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

 

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

 

 

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

Jewel School and JTV

I just booked my flight to Knoxville TN where I will be heading down to meet and work with the good people at Jewel School and   

I will be appearing on air September 4th with many a selection of my components and findings. This is very exciting and such a lovely opportunity. 

I will be selling 5 different kits! Clasp kits, pendant kits and more. 

The people I am fortunate to be dealing with are communicative, friendly, fun and have business savvy. All this to say it makes for a great experience and a wonderful gig. I owe this connection to my talented friend Margot Potter. She is a powerhouse of creativity and now a host on Jewel School. 

Margot introduced me to everyone while down in Tucson and the results of our work will soon be realized! Looking forward and love this opportunity and the others to come....

Off to the studio!

xox

Jill

I Love Teresa Meister!

Why? Besides the fact that she is a wonderful human being, exceedingly talented, not to mention fun....LOOK what happens when she combines my work and hers!

Teresa's unique use of seed beads and jump rings makes for a really beautiful look and a better ride. These pieces are so fluid. Lots of movement, very comfortable to wear, they move and lay so nice.

Close up of Teresa's necklace in which she used  my sterling silver floral connectors. Glad Teresa does seed beading I can't see size 11 beads much less smaller! Yikes!

This gorgeous bracelet shows my  Twig Triple Strand Spacer and a new magnetic Flower Top magnetic clasp. I cannot wait to see this in person!

Thank you so much Teresa. You are wonderful as is your work!

Please see more of Teresa's work at here website www.teresameister.com

xoxo

Jill

Visual Blogging

Hi All,

It seems I  have writers block. I think of blogging often but don't as often as I should. Part of this is because some of my clients are so big that I have to follow contractual obligations about even publishing names and news when and how. Though another reason is because I am more about images than words.  I am much more a visual creature than a writer. So in the interest of  sharing more often I have decided to do more visual posts. More images, fewer words, unless I am sharing something specific or newsworthy. Here we go! My view of color style and trend in jewelry. A new set ...I love Polyvore!

xoxo

Jill

5_2011 by Jill MacKay featuring butterfly stud earrings

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