...Candie Cooper's Blog...

Return to Sender...

 

Copyright 2006 DRG

Thank you for all the warm thoughts.  We're hanging in there and got a little good news today.  It's almost strange that this happened so soon after I got home...makes me wonder if it was in the Universe's plan all along. 

Saw my "Return to Sender" bracelet posted as a free project on the Simply Beads website--I'd forgotten all about this little number because it's three years old.  Oy!  It's probably one of my favorite projects I've ever made for SB (did that sound a little Napoleon Dynamite-esque?).  Have you played with Envirotex Lite?  The finished surface is fabulous.  So durable and clear.

 

You can snag loads of postage stamps on Ebay for next to nothing.  And the bases are made from those famous scrabble tiles.  Will we crafters ever tire of them?  I think not.

Fan-atic for Fabric...

It's that time again....thinking about what clothes to take home in July.  That sounds obsessive, but the thing is our washer only has one water line running to it and that's hard cold water.  We have no dryer so we hang dry everything (this is all normal here because of the energy it takes to heat water and run a dryer for 1.3 bil people) so you can imagine how "great" our clothes look after six months all crunchy and gray.  This is a con to apartment living in Ch!na, but the upside is you can buy fabric and have clothes tailor made for a pretty low cost. 

I'm working again for Plaid at the Craft and Hobby Association convention doing the jewelry make and take.  Yay!!  I always wear Asian style clothing because I love the styles and cuts...or should I say silhouette like they do on Project Runway.  This snazzy red and white fabric number will be transformed into something kimono-esque.  I've got a whole stack of fabric to take to the tailor.  It's sort of nerve racking because there is no guarantee that the fabric you love will look good in what you want to have made---this is something I take for granted when shopping for clothing back home.  Thank you fashion designers!  Boy, I've had some doozies over the last few years where the clothes just don't look right.  The agony and excitement of scissors and beautiful fabric, I tell ya.

And then of course you need some jewelry to match.  The fan necklace is one of the pieces I made to wear at the show in February featuring Plaid's new Connect line--glass links and beads in fabulous colors.  You can pick your own links up at Michaels.  I glued the silver fan to the square link and added a string of seed beads to tie it on at the top with nylon cord.  The clasp is from Beadalon. I wear this piece all the time and get tons of compliments and it was SO EASY to make!  Somehow that makes the compliments sweeter. Maybe I'll take a picture of all my fabric and show you some before and after shots.... that could be fun.

Tree-mendous Jewelry Holder...

You can probably imagine how many pieces of jewelry I own.  It's a lot.  You too?  It oozes out of boxes and drawers, I tell ya.  This is one of my storage solution pieces I keep on my night stand.

It's an ever-growing tree that blossoms rings, necklaces, bangles and more.  Confession: I have 3.  One is out in the living room with ornaments and things, the other one I inherited from my pal that moved and it holds my BIG rings collection.  You can pick these dandy things up at Ikea for around $5 dollars I think.

This tree has a potpourri of pieces on it...  I've been collecting jewelry ever since I was in middle school, digging through my grandma's attic and my mom's old stuff.  Then there are a few pieces from my older sister from the 80s.  Yesssss.  But, what I wouldn't do for a slinky bracelet!  Remember those?  They weren't very durable, but they looked cool.  There are also necklaces made by my friends on here.  Anyway, it's another way to have keepsakes out, surrounding yourself with memories of those favorite people and times----which I love.....

Burn Baby, Burn....

I've been meaning to show you this slick little Berzomatic pencil torch I got awhile back.  I use it for soldering silver, copper and brass.  Back home I use a Smith torch which uses acetylene and air.  Over here I would have to buy an acetylene tank the size of the Empire State building and well, that doesn't really evoke a comfy settling feeling in my little studio---even if I drew a smiley face on the side of it.   I was thrilled to find this option and it runs off propane-everyone loves a short stubby tank that you don't need to chain to the wall, right?  If you live in the States, you can use those cute cannisters they sell for camping grills.  The bonus is you can buy them almost anywhere (this is nice when you run out of gas Sunday afternoon and you're hot to finish your project).  I think I paid around $40 (plus shipping) for the torch and then small cannisters are around $6 or $7 so it's pretty cost friendly. 

It's great for small pieces and simple jobs like soldering an ear post.  I have noticed for slightly bigger pieces like a brooch, I need to build up my fire bricks to make a little oven so the piece can stay hot, but that's no biggie.  If you are thinking about soldering, try this torch.  Accessible and small, I give it a 10. 

Charmed A Little More...

Joanne's Bracelet...

Here are a few pictures of the charm bracelets from the intermediate beading class.  This was everyone's first attempt at making a charm bracelet.  Talking to them now, 4 months later, it's still a favorite.  Mine too.

Chris's Bracelet....

Love those ribbon charms!

Bridget's Bracelet....

It really is an anything goes bracelet, using whatever you feel like.  Throw out all the rules and you get fabulousness.  I promise.

Anything Goes Charm Bracelet...

If you've ever been on vacation or gone antiquing with me, you know that by the end of the trip, my pockets are loaded with this's and that's.  Nothing in particular, but a lot of somethings....if that makes any sense.  One of my favorite pieces of jewelry to make are charm bracelets.  They allow for working in themes or you can attach whatever makes your heart sing at the moment.  The latter is the route I took for this particular bracelet.  Some initials, a little white beaded dog, an old license plate key chain thingy, a blue glass elephant from Germany and a lot of other random bits.  You can basically make a charm bracelet out of anything by drilling a hole and connecting a jump ring.  This project was the final class in my four week intermediate beading class here---I showed them the bracelet two weeks prior to making it so they could be scavenging for special parts and pieces.  So tomorrow, I'll show you some of their finished bracelets...

Flashback Friday!

I know.  It doesn't look like much, but think of it like an ancient pottery shard dug up from the earth.  Ok, that's a little dramatic.  I found it digging through a box of my old kid stuff last summer.  I'm always happily surprised when things like this turn up.  Sometimes, being a pack rat is a good thing, I guess.    It's a brooch made from "friendly plastic" that I decorated with a stone and rhinestone chain shaped into my initial.  So class-ay, eh?!?!  Oh and don't forget that pinking sheared orange buzz strip! I had my first friendly plastic experience in fourth grade at a Saturday art workshop for kids.  We were hooked, so my mom and I got some to experiment with.  Looking at this piece, I can still remember the bowl of hot water I soaked the pieces in and working at the end of our old stove on 449 Allen St.  Don't you love the associations that come with objects? Especially handmade ones?  Looking back, we really do have it "in" us our whole lives in terms of what our passions will be.  The art workshop could have just been the first piece to the puzzle.  Ah, the magic of life...

Happy Flashbacks!  For more flashback fun, check out Katie's adorable bracelet.  And, send me a link if you ever feel like sharing one of your flashbacks.

Down the Bunny Trail....

Living here, the holidays really sneak up on me.  I'm still wondering where Valentines Day went, you know? But, I was determined not to miss Easter this year because I've been saving these little pink mirror bunny charms to make some special Spring bling.  They are made of plastic and I hope the vendor here keeps making mirror charms like this because they are so cool....and multi-functional (ta-da! check your lipstick in the mirror on your charm).  I used funky "Easter Grass Green" polka dot and leafy beads alongside crystals to create the bunny trail.  A Beadalon bail holds the bunny to the trail.  Ha, that rhymed!

I like to layer my jewels so I'm working a simple crocheted silk chain with more crystals and flower shaped sequins.  If you crochet with beads, you'll love Clover's new mini-crochet hooks.  Ergonomic handle on the hook.  Thaaaaank you.  Check out the Simply Beads Feb. issue for a project similar to this silk chain.

I'm almost finished cooking up some eggs for your blog breakfast tomorrow.  See you on the bunny trail!

Bead Hunting...

Today we rented a car and driver from the hotel so we could go out exploring.  This is a picture of school letting out for lunch-those are motorcycle taxis on the wall. We hit the local grocery for some bags of dried mango slices.  Heaven.   I think I bought enough to last me a lifetime.  Botch also wanted some more Colgate 360 toothbrushes-we're both hooked on those at the moment.  Have you tried them?  Fabulous.  We poked around the souvenir shop, bought some gifts and these:

Key chains-Smeechains, those are beads!!!  BIG, lovely, honkin' BEADS!  They are inlaid shell and what a score at around a dollar each!  I love the stripey ball.  Always bring a few beads home from your travels.  You can use them in future jewelry projects and remind yourself of that wonderful trip to wherever.

I didn't take too many pictures today.  Mostly from the car like this one. I'm mad at myself for not taking some pictures of the wonderfully painted "multi-cabs." Google it, I'm sure there are a million pictures of them....

 

Oh Deer!

Here's a little bracelet I whipped up to match my Asian-esque shirt I wore at CHA.  I've been saving the deer charm for months.   Do you have little whimsies like that?  You know you can't use it for just anything.  I've got a barrel full of em'.

The chunky glass beads are part of Plaid's new Connect line, to be released this Spring/Summer, pink tassel is from Fire Mountain Gems (woo hoo! They come in a variety pack-more for the barrel), and the sparkly drops are from Beadalon.  I threw in some little cherry blossom plastic beads to keep with the Spring pallet and Asia feel.  It's ALMOST symmetrical.  I had a bit of space left at the end and instead of re-doing the whole thing adding more doodly-dads,  I strung another bead.  Guilty.  Shoulda woulda coulda, but I decided that it was a "sign" that the gap was equal to the bead's width.  Seriously.  I'm really having fun using all my Chinese and Asian beads.  So many ideas, but I have to let the soup simmer-Regardless Vegetable, Chicken, or Bead.

Big Rings, Big Love

Last weekend, our friends and us headed to the most crazy shopping experience alive--The Lohu Train Station here in Shenzhen.  This place will make your head spin.   "Missy, Missy, Missy!" they yell out to you as you walk down the halls by all the stores.  Botch and I wondered around inside (you know if the place makes you nuts, it makes your husband a kagillion times nuts) and then outside for some fresh air.  We made our way back into the wasp's nest to the jewelry market.  I have to say he did quite well.  We picked out these rings, bought some carved eggs and that was about it.  You know how I love loud rings and these are so different than anything I have.  I've had so many people say, "I don't think I could wear a ring like that"  And I say, "yes you can, rock your style for Pete's sake!"  Right?  Life's too short, not to. 

Rocker is smooshed up against my back here on the couch as I write this.  Spring is here, but it's still a bit cold in our marble ice box of an apartment.  Botch is out in factory land tonight trialling a mold, so it's just the Rock-man and me.  I've got a conference call to make here in a half hour to my editor and the art director of my book.  Did I tell you I started a second book?  I'm so excited!  More later...

Heartsy and Artsy Idea #1

I've been knee deep in thinking about book ideas, CHA samples, rearranging and organizing our apartment, and leaving for home in a week.  Actually, knee deep doesn't describe it, but whatever! 

In honor of the fast approaching Valentine's Day, I thought I'd share some Heartsy Artsy Ideas over the next few weeks.  I love this holiday because you can make whimsical treats to surprise friends and family.  Here's idea #1... 

Last night, I was looking for some beads and I came across these pinky red sparkly crystal-y ones that I had forgotten all about!  (Don't you love it when that happens?)  These little beauties really were the perfect sidekick to the silver heart beads I picked up in Hong Kong last week.  I added in some orange 4mm beads--love that pink and orange combo!  It took me about 20 minutes of stringing and fussing to get the size right.  Here comes my favorite part though, finishing the ends.  I tried out Beadalon's EZ (TM) crimp clasp ends for the first time.  Yes Virginia, there really is an easy way to finish the ends of beading wire.  "Easy" doesn't begin to describe it.  Fast and awesome!

Love Token Delivery Idea:  Cover a white card in a pretty piece of paper.  Lay the bracelet on the card and poke holes on opposite sides of the bracelet.  Thread pretty ribbon down through the hole and back up through the other hole and tie the bracelet in place.  Write a note, slip in envelope, and drop it in your friend's mailbox.  I promise she'll love the surprise.

Materials:

• EZ (TM) Crimp Clasp from Beadalon
• Cool Cardamon background paper from the India Journey series by Dove of the East

Oooo Baby, it's cold in here!

Today was a good day.  We had a note from the post office to tell us we had a parcel waiting.  Botch had to go into work so Rocker and I strolled over to the PO.  Little did we know that the package was at the other branch which is 6 or 7 blocks away.  Now the last time I had a package we walked to the far away branch first only to find out it was at the closer branch.  I'm sure it says where it is on the slip, but I can't read it.  Rocker was loving it because we walked and walked and walked.  Finally, got the package and oh, boy!  2 magazines from Katie!  It was meant to be because I ran out of the house before drinking my coffee and all the way home I thought how lovely it will be to drink coffee and look at these; Dec. issue of Simply Beads Magazine and the new Make It Mine.  Somewhere in the middle we may have treated ourselves to a bouquet of flowers.  I immediately fixed said cup of coffee and savored every sip and fabulous page turned.  Thank you Katie! 

This afternoon I chipped away at some work and squeezed in these earrings.  Sweet Snowflakes in honor of us not having heat in our apartment.  Did I tell you that? Yep, no heat and boy has it been cold the past few days.  You would laugh in my face if I told you the temperature compared to other parts of the world, but it feels very cold.  I even bought Rocker a jacket, specifically a letter jacket that reads "Beijing 2008" across the back.  It's a hair too big so I roll up the sleeves.  He looks like a nut and I'm pretty sure he knows it because he wears it for oh, 5 minutes to please me and then gradually his two paws escape, then shoulders, then belly and so on.  I put it on him the other day because he was shivering and then he started hopping and dancing around like a rabbit because he thought we were going outside.  I later had the realization he started shivering so I would pet him.  So dramatic.

Here are the earrings in aqua...

Apparently, most apartments don't have heaters here.  I guess we lucked out in our old apartment because it did. Hmph.  And don't you love it when you bundle up like it's 10 below to go outside only to find out it's warmer than in your apartment?  Oh yeah, we've looked like a couple of dandies a time or two here recently.  I do love the cold and dreary days, perfect inspiration for hunkering down and creating something bright and fun. 

Sweet (and simple) Snowflake Earring components:

• 4mm Swarovski Crystals in Comet (love that name)
• Shell charms/tags from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads
• Snowflake sequins
• Envirotex Lite (this stuff changed my life)

I think-now I'm saying I think you could use the 3-D glaze stuff over the snowflakes too, but I've not tried it myself.  This is just a thought that maybe a tad faster in terms of drying time.  Let me know if you give it a go.

Beads On the Beach...

Who doesn't love bead shopping on the beach?  Really!  What's better than having beautiful beads brought to your doorstep?!?!  Vendors at the beach walk around with their baskets of sunglasses, fruits, and my personal fav, pearls and funky shell jewelry.  The last time I was at the beach, I only brought home a few bracelets.  Not this time!  Check out my loot!

Needless to say, I stocked up.  I will stash a few pieces away for gifts and the rest I will cut up and use the parts.  Those green shells in the front are calling my name right now, "Charm bracelet, charm bracelet."

It's always fun to use beads that remind you of a place you visited.  I will associate these with the sounds of waves, the sandy beach, my friends, the cabin where we stayed and so on.  Even though they didn't cost a fortune, I know whatever I make with them will be a treasure of beach-side memories.

Here fishy, fishy, fishy...

You cannot come to Ch!na and not get a little obsessed with gold fish and koi.  Or at least I couldn't.  They are everywhere!  I've even wondered if Rocker needs a pet goldfish.  My aunt always says, "if you keep a goldfish on your kitchen table, it will never die." 

There's something quite soothing about these creatures.  I'm sure it has something to do with how slow and fluid they are in their movements.  Calming.  Here, they are a symbols of wealth and abundance.   

The other day I picked up these hand painted gold fish beads from one of my favorite vendors. 

They are glass bubble like beads where the painting is done on the inside.  Seems very tedious to me.  I've been to this vendor three times and every time he shows me his paintbrush with the tip bent at ninety degrees so he can get inside to paint.  Now, I only wish you could see the paintbrush he claims to use for these super intricate beads.  Seriously, there is no way this brush could do that.  It looks like a road killed paint brush with porcupine needle like bristles.  C'mon dude.  Really, do I have gullible tattooed on my forehead.....in Ch!nese?!?!  However, I always find it a tiny bit amusing that he thinks I believe him.   

And on the other side:

I know I over paid a ton for this one---they guy totally knew how badly I wanted it.  What was that bit about goldfish bringing wealth and abundance.  Worked for the vendor! As for what I'm going to do with them, I have no idea.  I have a small (but growing out of quite fast) box of special beads like this.  I call it my bead bank and it's pretty much a piggy bank of unique beads.  When I need just the right touch for a piece I go to my bead bank.  Or when I have not a clue where to start on a design.  Or a rainy day.

Messy in the Nesty...

Yesterday I went to tackle the rat's nest in my bird cage studio.  I have a case of the I can't put it back where it goes after I use its.  Lord help me.  Believe it or not, it didn't take too long once I got moving to put it all away.  However, I also have an equally bad case of I'd rather be making somethings.  Do you know what I mean?

So as I was cleaning my work table I kept finding little parts and pieces, scraps, and experiments of sorts that were begging to be used.   Here's assemblage number one:

Six of One, made Aug. 16-2007

And then I thought, hey, how about a quick nest bead tutorial?  I made two different versions of nests.  The one above was made with approximately 18 in. of 26g. wire.  I first made the bowl shape coil and then back tracked looping the wire in and out of the coil.  Nest #2, that I'm about to show you, was made with 10 in. of 18 g. wire to make the bowl shaped coil base.  Then 26g. wire was worked in and out of the base coil to give it a more nesty feel.  It's easy! Just cut the wire, and make a small loop at one end with round nose pliers.  Continue coiling the wire tightly around the loop and use your thumb and fingers to form it into a bowl shape as you go.  See here:

You could leave it this way....

for a very stylized look.  For the modern bird, perhaps.  Or you can make it messy and more nesty by weaving thinner, 26g. wire in and out like this:

Weave a lot of wire or a little in an organized or messy fashion.

And there you have it.  It's your nest, make it however you like.

Now you may be wondering...Where'd ya get that? 

• Blue Bird Bead from Ornamentea
• 18 and 26g. Colourcraft gold wire, bead mat and tools from Beadalon
• Cherry blossom charm-a back alley here in Ch!na
• Shell bird-Spores's close-out sale 5 years ago-ish (I'm still kicking myself for not buying the lot!)

Hey, it's Friday everybody!  Have a happy and relaxing weekend.

Cheerful little earfuls...

I found this clipping tucked in a notebook recently so I thought I'd share a little more Then and Now.

Cheerful Little Earfuls-the title gets me every time!  I love vintage jewelry.  Actually, I love jewelry period-new or old.  It's a treat to find unique pieces of history like this in old magazines and such.  If you read the whole ad, you saw that you can put perfume in these gems.  That reminded me of the time I put scented oils in the center of some felt flower brooches when I first started felting. 

It worked for awhile, but the smell eventually faded so you would have to add more.  Come to think of it, I've found and heard from others that the scent of lavender helps to calm and relieve tension.  Hmmm, that's scent for thought.  I can see it now, Stress-a-little Lessfuls, lavender scented jewelry for those long, tedious work days.  Now that's savvy!