I'm PUBLISHED!

Who knew when I purchased a kit and tutorial for enameling from Barbara Lewis that it would change my life?  I was looking for a way to stand out in a jewelry crowd and came across her web site Painting with Fire.  I couldn't order the kit fast enough.

The next year she had a book come out that hit #1 on Amazon Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry.  I also got to meet her and her husband at Philly Bead Fest and we became friends.  

Imagine my surprise when she asked me to contribute a piece for her newest book Mastering Torch Fired Enamel Jewelry.  There were only four of us.. and we each were asked to create a piece using the color wheel .. I got complimentary colors.  I had to figure out what colors to use and then what to design.

I used one of my favorite components, vintage leaves I purchased a few years ago from CJS Supply in NYC.  I made a lot of them.  Then I wire wrapped them to a vintage chain and added recycled silk ribbon.

 My reaction to getting my own copy of the book autographed by Barbara reminded me of this scene in one of my favorite movies..

I'm Somebody NOW!

Make sure to check out my other contributors fantastic designs

Laura Guenther - Blueantiquities
Heather Kelly Marston - Crystals, Stones and Wire: Jewelry by He-He Beads
Carol Dee Myers Czt - Carol DeeZigns

I'm Still Here

Yes.. I've been AOL for about a year.. but a busy year it has been!  Between growing my jewelry business and my hair salon business I have also been Ballroom Dancing!  The last year and a half has been about trying to take better care of myself physically and mentally.

On the jewelry side I've been accepted into shows I never dreamed I'd be in.  This will be my second year at the Hyde Park Art Show  and my third year at Autumn Air Art Fair.  I've lost track of how many times I've been in  Art in the Park and Art Off Pike.

I've added some new events/shows to my list as well.. Mellwood Art Show in Louisville KY, the Holiday Market and Winterfair in Cincinnati and Winterfair Columbus OH.  I'll also be back at the Cincinnati Home and Garden Show in 2015.

I only realize how far my work has come when I see these shows on my list that I attended but never dreamed I'd be a part of.

Added to the shows I will have a necklace featured in a book coming out in the fall.  Mastering Torch-Fired Enamel is the newest book in the Painting With Fire Series by Barbara Lewis.  I was truly honored to be asked by the author, who is also my friend and mentor to contribute a piece for this book.  I can honestly say knowing her and learning to enamel changed my life.

Next up is a trip to Bead Fest Philly.  A great chance to meet friends in person that I've known for years online in the Creative Bead Chat Group on Facebook.   I just got featured in their online magazine.  And I have some upcoming posts for the magazine and for another online blog.  I'll be hitting up all my favorite stores in NYC with my side kick Heather of HeHe Beads and a few new bead hoarding buddies.

So yes, you will see me around here more.. but hang on cause it's gonna be a bumpy ride!

Night and Day You are the ONE!

Enjoy this musical interlude.....




So now you know what this blog is about!  This month I am blogging about what time of day is my most productive and when does inspiration strike.  Hmmmm... I am typically a night owl.  If it was up to me, mornings would be illegal.  That being said, I do my actual creating during the daytime.  I love working with natural light and am lucky that my studio space had tons of it.  I am crazy about how colors look and go together and nothing beats a lot of windows and sunshine.  Not that I don't make things at night, but usually I have already put the ideas/colors together.

As far as when I am actually inspired.. well that happens all day every day.  Just this Saturday I was driving to work (yes, I do have a REAL job doing hair) and had a little aHA moment in the car when my brain put some glass discs I made a month ago together with some dagger beads I bought a week ago.  Other times I will look down at my super messy work table and see some components next to each other and think.. why didn't I see that before?  Those are the happy accidents of inspiration that turn into jewelry that I sometimes have a hard time selling because I end up loving them myself.

I have a few stock designs and techniques I return to over and over, but the really fun ones for me are the purely organic pieces that almost make themselves.. bend a few wires.. hammer them, toss some stones, beads, fiber in the mix and somehow something beautiful reveals itself.  And I am constantly inspired by all the fabulous artists I have found via Facebook and Pinterest.  They make me step across a line to the outside of my comfort zone and try to add a new twist to my work.  Sometimes they make me look at the materials I am using with a new eye and head down a path I wouldn't have taken before.

So I guess I didn't answer this very clearly.. I am inspired all day every day.. so what does that say about me?

 See you in a month or so with another Synchroblog Post and while you are waiting don't forget to check out all the other blog posts this month!
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The Artists Synchroblog (July) – The Artists Synchroblog is a group of bloggers who post every other month on the same topic, sharing our experience or perspective. On alternate months we undertake a Pinterest Project where we each take inspiration from a pinterest picture, create something (art, a meal, a DIY project, etc) and then post about it.

Please visit the other bloggers this month:

http://amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com

http://www.islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/

http://www.wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/blog

www.elenorbuffington.blogspot.com

http://doxallodesigns.blogspot.com

http://lesliervillarreal.blogspot.com

http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry

http://simpledesignjewelry.blogspot.com

http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com/

http://marikach.blogspot.com/

www.createrecklessly.com

http://design.kcjewelbox.com

www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com

http://shaktipajdesigns.com/blog/

http://silversmithblog.com/

http://stonezjewelry.com/blog/

www.beadsbythebay.blogspot.com

Words Have Meaning

I recently joined a group called the Artists Synchroblog.  We are a group that will post every other month about a common subject.  In other months we will be doing a Pinterest Project and blog about it.  This months topic is Words Have Meaning.

I often include words and phrases in my work.  I create a piece that speaks to me and am always happy when it finds the person it is meant for.  When someone comes up to my booth and picks up a piece it is great when a look comes over their face as they "get it".  I know then that this will be a touch stone in their life.  When they wear it .. or gift it to a loved one... they will have that reminder of the meaning behind the words.

The piece talking to me right now is this cuff:

It says... cherish your story...think about it.. Our lives all have a story.  Sometimes the story is happy, joyful, wonderful.  Those are the times we all call the good times.  And yes, they are great.  But it is the part of our story that is made up of the challenges, difficulties, and hardships that we often forget to cherish.  All the parts of your story go into making you who you are today.  

Think about it like a recipe... really good chocolate always needs a pinch of salt to bring out the flavor.  Lemonade tastes better with some sugar.  The yin and yang.

So remember.. cherish your story.  As my wonderful husband said to me when we first got together and I told him the not so perfect and pretty part of my story - "I hate that you had to go through that, but it made you who you are now.  And that is the person I love"  

Please take the time to visit the rest of the participants in this blog hop:

http://amyestellemetalworks.blogspot.com

http://www.islandgirlsinsights.blogspot.ca/

http://www.wrapturewirejewellery.on.ca/blog

www.elenorbuffington.blogspot.com

http://doxallodesigns.blogspot.com

http://lesliervillarreal.blogspot.com

http://www.journeyinjewelry.com/blog/My-Journey-in-Jewelry

http://simpledesignjewelry.blogspot.com

http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com/

http://marikach.blogspot.com/

www.createrecklessly.com

http://design.kcjewelbox.com

www.allwiredupjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com

http://shaktipajdesigns.com/blog/

http://silversmithblog.com/

http://stonezjewelry.com/blog/

www.beadsbythebay.blogspot.com

Art Charm Exchange

So.. a few months ago I got introduced to a group creating charms for an art charm exchange.  I figured why not?  I would make a few charms, get a few charms and help out a group called  Beads of Courage.  I first became aware of Beads of Courage through Brazee Street Studio where I take glass bead making lessons.  They often sponsor a day of bead making and then donate all the beads to this group.  Unfortunately this always seems to be on a day I can't be there so this was a great opportunity for me to join in.

The organizer of the Art Charm Exchange is Jen Cameron.  I can't say enough about how great it was for her to organize this event.  I can only imagine the time spent putting us all in groups, sorting the charms as they came in and getting them all out to us in time for the big reveal.  She also is running the auction of our beads here http://myworld.ebay.com/glassaddictions.

I made a total of 11 charms.. one for everyone in my group and one for the auction.  Our theme was laughter and I drew a blank.  So I decided to just make some enameled charms and then a little one that said LOL!  I tried a new technique of stamping on the charms as well and they made me smile.

I then packaged them all up and sent them on their way!

Then the waiting began.  I wanted to see what everyone else came up with!  And when I got the box it was like Christmas!

Now.. I know I am not supposed to have a favorite.. but I do.. and when you see it you will know why!  I laughed out loud....

Yes.. BACON AND EGGS!  Thanks Mallory Hoffman of Rosebud's Lampwork Beads.

And here are the rest of the charms I received...

I truly appreciate all the hard work put into each charm and hope you will visit the auction to support this cause.  Here is a link to all the participants... hop around and enjoy the blogs!

Auction Site: http://myworld.ebay.com/glassaddictions

Alenka Obid http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-exchage-reveal.html

Alicia Marinache http://www.allprettythings.ca/2012/11/charm-swap-reveal-blog-hop-and-auction.html

Babette Cox http://babettecox.com/blog.htm

Carol Watson http://www.carolwatsonartglass.blogspot.com

Carolyn Chenault  http://carolynchenault.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/beads-of-courage-auction/

Cassi Paslick http://cassisbeads.blogspot.com/2012/11/beads-of-courage-charm-swap-reveal.html

Charlene Jacka http://clay-space.com/2012/11/early-christmas/

Cheri Reed http://creativedesignsbycheri.blogspot.com/2012/11/to-participate-in-charm-swap-you-must.html

Cheryl McCloud http://cherylmccloud.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-swap-reveal-blog-hop-and-beads-of.html

Deb Kauzlarich http://debkauzlarich.blogspot.com

Denielle Hagerman http://somebeadsandotherthings.com

Emma Todd  http://apolymerpenchant.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-swap-in-aid-of-boc.html

Erin Prais-Hintz http://treasures-found.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-swap-laugh.html

Ginger Bishop http://lilmummylikes.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-exchange-2012.html

Inge vonRoos http://ingetraud.wordpress.com

Jean Peter http://jeanpdesigns.blogspot.com/ http://jeanpdesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/2012-charm-swap.html

Jeannie K Dukic http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog/2012/11/12/beads-of-courage/

Jennifer Cameron http://wp.me/p1xIa0-wn

Kia Dallons http://kiadallonsstudio.blogspot.jp/2012/11/laughter-is-best-medicine.html

Kimberly Roberts http://bahamadawn.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-swap.html

Kristi Bowman  http://dreamsomedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-swap-reveal-hop.html

Lea Avroch http://lajewelrydesign.blogspot.com/2012/11/2012-beads-of-courage-art-charm-swap.html

Leslie Schenkel http://twistedchicken.wordpress.com/

Linda Florian http://www.lilysofthevalleyjewelry.blogspot.com/

Lori Greenberg http://lorigreenberg.com/blog

Lynnea Bennett http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com

Mallory Hoffman http://rosebud101-fortheloveofbeads.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-time-has-come-art-charm-blog-reveal.html

Marcy Lamberson http://studiomarcy.blogspot.com/2012/11/charmed-by-minions-im-sure.html

Marsha Neal Studio http://marshanealstudio.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-exchange-and-beads-of-courage.html

Maureen Connolly http://mrsbeadsley.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-reveal.html

Melissa Meman http://melissameman.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-swap-blog-hop.html

Monique Urquhart http://ahalfbakednotion.blogspot.com/2012/11/charmed-im-sure.html

Natalie McKenna http://www.grubbi.co.uk/

Perri Jackson  http://shaktipajdesigns.com/11/blog/reveal-the-laughter-art-charms/

Renetha Stanziano http://lamplightcrafts.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-exchange-auction-and-reveal.html

Robin Koza http://www.robinkoza.com

Shaiha Williams http://shaihasramblings.blogspot.com/2012/11/art-charm-hop.html

Shannon Hicks  http://uptwnsh-fallingintothesky.blogspot.com/

Shelby Foxwell http://sundownbeaddesigns.blogspot.com/2012/11/charm-swap-reveal.html

Shelley Graham Turner http://shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com/2012/11/reveal-2012-charm-swap.html

Shirley Moore http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/2012/11/beads-of-courage-art-charm-reveal.html

Stephanie Haussler http://www.pixybugdesigns.blogspot.com/

Susan Kennedy http://suebeads.blogspot.com/2012/11/beads-of-courage-charm-swap-reveal-and.html

Toltec Jewels http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/2012/11/BOCArtCharmRevealBlogHop.html

Vanessa Gilkes http://culturezine.com/blog/

Creating an Identiy in a Sea of Jewelry Artists - post for Artisan Whimsey

Creating an Identity in a Sea of Jewelry Artists

This has been a busy summer.. I can't count the number of art shows I've done.  I've set up and taken down my tent so many times I could do it in my sleep.
(you can see my helper there in the back... big guy with the sun glasses)
My display has become an ever evolving part of my shows as I tweak it so that when someone walks by they say.... "there's Lynnea!"  If you have attended a show lately, jewelry is still the biggest category of all.  Your booth set up and the presentation of your work is more important than ever.  At this show I had jewelry next to me, across from me and one booth down from me.  So I have to work extra hard to get people to see me in the "SEA".
At this show I can't tell you how many people came up and stopped to read my banner with my new motto "Life is too short to wear department store jewelry".  More than a few said I heard about you, or someone told them about me from a previous show.  This one catchy slogan has caused many a shopper to at least stop and take a look around.  Making that impression is so important, not just at this show, but since I know they will talk about it, for future shows.
I want my look to be a bit upscale boutique so I am keeping to a neutral palette of cream, brown and aqua accents.  I even made my own neck forms to go with my color scheme.

You can read about it on my blog here. 
This summer was all about getting the look I wanted.  And I will probably continue to change it up as I go next year.  I have my pieces spread out enough for people to  look at and not get overwhelmed.  Yes I get nervous when I see a booth that is jammed with stuff... but then I think of how much of each piece I make myself and know that I can truly say my pieces are handmade.
The next steps I am taking is to develop a few signature designs that I will have multiples of.  Already this bracelet design is recognized in my area as a Designs by Lynnea piece.
I've made these is various colors with all kinds of beads, chain and fiber.  Lucky for me I have a lot of these focals to patina and bend.
The next look I am perfecting is what I call my Zen necklace.  Enameled copper discs on a necklace.  I was inspired by Kim St Jeans Urban Pine cone.  I am working on a whole line of these to place in a local gallery.
Here is one last picture of a one table set up at a recent boutique type show
As you can see I maintained my look even in a one table set up.  If you were looking for me you could easily identify this as my booth.
A recent article in the Sept/Oct Jewelry Artist magazine was Develop Your Artistic Identity.  I was already heading that way when I saw this article.  I highly recommend that you read it to understand why we sometimes need to create not only a repetition but a variation on a design so that our work is readily identifiable to customers.  Just remember to make what you love and not worry about the crowd.  Our goal is to stand out in the Sea not be a part of the school of fish around us.

In The Pink

Oh I have been so busy this summer.. but that is another blog post!  Today I am going to post about a very special friend... Lori Anderson of Bead Soup Fame.  I have never met her in real life, but the day will happen sooner rather than later.  I first heard about her when another beader was taking part in the infamous Bead Soup Blog Hop.

I started to peek at her blog posts and noticed one outstanding thing about her besides her great smile ... HER PINK HAIR!  Now people who know me also know I tend to have pink hair too!

How could I not love someone else who likes to make jewelry and  had pink hair!

As I've come to know Lori, I've seen a caring person with her own life struggles who somehow puts together this event that allows jewelry makers all over the world to connect and share and expand their horizons.  She does all of this with no expectation of payment from us, just the joy of seeing what we make with what we exchange.  Lori allowed me to be a part of this event earlier in 2012.  Since that time my circle of online and in person friends/artists has expanded so much.  The knowledge and encouragement of all these great people lift me up and make me believe more in myself and what I can do with my own work.  Lori may never know how many of us she has touched.

Oh, and on her own blog she shares her own struggles, heartbreaks, frustrations.. she lets us all get to know the person behind the "event".  So Lori.. this is one big virtual hug from me!  And the next time I am anywhere near your part of the county we will get together so I can give you a real hug.

And for all you who are reading this and want to see how much we love Lori.. here is the blog roll:


Gail Vanderster-Zwang http://angelmoose.blogspot.com
Lea Avroch http://lajewelrydesign.blogspot.com
Leslie Wayment  http://www.aabeadsonline.com/blog
Kelley Katherine Hagerty-Fogle  http://www.mylifeonebeadatatime.blogspot.com
Sheila Davis http://www.stonedesignsbysheila.blogspot.com
Amanda Effron http://craft-o-licious.blogspot.com
‎Solange Collin  http://www.blog.ahowinjewelry.com
Jennifer Chasalow VanBenschoten   http://www.vanbeads.blogspot.com
Isolina Perez  http://IsolinaPerez.blogspot.com
Toltec Jewels www.JewelSchoolFriends.com
Sherri Stokey  http://www.knotjustmacrame.com
Mary Howell Govaars  http://mlhjewelrydesigns.com
Bee Kuhlman http://mixedmayhemstudios.blogspot.com
Lynnea Perry Bennett   http://designsbylynnea.blogspot.com
Alicia Marinache  http://www.allprettythings.ca
Heather Otto http://www.thecrafthopper.com
Kimberly Flood  http://www.goddessesandbeads.blogspot.com
Courtney White Breul http://beadsbybreul.blogspot.com
Lisa Liddy  http://lisaliddy.wordpress.com
Marlene Cupo http://amazingdesigns-marlene.blogspot.com
Marianne Baxter  http://www.simplyseablimejewelry.blogspot.com
Mária Horváth   http://horimarikabeads.blogspot.hu
Andrea Beth Trank www.heavenlanecreations.com
Heidi Mansfield Kingman  http://mybeadtherapy.blogspot.com
Emoke Schmidt  http://emoke1.blogspot.com
Sandra MrtzDiaz www.petaloazuljewelry.blogspot.com
Lupe Meter  http://gesmpccorner.blogspot.com
Tanya Boden http://fusionmusebangkok.blogspot.com
Ambra Chicandfrog http://chicandfrog.wordpress.com
Kumi Fisher http://maliekaidesigns.blogspot.com
Sandra Young  http://blog.gypsyroadbeads.ca
Sandi Marinaro Volpe  http://www.sandivolpe.com
Gretchen Nation  http://www.artfoodlodging.blogspot.com
Mimi Gardner  http://www.othercuriosities.blogspot.com
Marian Hertzog http://mhertzog-msplace.blogspot.com
Sonya Ingersoll-Stille http://dreaminofbeads.blogspot.com
Terry Matuszyk   http://pinkchapeau.wordpress.com
Audrey Belangér  http://esperianterra.blogspot.com
Sandra McGriff http://skyescreativechaos.blogspot.com
Shelley Graham Turner http://www.shelleygrahamturner.blogspot.com
Sally Bohner Anderson
Mowse Doyle
Judy Daly Reganti
Brenda Lee Sigafoos