Dear Readers,
Hope you have a wonderful Christmas and a happy New Year!
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Ivory Cream Flower, Vintage Necklace, Ivory Pearl Necklace, Bridal Gifts
Necklace measures approx 20 inches long. Flower measures between 3.5-4 inches.
Contact me for multiple listings or if you are shopping for your bridal party. All items will be shipped and packed, ready for gift giving.
LIMITED TIME ONLY: Free pair of matching pearl earrings included with purchase!
Handmade Jewelry by AnnaKayCreations.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Holiday Sale: 20% off plus free shipping on AnnaKayCreations Jewelry 11/24-11/30
Take advantage of 20% off plus free shipping on all Anna Kay Creations Jewelry at Storenvy from Thanksgiving Day, Nov 24th until Nov 30th, 2011. Free shipping will automatically be applied at checkout. Use coupon code HOLIDAYSALE to receive the 20% discount.
Wishing you a Happy and safe holiday weekend!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
New! Cream Ivory Fabric Flower Vintage Necklace, Bridesmaids Necklace
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| Handmade by AnnakayCreations. |
This beautiful necklace features a handmade cream/ivory fabric flower with a decorative crystal bead glued to the center of the flower.
The flower is attached to 10 (12mm) hand linked glass pearls on antique brass wire.
The end pearls are capped with antique brass flower bead caps, finished with a antique brass chain, and a lobster clasp.
Necklace is approx 18 inches and flower is approx 3 inches.
(Source: annakaycreations.storenvy.com)
Thursday, November 17, 2011
New! Deep Red Flower Rose Vintage Necklace, Bridesmaids Necklace
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| Handmade by AnnaKayCreations. |
This romantic vintage style necklace features a deep red fabric flower handmade with 100% cotton with a decorative crystal bead glued to the center of the flower.
The fabric flower is attached to 10 (10mm) hand linked glass pearls.
End glass pearls are capped with antiqued brass flower bead caps and finished with antique brass chain and lobster clasp.
The necklace is approx 18 inches. Fabric flower is approx 3 inches. Other colors and custom orders available, please do not hesitate to contact me for more information.
Handmade Jewelry by AnnaKayCreations (via Deep Red Flower Rose Vintage Necklace, Bridesmaids Jewelry by Anna Kay Creations on Storenvy)
Tuesday, November 08, 2011
Sneak peak at Anna Kay Creations new Jewelry!
I wanted to share a sneak peak of what I have been working on. I don't have a name for this beautiful necklace yet, ideas anyone?? Once I get that part figured out, I will be adding it to my new shop here.
Ever since I figured out how to make fabric flowers, I have not stopped making them, so you will be seeing more of them in my jewelry designs. (I absolutely love flowers).
Unfortunately, this picture is not all that great, because I took it at night and could not wait to share it with you!! Hope you like :-)
This and more coming soon at http://www.annakaycreations.storenvy.com
Are you using Pinterest?
Pinterest is a virtual board that allows you to share all the beautiful things around the web. You can use it for gift ideas, planning, making a wish list, inspiration and pretty much anything. If you have not joined it yet, you must check it out.
I joined Pinterest a few months back and have been using it to save pretty pictures of fashion, jewelry, home decor, words of inspiration and the like. I absolutely LOVE it! I have to warn you though, it can be addictive. ;)
Below is a sample screen shot of my pin boards. If you would like to see more, you can follow me here.
I joined Pinterest a few months back and have been using it to save pretty pictures of fashion, jewelry, home decor, words of inspiration and the like. I absolutely LOVE it! I have to warn you though, it can be addictive. ;)
Below is a sample screen shot of my pin boards. If you would like to see more, you can follow me here.
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| Source |
If you follow me, let me know and I will do the same. Happy pinning!
Friday, November 04, 2011
Featured Artisan: Kelly Lowe Glass
Hello! Today's featured Artisan is Kelly of Kelly Lowe Glass.
Well, my name is Kelly Lowe, and I’m a full time professional glassblower out of my single artist studio, which I’ve imaginatively named “Kelly Lowe Glass”. I know, I know, I could’ve went for something a little more esoteric or interesting, but I thought this name would very simply describe what I do… and if you’re wondering how THAT panned out, well, you can talk to my disappointed would-be customers over the years who have phoned to see if I can fix their windshield. I guess if I were writing a book on business, I could probably use that as an anecdote or something on “communicating effectively”, but I’m still happy with the name since it’s mine... it’s my business, and I’m proud of it.
I’m primarily a local artist, working for businesses and individuals around Hamilton, Ontario, making awards, fine art, ornaments and pretty much anything else, it’s possible to make by slogging hot molten glass around my workshop. I don’t use molds, so everything is fully handmade – usually blown or sculpted – which is important to me, and to my customers.
There’s a certain special feeling I think, buying from an artisan who is either handmade or local, in that you know your purchase keeps a unique spark alive in the world rather than everything being generic and mass produced. I’m very grateful to my customers for keeping my spark alive, since I get to do what I love full time, but I’m also grateful to anyone who chooses to buy non-generic.
There’s a certain special feeling I think, buying from an artisan who is either handmade or local, in that you know your purchase keeps a unique spark alive in the world rather than everything being generic and mass produced. I’m very grateful to my customers for keeping my spark alive, since I get to do what I love full time, but I’m also grateful to anyone who chooses to buy non-generic.
Oh yeah, I’m also in my early thirties, have black hair and my favorite color is blue. I play way too much Plants vs. Zombies, am a lifelong vegetarian, and a lackluster dancer at best.
I started by going to school for it. Yeah, there was a glassblowing program – I remember meeting other students in the cafeteria and them laughing and saying stuff like: “yeah right, and I’m in the basket weaving program” before they realized I was serious. It was a great time, and I learned a lot. So that was three years, after which I apprenticed under/assisted some very talented artists throughout the Southern Ontario region.
Basically, anyone who would let me work around glass and who I could learn from while earning a living, I was there. Finally, I had the opportunity to strike out for myself, which I did – excited yet terrified, I’ll confess. There’s no safety net under artists if we fall, and I’d put all my eggs in this basket – and was amazed when things went really well, and continues to do so. We’re all our own harshest critic, I know, and on bad days I’m still confused as to how this has all worked out. But I’m also confident in my work: I believe that if I give it my all, the customer is going to be very happy with the result. I think we have to think that way, as artists, or we won’t last very long before doubt drags us down.
For the second part of the question: I’ve been a full time glassblower for 13 years, including my time at school.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I know it’ll probably sound trite to say “everywhere”, but it’s the truth. I like to hike in the woods around Hamilton, and nothing is a greater inspiration than nature.
My family, for sure: they all see the world so differently that talking to them I’m constantly having to tie my mind in knots, in a good way, realizing that: “oh, that’s a different viewpoint… and totally valid.” They’re unique, strong people, who leave such a mark on me that I can’t help but bring that influence to my art. My boyfriend, who is a photographer, makes me want to try to see the world differently: we’ll be somewhere and out will come his camera and he’ll take a shot – and I won’t have a clue what he saw until I see the picture on his screen, and even then I often scratch my head and wonder if we were in the same place. Actually let me just say “people” influence me. How can they not? They’re the most impactful things we encounter in our day to day lives, and they each leave such a mark.
But inspiration can also come from negative places too, of course. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not a suffering artist by any means – I’m quite happy, honestly. But some of my work was my way of dealing with something negative in my life. My Kritters (http://www.kellyloweglass.com/Glass/Kritters/) for example were my own response to something really hurtful that happened to me.
Well, Porkutort was, the rest have been pure joy to make since they make me laugh so hard. Today Porkutort is nothing but a positive thing as well, and that’s the great thing about focusing negatives into your art: what you make will eventually seem so much more important than whatever negative is happening to you right then. Troubles have a way of passing, work you’re happy with and proud of stays with you.
My family, for sure: they all see the world so differently that talking to them I’m constantly having to tie my mind in knots, in a good way, realizing that: “oh, that’s a different viewpoint… and totally valid.” They’re unique, strong people, who leave such a mark on me that I can’t help but bring that influence to my art. My boyfriend, who is a photographer, makes me want to try to see the world differently: we’ll be somewhere and out will come his camera and he’ll take a shot – and I won’t have a clue what he saw until I see the picture on his screen, and even then I often scratch my head and wonder if we were in the same place. Actually let me just say “people” influence me. How can they not? They’re the most impactful things we encounter in our day to day lives, and they each leave such a mark.
Well, Porkutort was, the rest have been pure joy to make since they make me laugh so hard. Today Porkutort is nothing but a positive thing as well, and that’s the great thing about focusing negatives into your art: what you make will eventually seem so much more important than whatever negative is happening to you right then. Troubles have a way of passing, work you’re happy with and proud of stays with you.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
Haha... is there any more space? I think I’ll just finish this off with a thank you to Anna for featuring me. If there’s one way independent artists are going to continue making our work available to the world, it’s going to be through exposure and the support of each other. Thank you, and good luck with your jewelry!
Extras:
Kelly Lowe Glass Website/Online Portfolio: http://www.kellyloweglass.com
Artfire Online Shop: http://www.artfire.com/ext/shop/studio/KLGlass
Thank for the lovely interview Kelly!
Friday, September 23, 2011
Featured Artisan: Bellissimore Jewelry
Hello, please welcome today's Featured Artisan, Janice of Bellissimore Jewelry
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
Outside of crafting what else do you enjoy doing?
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
I am from Houston, Texas and I am an interior designer that also loves to create beautiful jewelry. I have 2 boys and a wonderful husband. My oldest son just left for college and the other is a Sophomore in High School. Both are very active in sports. I love the outdoors including gardening and fishing.
How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it?
A Friend got me into jewelry design about 10 years ago as something fun to do. I have been doing it ever since.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get some of my inspiration from Fashion magazines, but for the most part, my inspiration is pretty much free-flowing. I sit down in my studio with my supplies in front of me and the ideas just come to me.
Outside of crafting what else do you enjoy doing?
All things home design, gardening, running, and fishing.
Links:
Twitter: @bellissimojewel
Thanks for the lovely interview, Janice.
Friday, September 16, 2011
Featured Artisan: Ajsdesigns
Please welcome today's featured artisan, Aletha Jane Williams of Ajsdesigns.
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
My name is Aletha Jane Williams and I live in Oklahoma, or better known as “tornado alley.” I am a self-taught artist and am still in the process of learning. I have been in the graphic arts/print production industry for many years. When I started in the industry we created everything manually, no computers involved.
I live with my husband (he’s a writer/editor and telecommutes), one cat (Lucyfur), and one dog (Watson the Dachshund). We have two grown married children and two teenage grandsons.
How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it?
My 15 year experience in the “crafting/art” world is rubber stamp art, mixed media, and collage. In 2009 I became disabled and cannot work outside the home. Now I can concentrate on my health and my art. My creations will always involve rubber or digi stamps. I am an obsessive collector of stamps. I feel like I am collecting little pieces of art that I can turn into my own art.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
get my inspiration from many things, but mostly from magazines, books, and online blogs and galleries. There are so many talented people out in our world. Cyber space has opened up a whole new world for me.
Outside of crafting what else do you enjoy doing?
Other activities that I am involved with are reading, cross-stitching, watching television with my husband, and spending time with our family. I am also on the treadmill everyday as part of my rehab. What takes up most of my time is running a small online business and keeping up with my group on The Crafter’s Café called Get Hippity with {ippity}. Here’s the link: http://thestampingboutique.ning.com/group/gethippitywithippityjointheunitycommunity.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
My small business is selling {ippity} stamps by Unity. Right now I am the only “Unity Endorsed {ippity} Chick in Oklahoma. My {ippity} sales blog link is http://alethajanesgotippity.blogspot.com. This month (September) we, me and my Design Team, are opening our blog up for challenges twice a month. That link for our Get Hippity with Ippity challenge blog is http://hippitywithippity.blogspot.com.
I am on two other design teams. They are The Stamping Boutique ( http://thestampingboutique.com ) and The Crafter’s Café (http://thestampingboutique.ning.com )
Thanks for the lovely interview, Aletha.
Friday, September 09, 2011
Featured Artisan: BeadLightning
Please welcome today's Featured artisan, Amanda of BeadLightning Jewelry.
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
Greetings all! My name is Amanda the owner and designer behind BeadLightning Jewelry. Jewelry is my life, I have been known to drive my friends and family a bit mad with my constant talk of jewelry, beads, and designs that are floating in my head.
I share my house with my sweetheart, Ben, and a pair of delightfully crazy cats, Tao and Espeon. I grew up in Atlanta but have spent the last ten years living in Pennsylvania. Since I met Ben I have been on some amazing adventures, like spending a month exploring the Twin Cities and working as a Naturalist for a Summer Camp in the North Woods of Minnesota.
I love reading and absorbing as much knowledge as I can stuff into my mind, especially if it has to do with Mythology and foreign cultures, when I am not sponging knowledge I am getting lost in a good fantasy novel.
I share my house with my sweetheart, Ben, and a pair of delightfully crazy cats, Tao and Espeon. I grew up in Atlanta but have spent the last ten years living in Pennsylvania. Since I met Ben I have been on some amazing adventures, like spending a month exploring the Twin Cities and working as a Naturalist for a Summer Camp in the North Woods of Minnesota.
I love reading and absorbing as much knowledge as I can stuff into my mind, especially if it has to do with Mythology and foreign cultures, when I am not sponging knowledge I am getting lost in a good fantasy novel.
I started creating jewelry about ten years ago, it started as a gift from my mother and just exploded into an obsession that has taken over my life.
For my 16th birthday my mother (who was always looking for artsy gifts to give me in hopes to help me with my creative impulse but lack of interest in my conventional art forms) bought me a very basic jewelry making kit. It was full of seed beads, plastic beads, and finding, I was enchanted...I had always thought that jewelry making was a sacred art that only a select few had access to learn...and here was the opportunity for me to make that most sacred of thing. I had finally found my creative outlet and it has been a wonderful journey.
For my 16th birthday my mother (who was always looking for artsy gifts to give me in hopes to help me with my creative impulse but lack of interest in my conventional art forms) bought me a very basic jewelry making kit. It was full of seed beads, plastic beads, and finding, I was enchanted...I had always thought that jewelry making was a sacred art that only a select few had access to learn...and here was the opportunity for me to make that most sacred of thing. I had finally found my creative outlet and it has been a wonderful journey.
I find inspiration everywhere! I constantly find myself reading Mythology books or hiking in the woods and thinking, 'wow, this would make a really interesting piece of jewelry' I have a large portfolio filled with ideas for future jewelry pieces that have been inspired by everything from nature to interesting sounding words.
Outside of crafting what else do you enjoy doing?
When I am not surrounded by beads I spend my time working on my favorite hobby: Nature Photography! I love hiking, hunting for mushrooms, stalking thunderstorms, following wildlife, and ogling bugs for the perfect photo. I am also a huge fan of video games and RPGs. Yes, I am a giant nerd :) There is also my interest in Feng Shui that keeps me occupied, but luckily that does not take up as much time as my other hobbies.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
All of the items in BeadLighting are completely One of a Kind.
Each piece has its own unique story behind it, won't you come discover one that speaks to you?
Each piece has its own unique story behind it, won't you come discover one that speaks to you?
LINKS:
Thanks for the lovely interview, Amanda!
Friday, September 02, 2011
Featured Artisan: SamCas
Hello! Please welcome today's featured artisan, Samantha of SamCas Jewelry.
Well, as I mentioned above, I went to school for Fashion Design, but the jewelry making came after that. After I graduated, I sort of went on this quest to find myself and to find out what I really want to do in life. So I began exploring different types of fashion and learning and experimenting. During this quest, I actually didn't even consider making jewelry.
Sometimes it's the process, when I make mistakes or when I run into problems, that's when I come up with some of my (personal) favorite pieces. But of course like any other artist, I get my inspiration from almost anything, but majority of it comes from different cultures, especially my own. I grew up in the Philippines and I always try to incorporate my culture and roots into my art. I also get really inspired by the past, whether it's 3 years ago or 300 years ago, I think there's always a trend or an idea that we can bring back and either incorporate or improve to be contemporary.
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
Hello! I'm Sam and I'm a Fashion Design graduate from FIDM in San Francisco. I also intern and take couture classes with couture designer Colleen Quen. At the moment, I am working on my brand called SamCas, starting out with its first jewelry collection entitled "Free Philosophy".
I love the mixing elements that normally wouldn't go together; I love the juxtaposition of it. I would describe my style to be classically glamorous with a little bit of androgyny and edge. I believe in creating timeless and versatile pieces without sacrificing style and comfort.
I love the mixing elements that normally wouldn't go together; I love the juxtaposition of it. I would describe my style to be classically glamorous with a little bit of androgyny and edge. I believe in creating timeless and versatile pieces without sacrificing style and comfort.
How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it?
Well, as I mentioned above, I went to school for Fashion Design, but the jewelry making came after that. After I graduated, I sort of went on this quest to find myself and to find out what I really want to do in life. So I began exploring different types of fashion and learning and experimenting. During this quest, I actually didn't even consider making jewelry.
My fascination with jewelry was sort of an accident. A lot of my old jewelry pieces needed to be repaired, so I looked online (mostly youtube) for quick and easy guides on how to fix them, and one link lead to another, until I was already watching and following step-by-step instructions on how to create jewelry from scratch! Also, repairing my own jewelry gave me the time to really study them, and their structure and design. I noticed how similar yet different jewelry making is to making clothes, and it was seriously love at first sight!
Where do you get your inspiration from?
Outside of crafting, what else do you enjoy doing?
I'm a hard core rock climber actually! I love climbing, it's my first love! So is theater! I love to act, sing, and dance! I've been doing both since the 2nd grade, and to me, both are such huge stress relievers for me. It's actually funny because people get really surprised when they find out that I'm a climber since they usually perceive rock climbers to have super big, toned bodies, which is true, but I'm a "static climber", which means I climb "slowly" so that I can conserve energy, and static climbers usually use more of their legs than their arms.
Aside from those two, I enjoy different kinds of sports (usually extreme sports like snowboarding and wake boarding), and I'm also a photographer and graphic designer.
Aside from those two, I enjoy different kinds of sports (usually extreme sports like snowboarding and wake boarding), and I'm also a photographer and graphic designer.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
At the moment you can purchase my items at Etsy, but I'm working on my personal website right now, and to celebrate, I will be hosting a giveaway at my blog in September! So be sure to follow me on twitter or my blog so you can be updated about it!
LINKS:
Thanks for the lovely interview, Sam!
Friday, August 26, 2011
Featured Artisan: Creations By Sierra
Today's featured artisan is Allyson of Creations By Sierra. Allyson makes uniquely crafted hand-crocheted bracelets, and necklaces.
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
I am 36 years old and a nurse by profession, I have 2 beautiful children Sierra who is 6 and Savannah that is 3 months. I also have a loving and supportive husband and we all live in Hershey Pa.
How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it?
I started making jewelry in 2009 after seeing our next doors neighbors daughters jewelry. I went to the craft store picked up what I needed along with a couple of books and over the years I have gone from simple beaded jewelry to the crocheted jewelry that I sell today. It's funny it was never my intention to sell the jewelry I made but after numerous peoples compliments I started to selling the items right off of me.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
My inspiration comes from many areas but the majority of my creative ideas comes from my children's toys. The bright colors give me the color combinations that make my jewelry unique and fun.
Outside of crafting what else do you enjoy doing?
Outside of my crafting I love playing with my daughters and our dogs. I also like to travel and sometimes just sit and read a good book. 
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I would just like to say that too anyone who makes specially handcrafted products. Do not be afraid to show your work and be proud of your accomplishments, because not everyone can do what we do. "Let know one stand between you and your own success"
Links:
Thanks for the lovely interview, Allyson!
Friday, August 19, 2011
Featured Artisan: Mother's Love on Artfire
Today's Featured Artisan is Natasha of Mother's Love on Artfire.
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible. Whether it's going to the zoo, or swimming, I just love hanging out with my family. We're a tight nit and like exploring new places together.
I didn't move out to the US until I was 9 years old. I'm originally from Spain. So my love of bright colors probably stems from there. I've been to a lot of places so far, and have every intention of traveling more. So far, I've seen the likes of Amsterdam, Iceland, and Spain. I still have a long list of places to see in the future. We're just waiting for the little guy to be old enough to remember them too.
How did you start creating your artwork, and how long have you been doing it?
My love for fashion combined with the wish to spend more time with my family inspired me to begin my journey into handmade jewelry.
I took a break from working full time after my son was born. I wanted to devote all my attention to him and be the main person in his life. After realizing he wasn't much for conversation quite yet, I took some classes and started making my own jewelry just for fun. He slept a lot so it was easy to practice. Someone suggested selling my creations, so here I am.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I love antiques, so a lot of my more romantic pieces are inspired by vintage jewelry. My love for the outdoors can probably be seen as well, with my choices in colors and textures. My goal in general is to capture beauty. I hope that can be seen.
I love antiques, so a lot of my more romantic pieces are inspired by vintage jewelry. My love for the outdoors can probably be seen as well, with my choices in colors and textures. My goal in general is to capture beauty. I hope that can be seen.
Outside of crafting what else do you enjoy doing?
I love to read. I have a ton of books in my collection and I don't see it getting any smaller. I keep telling my husband that he's going to have to build me a library.
Going out to karaoke is fun too. But just being able to let loose and forget my worries for a little while is great. It's important, you know?
So everyday there is an escape rule in the house. At one point of the day, everyone does something silly to let it all out.
Is there anything else you would like to share?
All our creations are made by hand in a smoke free, albeit not pet free home. We love our fur-babies and try our best to keep them away from the work space. But sometimes, it's just inevitable. 
Links:
Thanks for the lovely interview, Natasha.
