Jill MacKay's BLOG

Designer Craft Connection - ImpressArt Metal Stamps Challenge

We LOVE ImpressArt Metal Stamps products! We also love Designer Craft Connection (DCC) web ring! When you combine these two with the help of the wonderful Theresa Cifali  you get a well organized fantastic blog hop! Special thanks to Julie McGuffee.  I am so happy to be a participant.

Those of us designers participating in the ImpressArt Metal Stamp blog hop were sent wonderful materials and tools with which to create projects. I don't know about you but free quality tools  and materials always gets my attention.

As if the blog hop and all the cool free projects were not enough, ImpressArt Metal Stamps is having a big give away in conjunction with the blog hop! To enter for a shot at the grand prize  CLICK HERE and follow directions

MY PROJECT:

HAMMERED HEART EARRINGS

Skill level: Easy

Time to make this project: 2 hours

MATERIALS:

ImpressArt Alphabet Stamp Set, Newsprint, lowercase (letter X and letter O)
ImpressArt Design Stamp, Heart Stamp
ImpressArt Metal Stamping Blanks, (large seashell shape)
ImpressArt Metal Stamping Hammer
ImpressArt Steel Stamping Block

Two large grey coin pearls, eighteen 12mm freshwater potatoe pearls. six smokey topaz center drilled 30mm brioletts, twelve faceted red chinese crystal rhondeles, ten round facted 4mm smokey topaz beads, fourteen ball end 30 gauge silver headpins, two sterling silver fish hook ear wires. One three inch piece of 22 gauge silver tone wire. Other tools: Round nosed pliers, wire cutters, and manuel hole punch.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1) With flat edged end pointed up, place one of the seashell shapes on the block. Align the first "X" stamp on the shape, top center. Use the flat head of the hammer and stamp a vertical line of XO's and hearts down the center of the large seashell shape to lower center edge. These symbols stand for you know what: hugs kisses and love! Repeat on second shape.

2) Next place one of the stamped shapes onto the ImpressArt Metal Stamps stamping block. Use ball end of hammer and hammer the edges and the entire surface of seashell shape. Hammer over the kisses and hugs and hearts. This will not ruin your XO's and heart stampping. Repeat on second seashell shape.

3) Use the small end of the manual hole punch to make holes.

 Hole punch drill and hammered and stamped seashell shapes on block (above)

Hole making: one at both ends and one at the lower center edge of each of the four curves, for a total of six holes per seashell shape.

4) On a headpin string one Topaz round bead, on Topaz briolett and one freshwater potatoe pearl. Make six.

Use your round nosed pliers to attach by wire wrapping onto seashell shapes to the holes on the lower outside edges and center drop hole at bottom. Repeat on second earring.

5) On a head pin string one round topaz bead, two red crystals,and three fresh water potatoe pearls. Make four.

Attach to the two holes on left empty on the lower edge of the seashell shape by wire wrapping. Repeat on second earring.

Now you have your lower dangles in place.

6) On one of the 3" sections of wire, make a loop and wire wrap to the hole top center on the seashell shape. String on one red chinese crystal, make a second loop and attach to fish hook ear wire. trim. Repeat on second earring.

7) On a headpin string one red crystal, one large coin pearl and another red crystal. Make two.

Make a loop and attach at the loop of wire that attached the earwire to the seashell shape.

Image shows the placement of the coin pearl attached to the top loop of the wire which attaches the shape to the earwire.  This creates a top dangle dropping down, swinging free, creating more movement and light catching shimmer. Repeat this step on second earring.

 

Please notice how red and pink the seashell shapes look. They almost look like copper in this shot. This phenomenon is one of reflection not surface treatment. While I was taking photos of the finished earrings  I had on a red shirt! It is simply my red shirt reflecting in the white metal. If you'll go back to the beginning of this post and look at the first picture of the earrings, notice the earring on the left is turned slightly away.  So in this image the left earring is reflecting the green grass and the other my red shirt. The colors though misleading as far as typing the metal visually but certainly make for a nice image.

Thank you againImpressArt Metal Stamps! Please stop by all the designers to get a great idea of wonderful ways to use and create with these tools and materials!

xoxo

Jill

 

Crafting Rocks!

Wow!

Thank you Westcott Brand and www.craftingrocks.com for featuring me in the designer showcase. What a pleasant surprise! I am so honored. This is such a cool new community for us craft enthusiasts. Love it! So much to be shared, learned and so many connections to be made. I just told a new friend there I wish I had four of me as there are so many different things I would like to be trying and learning. How can anyone ever be bored?!

http://craftingrocks.com/page/designer-showcase-jill-mackay

Wescott Brand scissors are fabulous. We had a blast at CHAW having the T-Shirt Remix contest. I was completely humbled by the other contest designer heavyweights and what they created!  Our hostess Marisa is such a joy and so much fun. I love seeing how creative people are, especially when handed the same supplies. After seeing what fab things the other designers came up with I know I need to get back to playing with more fabric! Been too long alone with my beads!

xox

Jill

 

Nature's Color Inspiraton

Do you ever have trouble deciding on a color palette for your bead work? Let the day decide for you! This morning's sunrise was spectacular. These photos do not do it justice. But wow do they make great color combinations. Check it out:

Sunrise on the ice atop the middle pond....

I did these palettes in about 5 minutes in Adobe CS5.1 using the color picker tool going directy from the photo. Then I print it out and head toward my bead stash. I let this be my color guide for inspiration and choosing my bead colors. I find that I combine colors I might not normally combine otherwise.  Mixing seed beads, glass beads, sizes, and textures. I also like then that my bead color palette has a greater connection somehow. I am thankful I can see.

This morning's sunrise was so vibrant I'm glad I was up early.

 

Just a moment later it had changed completely. It's amazing to witness the shift in the light. When I'm seeing especially at the sunrise or sunset It somehow fills me up with a kind of warmth and satisfaction.  Beauty is good for you, like laughter (but different!). Nature's color lights up my eyes and my spirit when I take it in.

Now if I really had my blog thing together below you would see a really cool photo of a fabulous finished necklace done in the above colors! Though today I decided it would be helpful and a good idea if I could find a work surface in my studio again...

But here's here's a start:

 

xoxo

Jill

2013 JEWELRY TRENDS

Hi All,

I just finished working on SS13 so I thought I would put it up and share it with you!

Trend prediction is an inspiration and a curiosity.  Watching society as a whole, which is a flux of life happening all around us. Calling trends has become a  bit like anthropology to me. Over the year I grab bits of this and that stick them in books on boards and things grab me. Make notes of interest and news, watch the runway fashions the textile industry, the world at large. Basically there is information coming in all the time from everywhere and each industry. I love watching  the youth of the world and what they are up to.  Stew it, simmer, digest add my own spices and then predict. Though I am  terrible with names, so do forgive!

2013 OVER ALL TRENDS AND INSPIRATION:

The world is undergoing democratization. Cross overs between worlds virtual and real. New skill sets in various industries continue to change the way things are being done and who is doing them. Designers and scientists becoming more important and pivotal throwing many more ideas into the melting pot.

 Self sufficiency at an individual level is more important now, DIY the new story, new technology that allows people to download and make it themselves one at a time. This is a power shift is a game changer.

 Lightweight is becoming important (imperative) for a variety of very real reasons.  Environmental  footprint, reduction and reuse of waste,  and transportation.

 People are stressed, time is freedom. Must tell a story and be able to connect easily. So much connection happening virtually. Individual voices being heard by the whole world now. The story becomes more important. Tell a story rather than just offer “look” collections.

IMPERFECT PERFECTION:

Symmetry, asymmetry, day wear, work or play wear.  Feeling of light, sea and sky.  Freedom to be different, individual a balance achieved by unique combinations of materials, colors, textures and design.  Have some designs play on the fact that the eye prefers imperfection. Science has proved that the eye will look away more quickly if what it is looking at is perfect. If looking at perfectly symmetrical the brain scans over it quickly and thinks (reads as) information understood and moves on. If you add slight irregularities or dissect space into balanced yet unique ways it keeps the brain scanning longer for information and the eyes continue to look over the design. Mix imperfection and perfection together for even more view/scan/look time. Light and luminescent qualities and mixed materials.  Great for laser cutting and 3D printing. Story: Awareness time well spent paying attention to the details in life and beauty.

 

ORNATE NOUVEAU:

Grace, glamour and surprise.  Oh so feminine, sheer, light. Micro detailed yet simple and elegant. Almost opulent foamy crêpe-georgette aspects. Flourishes, layers, engaging fun fashion. Decorative ornate with excessive artistic quality. Openwork, interwoven lace like with a twist.  Pattern on top of patterns. Story: 21st century ultra feminine, graceful and romantic meets (and marries) all the new technological advances in manufacturing. We are now able to design and make materials and process these materials with the highly sophisticated technology that is now widely available. Love the laser cut fabrics and metals.

 

SACRED DISTINCTION:

Details, depth, energy, light.  A need for soulfulness, and space. The geometry of nature, and patterns in nature.  Spirals, branching, lightening, glow of moonlight, leaves and veins.  Mandala like designs with nature icons. Flowers, trees, rooted, family, strength, collective unity. Reaching outward and inward. Fractals, pods, rebirth, inspiration, natural, clean yet decorative. Sacred geometry, spiritual faith. Story: Renewal and uplifting of ones spirit and soul. Connecting.

 

Sorry I cannot show you what I am designing in the way of jewelry and components 2013, that would be letting the cat out of the bag! But I hope you enjoyed the rest.

xoxo

Jill

 

 

CHA / TUCSON 2012

I can't believe it is time for the annual trip to Anaheim for the Craft and Hobby Association trade show

Then onto

Tucson for the Gem Show!

YAY! I love going to these shows! So many great people and so many amazing things to see and learn, do and find! I will be in Anaheim for a quick visit from the Jan. 28 - 30 and the leaving for the Gem Show on the 31st. I start showing on the 1st of Feb.

I rented a whole house and will be holding court (meeting with clients) and showing my newest work from there. No trade show floor for me this year! Phew! I am recovering from a concussion and still sensitive to sound in particular. So I thought this would be smarter than trying to deal with all that comes with showing at trade show all day for a week. Should be just right.

Showings are by appointment only, within this lovely environment. Quiet and spaceous, you can sit and look through my offerings in a relaxed fashion. The house is beautiful, in town and easy to get to.

Here's the info and directions:

Download Jill MacKay in Tucson 2012

Here are a couple of images of the rental. It has been used as a meditation retreat center in the past, so you know it will be pleasant. Nice!

PLease give me a call if you want to set up some face time!

Thanks so much!

Kindest regards,

Jill

BEAD SOUP BLOG PARTY REVEAL!

YAY!!!! It's finally time to reveal what I made with Lori Bergmann's BEAUTIFUL glass beads. Here are the luscious beads my talented partner made and sent me:

I love the palette of colors and rich shimmering depth of the multi-colored beads. The dark metallic rondelle beads made me drool...so it was a ton of fun laying this design out. Working with quality materials deserves time and respect.

When I photographed the finished necklace I was amazed at how perfectly natural the colors of the beads were in relationship to the natural surroundings (on a mossy stone wall in my yard) that I photographed them in. Just beautiful.

 By now you would think I would be pretty good at taking photographs of jewelry...but after all these years I regret that it is a weak spot for me. All this to say that Lori's beads are even more beautiful than they appear here! 

I added one of my sterling silver connectors and some great Czech beads from Raven's Journey (I Love Lenka and her beads!) but it's Lori's beads I wanted to show off. I generally do not work with lamp worked beads so this was new for me...now I have a problem...it just makes me want MORE!!! I admit...I have a bead hoarding thing going on over here. I have for years! I have the contents of my studio in my will... because I have such a great stash! Now I can see that I will begin to want more artisan made lamp-worked beads.

A MAJOR thank you to Lori Anderson out hostess and organizer of this huge blog hop! My goodness what an achievement in itself! Over 300 participants: 

http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/

 

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York

2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson

3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino

4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner

5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier

6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins

7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor

8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen

9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller

10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman

12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps

13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka

14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson

15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy

16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price

17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland

18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John

19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel

19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel

20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase

22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb

23. Barbara Blaszczyk  and DaviniaDesign

24. Barbara Judy  and Holly Westfall

25. Barbara Lewis  and Cathie Carroll

26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley

27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala

28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman

29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz

30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen

32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards

33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson

34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier

 35.  Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander

 36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye

37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock

38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone

39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf

40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll

41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick

42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg

43. Chris White and Norma Turvey

44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer

45. Christie Murrow and Dana James

46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins

47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford

48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis

49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering

50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes

52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher

53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya

54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk

55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young

56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent

57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj

58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman

59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald

60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner

62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert

63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez

64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris

65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith

66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday

67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman

68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore

69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones

70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim

72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable

73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag

74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post

75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton

76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter

77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride

78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller

79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley

80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor

82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen

83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman

84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy

85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora

86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg

87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann

88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay

89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh

90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan

92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean

93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis

94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt

95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski

96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio

97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts

98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker

99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford

100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto

102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark

103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika

104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen

105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec

106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson

107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long

108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson

109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney

110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger

112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy

113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw

114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher

115. Lesley Weirand Liz DeLuca

116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser

117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse

118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington

119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton

119.  Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter

120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir

122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank

123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks

124. Lupe Meter and Mags Saari

125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe

126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon

127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore

128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller

129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke

130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum

132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr

133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp

134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara

135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James

136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz

137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi

138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman

139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper

140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner

142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners

143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy

144. Missy Rappaport and Norma Agron

145. Molly Alexander and Poranna

146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell

147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry

148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson

149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna

150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari

152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan

153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag

154. Pat Haight and Mary McGraw

155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka

156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe

157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain

158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins

159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub

160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs

162. Rochelle Brisson and Sheryl Stephen

163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell

164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams

165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin

166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small

167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner

168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk

169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley

170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman

172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin

173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor

174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa

175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton

176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin

177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones

178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser

179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk

180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager

181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

 

For a total of 362 people! Amazing!

I have to go hop around and check out some of the other jewelry and gorgeous things being shared today. Enjoy doing the same... I can't wait to see what Lori made with my sterling silver components thats I sent her. Please check out her work and learn more about her by clicking the link below:

http://www.loribergmann.blogspot.com/

Here's one more photo for you! 

xoxo

Jill

Home from Jewel School

Hi All,

I have been meaning to write about my trip and all that happened down in Knoxville while working with Jewel School and Jewelry TV. But it's just now getting to the top of the get it done list. It seems crazy that it has almost been 2 weeks already! So I thought at the very least I should post some images from my trip.

I learned so much while there, which will make my next trip down go even smoother!

Hostesses with the mostesses Margot & Kim with me after  the show ended. Major thank yous to these  talented women and the crew and producers that make it all look easy!

                   Behind the scenes at Jewel School!

                    Another set at Jewelry Television

                        During the show...

The magnetic clasp kit sold the most and they want more! Very happy with my experience and how everything went.

Looking forward to the BSBP hop on the 17th. Can't wait to see all the different work though there are so many participants that it would take three days to view them all!

xoxo

Jill

Almost time for Knoxville!

So the beginning of this week was spent finishing up and  getting my shipment out to Jewel School / Jewelry TV! My first shipment, my first P.O. with them.  I thought they put the item number / bar code sticker on each kit...NOPE! My job!  So at the last minute it was sticker time! Thank goodness for the nice neighbor boy Rylee for coming over to help me! Because there was a lot of stickers!

Over 2000 to be exact!

Happy to have this behind me and knowing everything arrived in Knoxville! Phew.

xoxo

Jill 

Bead Soup Goodies - Thank You Mr. Postman!

My partner in the Blog Soup Blog Party is the wonderful and talented Lori Bergman of Ashlyn Design. I got my package of goodies over the weekend and wow are they sweet! The color palette is wonderful as is the fine craftsmanship of Lori Bergman who made them especially for the occasion. Thank you Lori!

No these beads are not participating in the witness protection program, the photo was intentionally blurred so to entice and tease you. I just wanted to wet your whistle and give you some idea without ruining the surprize.

There is another Lori to be thanked...Lori Anderson of Pretty Things. She is the initiator of the Blog Soup Party / Blog Hop. It has to be just a TON of work as there are over 300 participants!!! Lori matches us up with a partner according to styles of our work and more. Then keeps us all on track. She's behind all the fun that we get to have. Thank you Lori!

The actual blog hop will happen Sept. 17th. Our blogs will be linked so you can see all of the work of participating members of the blog hop. I for one cannot wait to see! So I have to hit the studio and get to work.

xoxo

Jill

Introducing Vivian Feiler

Yesterday I was contacted by a wonderful designer that uses my work in her work. She is very talented, and delightful. I thought it would be nice to introduce her to you.

Her name is Vivian Feiler and you can check out her and her work at www.vivianfeilerdesigns.com

Here's a little preview in which she used JM-028 Swirl pendant. I LOVE what she has done with it. So simple and elegant! Thanks Vivian!

xoxo

Jill

ABS MONTHLY CHALLENGE

Check it out: I am donating a $50.00 gift certificate to one of the winners of this month's  Art Bead Scene's monthly challenge! http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/

I cannot wait to see what everyone makes this month!!! So many talented people in the world! Thanks Heather Powers for the invitation and opportunity to be a sponsor! Love the color palette and challenge itself. My favorite bead blog on the web!

xoxo

Jill