http://thecreativeklutz.blogspot.co.uk/
Mandi Effron
http://craft-o-licious.blogspot.com/
Marcia Dunne
www.thealternativefoundry.blogspot.com
Margareta Saari
http://magsinhelmet.blogspot.fi/
Marianne Baxter
www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com
Marie Covert
http://thistledown-and-swaddlings.blogspot.com/
Mary Ellen Parker
www.beetreebyme.blogspot.com
Maryse Fritzsch-Thillens
http://www.glassbeadart.blogspot.com
Megan Milliken
www.maemaemills.blogspot.com
Melissa Meman
http://melissameman.blogspot.com
Melissa Mesara
http://one-earedpig.blogspot.com/
Michaela Pabeschitz
http://der-lamardebonita.blogspot.co.at/
Michelle Tucker
http://michellescreativemusings.blogspot.com/
Mimi Gardner
www.OtherCuriosities.blogspot.com
Mischelle Fanucchi
http://micheladasmusings.blogspot.com/
Monica Phillips
http://www.monicaglassandjewelry.com/blog
Mowse Doyle
http://mowsemadethis.blogspot.com/
Nancy Boylan
www.snazzydoodle.blogspot.com
Nancy Dale
www.nedbeads.blogspot.com
Pat Haight
http://wigglebuttblog.blogspot.com/
Patina Queen
www.patinaqueenstudio.blogspot.com
Patty Miller
http://cabaribeads.blogspot.com/
Pia Kaven
http://piakaven.blogspot.com
Rebecca Anderson
http://songbeads.blogspot.com
Rose Johnson
http://swtrosethorn.blogspot.com
Roxanne Blanc
http://strikesmyfancy-2013.blogspot.com/
Sarah Goode
www.pookledo.blogspot.com
Sarah Singer
http://singingsongsofsixpence.blogspot.co.uk
Sarah Strover
http://beaupepys.blogspot.com
Shalini Austin
http://jewellery-by-shalini.blogspot.co.uk/
Sherri Stokey
www.KnotJustMacrame.com
Sherry Baun
http://www.unicornsjewels.blogspot.com
Sheryl Stephens
http://www.babblebead.blogspot.com
Silvia Sernicola
http://pipa-the-latest.blogspot.it/
Solange Collin
http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com
Stacie Florer
http://www.soultosubstance.com
Stacy Alderson
http://iridalsattic.blogspot.co.uk
Stephanie Haussler
www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com
Stephanie LaRosa
www.stringaholic.blogspot.com
Sue Burleigh
http://sagebreezes.blogspot.com/
Susan Bowie
http://susanbowie.wordpress.com/
Susan Kelly
http://midlifegreaterexpectations.blogspot.com
Susan of Libellula Jewelry
www.libellulajewelry.com
Susan Sheehan
http://susanasheehan.blogspot.com/
Suzanne Fragiacomo
www.glassymom.blogspot.com
Tammi Sloan
www.mybrownwren.blogspot.com
Tammie Everly
http://ttedesigns.blogspot.com
Tania Hagen
http://pelimadesign.blogspot.co.nz/
Tania Spivey
www.moobiegracedesigns.blogspot.com
Tanya Goodwin
www.pixiloo.blogspot.com
Tanya Wiles
http://studioblog.tenebroushollow.com
Tari Kahrs
http://pearlandpebble.blogspot.com/
Theresa Buchle
http://www.bead-mused.blogspot.com
Tiffany Smith
http://southerngalsdesign.blogspot.com
Tina Holden
http://beadcomber.blogspot.com
Tracey Nanstad
http://abeadifulmess.blogspot.com/
Tracie Dean
http://homeofthepurskey.blogspot.com
Tracy Bell
www.CopperGlassAndRecycledTrash.blogspot.com
Tracy Kruse
http://goldkissesart.blogspot.com/
Veralynne Malone
www.veradesigns.blogspot.com
Veronica Campos-Hallstrom
http://www.clubcreativestudio.wordpress.com

Have a great weekend everyone!

xoxo

JIll

Wonderful New Book by Teresa Meister!

My lovely talented friend Teresa Meister has worked diligently  and has written her first book, which by the way is no small task! Writing your first book is kind of like giving birth, you put so much effort into bringing it into this world. She even did the  digital illustrations which clearly guide you through how to recreate the projects. Her fabulous husband Jason who is a very talented photographer did all the step by step shots. I love how they work together. Going to their house last week was so fun because I got to see both of their work!

Her book is titled "Creative Seed Bead Connections: Using Wire, Jump Rings and Chain" and was published by Kalmbach Books who generously allowed us to use these fabulous photos from the book as well as the cover shot below.

Teresa is very innovative and creates amazing designs utilizing metal components. Her work always stops me in my tracks because it is fascinating to see how she figured out ways to create beaded dimensional components and totally new ways to connect them. It's wicked good!  LOVE her and her work. I am so blessed because she uses my components in her designs. I always look forward to seeing what she comes up with next. She is one of my favorite people to collaborate with because her mind works in wonderful ways...ways that my brain totally gets!

I think this is one of my favorites though I was lucky enough to get a sneak peak at the whole book while visiting her last weekend. The pieces above utilize some of my stainless steel beads as well as  one of my clasps. Thank you Teresa for including my work throughout the book! Woo Hoo!

You can pre-order the book right now click this link http://www.kalmbachstore.com/64797.html

xoxo

Jill

Home from Pueblo!

This past weekend was the Colorado Creative Industries Summit where I presented. It was fantastic for many reasons mainly connecting with like minds and hearts...but also because I got to stop in Colorado Springs on the way down and back to see my dear friend Teresa Meister and her hubby Jason. 

Colorado Springs is beautiful!

Teresa and Jason took me to see the Garden of the Gods which is very near their house and amazingly beautiful!

It was just a 40 minute drive on to Pueblo for the summit. Pueblo is looking great so much public art and arts organizations not to mention the river walk.

The summit really provided us first class access to some amazing talent. Poets painters and muscians to name a few. One of my favorites was the Haunted Wind Chimes! Though I hope next year they have a neutral color backdrop up on stage it nearly blinded me with all the bright colors (see below).

The Arts Incubator of the Rockies basically presented over and over to packed audiences. They were the rock stars of the summit. I'm so happy to be connected with them, such a great group of progressive visionaries!

Now I am soooo snowed in! Hopefully in what is the last storm till next winter. I hope your weekend was great!

xoxo

Jill

Bead Soup Reveal

I am currently traveling and presenting at the Colorado Creative Industries Summit in Pueblo (it's fantastic!)unfortunately this means I will not be making this Saturday's reveal but will participate in the upcoming reveal. Thank goodness for flexability! I can't wait to see what everyone has made and to show you what I came up with. So do check back! Happy  blog hopping!

xoxo 

Jill

New Client: ART CLAY WORLD

I am so happy to announce that I will be designing products for ART CLAY WORLD.  It's official all the i's have been dotted and the T's crossed. I met with them at the CHA show while in California in January and am very happy about our collaboration. It was the easiest contract negotiation I have had in sometime.  How refreshing. (Thank you Jackie!)

I'm happy about this work as I will get to draw and sculpt, both of which I love to do. Getting paid to do what you love to do is always a blessing. Beside the products are for Art Clay... what could not be a better fit for me. Art Clay starts out as clay and end up precious metal! Designing molds is an art form unto itself and  has always been something I have been very interested in. I can't say what else we will be doing as it is a secret! More when I am able.

For fun...

Last weekend I traveled up and over the continental divide with a couple of  wonderful girlfriends. We traveled over Cameron Pass and Rabbit Ears pass and ended up in the Strawberry Park Hot Springs on the edge of Steam Boat Springs. IT WAS A BLAST! There was about 35-40 inches of snow on the ground and people skiing everywhere.  Breathtaking views and tremendous comfort soaking the bones in the hot springs.

Lots of steam in the photo below. This is from the upper pool my fave...it's only about 103 degrees where as the main pool can get up to 120 degrees in places! THAT"S HOT! Plus this sits on the hill side is more private and has the river running down the mountainside on one side and the hot spring falls on the other. The sound is incredible.

We stayed in cabin number 5 (for those of you who know) and were thankful for my 4 wheel drive. As it was too slippery to walk down the mountain to the springs with that much snow around. One of my favorite things to do is to get out of the hot springs jump into the snow and then jump back into the springs. It is soooo refreshing. Throwing snowballs that melt fairly instantaneously is fun too. Ahhhhh thank you Robin for making the trip possible.

Next...

Tomorrow is my facilitator training for the Arts Incubator of the Rockies! I am so excited to continue my journey with this wonderful organization. I'm sorry my friend Dr. Brenda Martin won't be able to make it up from NM because of the big snow storm that's supposed to happen. She was going to stay with me Sat night. Though she will be up again as AIR is not the only organization she works with here in the Fort Collins area. She also works with the Discovery Museum.

Then next month is the Colorado Creative Industry Summit in Pueblo! Things are happening! More on that soon.

I'll be taking an overnight bag to town with me as it may be a sleepover night at friends for me. Oh darn!

I hope you have a fabulous weekend too.

xoxo

Jill

 

 

BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY TIME!

Once again it's time for the Bead Soup blog hop! Thanks to Lori Anderson of www.prettythingsblog.com

I got my goodies in the mail yesterday. Here's what I received:

They made a great Valentine's Day present! Talented people sending you clasps beads and other components which are a complete surprise because it's their choice on what to send you. In return it was my choice on what to send them. This way you get to know new people try new things and get goodies in the mail!

 My partners this year are the industrious mother & daughter team Evie & Beth McCord.

Together they are EB Bead and Metal Works. This family team creats one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces from handmade flameworked glass beads, enameled copper and Viking Knit. Which as you can see in the picture I received some of!

They can be found at http://www.ebbeadandmetalworks.blogspot.com/ their components are much larger and bolder than what I am used to creating with. That's the nice thing about the blog hop. It takes you outside your comfort zone and this is a really GOOD thing! Challenges help us stretch, grow and get our creative  juices flowing. Now I get to add some things from my stash and make something beautiful. Then all will be revealed at the same time! Actually there are so many participating that Lori has planed 3 different reveals.

Stay tuned! I will part of the reveal that happens on April 6th!

xoxo

Jill

Sorry... Store Temporarily Closed

We apologise for the temporary closure of our store. We finally had enough of Linkpoint / First Data Credit Card Company. I mention them by name as a warning. Never use their services. The store will reopen as soon as possible. In the meantime if you need anything please contact Jill directly and your order will be processed via email through Pay Pal. Very sorry for the inconvenience. 

xoxo

Jill

BEADWORK 2013 Designers of the Year!

Everyone waits to see who the designers of the year are in the January issue of BEADWORK and this year is no exception. I am particularly happy for my friend and Bead and Button Show neighbor Jill Wiseman! Congratulations Jill!  She has been going no where but up for sometime now! Looks like she just launched into another orbit!

Also in this issue on page 54 is a lovely advertisement for Beadwork's Beading Daily featuring a necklace project by my good friend Teresa Meister which shows her use of one of my sterling silver findings. I love seeing my work in the work of others, especially Teresa! She uses my components in the most  imaginative ways!

Congratulations all!

xoxo

Jill

POST CHA SHOW POST

Flying west out over Denver is great! You get an understanding of how vast the great Rocky Mountains are! I was mesmerized by the view.  The best I can do to share with you:

Got to California and had a great room with a private balcony on the Garden Walk at the Marriott. It was  quite a bit warmer in Anaheim! I soaked up some California sunshine.

Thursday night I had dinner with dear friends and enjoyed breaking bread, catching up and cracking up. To bed early and then gave my presentation on Friday morning and it went very well.  I enjoyed the people that I got to meet and those that hung around after the presentation and spoke with me at length.  It made my day that Katie Hacker and both the Hartnetts were in attendance, sitting at the front table. Actually I was very pleased for everyone that made a point to come. I received good feedback and direction, which I always appreciate.

Every meal while I was there was shared with some of my favorite people in the industry.

I would like to especially and sincerely thank Nidia Negron Director of Education for CHA she put together an amazing conference, both seminars and educational classes. I couldn't believe the lines! She put up with many of my requests and accommodated my every need. I so appreciate the opportunity to have presented the 2013 Jewelry Trends & Innovations at the show.  

Nidia Negron Director of Education, CHA

I had very good meetings on the show floor on Saturday (exciting) and saw friend after friend and new wonderful products and talented designers across the isles. Good designers enhance everything about a product, a brand and the entire experience of the consumer and their interaction in the market place. Designers are so pivotal in this industry.

I didn't take many pictures but here's a few...

June Beach of Beach Haus Designs and Michaels at the Innovations for Buyers and Media, which I loved! The format was fast past and exciting. I hope Julianna Hudgins won...I wasn't around for the results...can anybody tell me who won?? I need to find this out...anyone?

Marie Browning (who is presently retained by Tombow) pictured here at our annual Friday night dinner! Marie is the most multi-talented designer and author I have the good fortune to call my friend. 

One of my old Dutch business friend and colleague Jan Janssen of CREATA at the dedication ceremony and symphony performance.

Until next year thank you Anaheim and CHA!

xoxo

Jill

 

IT"S 2013 CHA WINTER SHOW TIME!

California, here I come! I LOVE going to the CHA Winter show each January.  So many great people in the creative industries, very genuine people. I have developed so many good friends that I only see once a year, here at this show. Plus seeing all the new innovations in creative products, processes and techniques. My kind of place.

Anaheim is my favorite convention center anywhere (and I have been to a few!) This building is made of light and windows with rows and rows of palm trees lining the walkways and streets. It's proximity to the hotels is perfect for walking everywhere and the weather is rather pleasant.

In case you go and didn't know I will be presenting a seminar:

2013 Jewelry Trends and Innovations in room S104, on Friday morning Jan. 11, 10:00 – 11:00 am.

Later in the afternoon I have been asked to repeat my presentation for a group of International business professionals from Japan with an interpreter. I'm excited to do this as I have never presented in two languages at once. I look forward to meeting everyone. I would be thrilled if one of them was from Miyuki ( http://www.miyuki-beads.com)

I think they would appreciate the presentation because one of the trends I'll be covering are all the new seed beads! We LOVE Miyuki Tilas and 2 hole seed beads. They are creating, inspiring and evolving the art form of beading with their latest efforts.So many wonderful new looks being created. I'm particularly found of the Super Duos! Only a true bead junkie knows what the heck I am talking about here!

OTHER NEWS:

I just signed a contract and secured gallery representation here in Fort Collins, Colorado. A wonderful place it is! Nice people too! www.oldtownartandframery.com

I delivered my first batch of my one of a kind jewelry  this morning. Just in time for their first Gallery Walk year downtown. I am so happy to start blending in with this wonderful creative community, I know call home.

They've been saying some pretty nice things about me on their FB page. Making me feel very welcome! Thank you!

The holidays were wonderful this year. Blessings for the New Year! 2013 I can't believe I'm even saying that number!

XOXO,

Jill

HOLIDAY OFFERINGS!

  I'm very happy to have the chance to be a part of your holiday gift giving with a small collection of finished jewelry for your perusal. Please click the link below for the catalog and order form.

Download JILL MACKAY HOLIDAYS 2012

The Blessed Bead Bracelet. Bronze your wrist with this brown and blue beauty!

Thanks for your support and buying HANDMADE in the USA.

xoxo

Jill