I am currently writing an essay on the 28 grievances listed in the declaration of independence.  Exciting stuff.  But, I have jewelry stuff on my mind.  What better way to get it outta my head but to write it down, and share with others

I’ve browsed the net for all sorts of jewelry making ideas.  Everything from Hemp knots to bridal necklaces to upcycling jewelry.  I have a few favorites, mostly the ones that I know I can afford to buy and make, and hopefully turn around and sell one day.  As I’ve mentioned before, Etsy.com is a WONDERFUL site to find jewelry, or handmade items of any kind.

On to the ideas!

I found this cool little blurb about using washers in your jewelry.  I’ve already done this, mostly for guys jewelry or anything related to ‘tech jewelry’.  For some reason it never crossed my mind to change the appearance of the washers and just use them as pendants or earrings.  Here’s an example of what i mean.  that’s made with only decorated papers!  I’ve seen a few variations where they use incandescent washers and hang 2 different sizes with findings in the middle, they make great earrings.  To get any other ideas for that, just do a google search for ‘washer jewelry’ and see what pops up

One of my favorite upcycling jewelry ideas, involves a can of arizona tea.

Here’s the how-to

Of course there are hundreds of variations of soda pop jewelry.  I need to get on trying to make one!

Now, I have made a few pendants out of old CDs that i have laying around.  I found a neat tutorial and just added on to it. I didn’t really like the tacky effect of having so many next to eachother like that, i would prefer just a single pendant surrounded by some bold beads.   I ended up scratching a design into the back of the CD, creating a frosty type look surrounded by the cracked rainbow, and in some cases I decided to paint the back so you could see the color through the scratches.  I had a lot of fun creating those, i just haven’t found the right materials to combine it with yet.  I will post pictures when I have a completed project to show off

I have a friend that is a huge fan of robots.  haha.  She wears this hemp necklace with 2 robots that hang off of it.  She got it from her ex bf and I’m not sure if she’ll wear that much anymore.  So, I was looking at some pendants and charms to see if I could make her something robot related.  I found a ton of items on etsy, along with some great scrabble tile ideas.  This is one pendant that I would love to put on some waxed hemp.  I think she’d love it.  But, I think I’m going to make her a pendant from a scrabble tile.  Another idea I had never really considered.  There are a bunch of tutorials on the web and endless ideas for images to use.  I think I’m going to find or make a robot image and give it a shot.  I wanna buy some supplies first, but we’ll see how it goes.  I’ll post if I ever get it done.

Now, I really must get back to writing that essay.  Feel free to share some ideas/opinions in the comment area below.

<3 take care!

This guy is wonderful to listen to. He has turned all these popular songs, anything from hip hop to rock, into calming piano. Not usually what I listen to, but I must make an exception for this guy. Listen to him yourself and you’ll understand!

Youtube

Myspace

In the End – Linkin Park

Don’t Matter – Akon

One of my good friends, Molly, just moved out of her home in Boulder, Colorado to live in the big city of Los Angeles.  I am super excited FOR her and I can’t believe how well things are going so far.  She arrived in LA yesterday with her uhaul of stuff.  She has a beautiful little apartment, she’s enrolled in school and already has a job ready for her.

I’ve always moved around a lot as a kid.  I was born in Sweden and my parents decided to move to the states in 1996.  I was only eight so I didn’t really know the difference too much.  When we moved I spoke both English and Swedish and thought we were just coming to the states for a disney vacation.  Turns out it was for a job (my parents are in the multimedia business, at the time it was film) and the job was cancelled.  sooo. we just stayed.  We lived in Atlanta for six years after that, moving from county to county.  To most that’s not really a big deal, but as a kid, you constantly move away from your friends and change schools.  We lived in a different house every year and have changed schools a ton of times.  I’ve attended 4 different elementary schools, 2 different middle schools and 3 different high schools.  So I’m used to change, in fact, I’ve become used to it.   When we moved south, where we’ve been for 5 years now, it was a culture shock and half.  From Atlanta to a small town on the coast.  We lived in the SAME house for 4 years.  We just recently moved to a new house, thank god.  The old house was a wreck.  I’ve grown accustomed to change.  Constant change.  I feel like I’m ready to just finish high school and move somewhere.  I have a list of places I’d love to live, one being in LA with Molly of course.  But, for now, I’m stuck in the state of Georgia.  At least for the next 4 years.

How do you decide where to live?  I’ve always been curious.  I mean, people around here, its easy.  You’re either in the Navy or you want to live near the beach.  But what about big cities?  She picked LA because it’ll help her further her career after school.  I may be moving to Atlanta, but mostly because it’s the only ‘big city’ in Georgia, and I’m familiar with it already.  Where will I go after College?  I can move anywhere then.  I have friends in many different parts of the country, many places I’d love to go.  Portland, Oregon.  Hippies!  Los Angeles, California. Film stars annnd hippies! New York City, New York.  Big city….probably not a place for me to live.  or.  a random small town by a body of water…anywhere. haha.

I have this constant need for travel.  When my friend shannon and i first started talking we picked a ton of places in the US where we wanted to visit.  We planned out a roadtrip that would guide us through all 48 continental states.  This was before gas was ridiculous and we realized how much it would actually cost us in the end.  My mother has tried to convince me to go back to Sweden and stay there for a few months.  Other than legal reasons of why I can’t at the moment, I just don’t remember the language.  Granted, I left when I was really young so my language would be that of an eight year old anyway…but that’s better than nothing.  I can understand more than i can speak. (ps.  it’s amazing what Americans think of swedes. I’ve been asked the most ridiculous questions)

So.  Questions for thought.

Why did you decide to live where you live?  Do you love/hate it?  why so?  Do you regret moving there?

My choice was made for me, sometimes I think we would have been better off in Sweden, or Atlanta.  But I mostly like where I’ve ended up.  One thing I wouldn’t mind from Sweden….free health care!  Why oh whyyy can’t America do that?  blah!

And I’m done rambling about how much I wish I were the one moving to LA. lol  <3

Although I couldn’t find much of their original stuff on Youtube, they have it on their myspace. They have released 3 albums, ‘All you’re meant to be’ was just released in March. Their sound reminds me a little of the Fray. They have a ton of covers on youtube, one of my favorites is below.

Myspace

Youtube

Website

Natasha Bedingfield’s Pocket full of sunshine

All the while [original]

Sorry it’s so short, I’ve got a few essays to write today

If you have not browsed through Etsy take a few minutes and do so. It’s amazing what people make at home. All the items are handmade and one of kind! One seller I stumbled across, ShadeJewelry, does some awesome work with titanium. All gems are tension held, it’s unbelievable.

Check out his store here

“All of my rings are handmade original creations. Over the last five years, I have purchased the best older American made machinery I could afford. The most automated machine in my shop is my Ipod! I had my shop geared to making competition battle bots. A friend asked me to make her a couple pieces of body jewelry. Inspired, I thought of couple ideas for titanium ring designs, and headed for the shop. I have experimented for the last year with different grades of titanium, various lathe tools, polishing procedures, and tension setting methods. Titanium is a beautiful but challenging material to machine. As a metal artist, my work and techniques are constantly improving. I have found the best grade of titanium to produce the finish I want for my final products. Part of my creativity depends upon continually working to master the use of my machinery and polishing processes. My evolving mechanical craftsmanship and imaginative designs are the ingredients for any work of art featured by Shade Jewelry. I have procured the expertise of a local jeweler to provide my diamonds, gems or to grade any gems I may buy. Shade Jewelry’s standard is to create elegant handmade, original designs of fine jewelry store quality.”

-ShadeJewelry

ahhh. An instrument I had never thought of as much fun. Julia Nunes has a wonderful personality and stays connected with many of her fans. She plays the ukulele, guitar, melodica, the tissue box, an occasional slinky and she sings! She also has a few duets in her youtube account. Her CD ‘left right wrong’ is available for saaale. It’s a must buy I’ve included one of my favorite covers, and one of my favorite originals. She’s been featured on youtube for her songs ‘into the sunshine’ & ‘balloons’ & toured with Ben Folds. Go find your own favorites, you’re sure to fall in love.

Julia’s Youtube

Julia’s Myspace

Julia’s Website

Woe – Say Anything Cover

Roles Reversed [original]

Lyrics:

my ear can’t hold a pencil and my mind can’t keep a thought
and my arms aren’t near strong enough to hold the shit i got
but stop feeling sorry for me that’s great you got your sanity but apologies are not what i need
i’m going out
to get my mind off you
i’ll have a drink or two

i know this might be rough on you dont worry i’ve been in your shoes, we’ve only got a friend to loose
this sucks, i think you know it too
the thrill of the chase caught up with me
they paid me back karmically
either i can’t stand them or they dont want me
what do you think it means

i’m going out
to get my mind off you
i’ll have a drink or two

cross my heart cross my eyes cross my fingers hope to die
burry me with the friends i’ve lost
they say that pain is the cost of love
(no one said this would be easy)

I knew it had to happen soon just sucks it had to be with you
the songs that i once sang for you
i still sing them though the meaning’s new
roles reversed and then press play
can’t think of any thing to say
but how many times can one heart break
(how many pictures did we take)

i’m going out
to get my mind off you
i’ll have a drink or two

i used these chords once before an unfinished love song
cause i adored a boy
but not any more

I found this article a few months ago and have been using it as a ‘rough guide’ to my new designs. Although lately I’ve gone the more eco-friendly route, this is still a useful article if you’re wanting to keep up with trends but are unsure of what to do or where to look.

Find original article here

“The ever changing business of bead jewelry and fashion trends isn’t always easy to predict, but I’ve been reading a lot of fashion magazines, listening to my customers keeping an eye out for what sort of jewelry has been selling and what hasn’t been.

Based on these observations and my own inner fashion diva, here’s what will be hot in beads and jewelry in 2008:

Natural Colors

There is lots of emphasis on “natural” colors and materials such as wood or stone beads use in jewelry. Along with this natural feel are a lot of organic and botanical looking beads and pendants as well. If it is even slightly reminiscent of nature it seems to be popular in most jewelry and bead circles right now.

Bold and Big

Large stones, gemstones and beads are still in, though they’re becoming a little less “over the top” and little more natural in size and pleasing to the eye. In 2008 bead jewelry pieces will still be expected to make a bold statement and not just lie on the neck or wrist. The “chunky” jewelry is still popular and I’m noticing that a lot of people like the rough cut or asymmetrical stones and beads.

Pendants, Charms and Single Stones

Single large stones that hang in a pendant configuration are popular. Lots of celebrities and media women are wearing bright and somewhat larger charm bracelets and even necklaces than they were in the past.

Colors!

Yes, I’m talking about color again! Natural is good, but also remember to be bright and bold! Bright colors from the 1980’s are out. Think more along the lines of the brightest colors you might see in a sunset or seascape. The color yellow is still popular, but I’ve seen it used more as an accent color in a lot of jewelry pieces and beads rather than the main event. These bright colors are being seen in bead jewelry and clothing fashions together. Many of these bright colors are “warmer” to go along with the natural feel!

Metals

Yes, natural and chunky are in, but there is still room for metals in beaded jewelry, especially when it is sleek and modern looking or even mixed with natural materials like wood and stone beads. There are always people who like the more “modern” beads and jewelry as opposed to the more traditional bead jewelry designs. You can buy modern beads for jewelry making or you can go for a more unique look and actually make bead jewelry out of hardware washers!

Shiny Stuff: Silver and Gold

Silver is still hot, but gold is making a comeback. The two metals are being seen mixed together in more and more pieces and more and more unique ways. I’ve seen a lot of charms, pendants and larger jewelry beads designed with a gemstone, gold and silver all in one piece.

I would describe the perfect bead jewelry necklace for 2008 to be comprised of bright, colorful oversized beads that invoked nature in either their shape or color and the whole piece would be be brought together with a tasteful silver and gold gemstone pendant hanging off the neck to bring it all together.

I hope you have a great 2008 and you’re able to find or make some wonderfully fashionable and trend-setting bead jewelry for yourself!

Laura has been creating bead jewelry and sharing her beading discoveries online since 2005. Over 100 articles later she is still finding new bead jewelry websites, beading artists and bead supply sites to tell others at http://www.beadjewelryblog.com“

I am a huge fan of John Mayer, I was watching a few covers and this one caught my eye. Her name is Kina Grannis. I know not everyone enjoys covers very much, so I also included one of her original songs. Check her out!

Her Myspace

Her Youtube

Her Blog

and her website!

She has a few wonderful originals and covers on her youtube and her CD is on sale now

Say (what you need to say) John Mayer Cover

Strong Enough [original song]

Lyrics:

Welcome to the days of wariness
Where I’m feeling an echo inside my chest
I’ve a heart beating patiently along
Waiting for the other half of its song

And times have told the ways things come to light
Realizing a lack in your will to fight
Despite words crying inconsistencies
As you fall uneasily to your knees

No, it’s not enough
Don’t touch my hand and call it love
If you can’t hold it tight tonight
If you’re not strong enough

I’m not blind to what you’re doing here
Make me feel like I’m special, but my dear
I have seen through a weakness in your eyes
You don’t know it but you’re telling me lies

You will soon wake to see
There is no heart in anything you say to me
Thought we’d found a harmony
A perfect match of melodies
But if you listen closely now, I’ve been singing all alone

No, it’s not enough
Don’t touch my hand and call it love
If you can’t hold it tight tonight
If you’re not strong enough

I may as well just jump right in. My name is Emma and I’m 19 years old. I am graduating high school soon and will be going to college next September. I love making jewelry, finding new bands and taking pictures. I just recently broke my digital camera which has been needing a replacement for a few years now anyhow. So I won’t have many of my pictures to post for a while. I want this to be more of a log of things I find interesting, and hopefully you do too, on the web. Or anything connected to my life right now.

I just had my birthday last friday (June Friday the 13th) and saw the Hulk in theaters with a few friends. I didn’t enjoy it as much as I did Iron man, which i watched twice in theaters, but it was still a decent movie. Much better than the first. I fell asleep during the first Hulk so I can’t even say I’ve seen the entire thing. If you’re into the Marvel movies, I do believe you’ll throughly enjoy this one. If you haven’t seen Iron man yet, I suggest you go do that this weekend! I loved the humor and the effects were amazing. From a few of my comic book loving friends, I was told it stuck pretty close to the story line as well. Who can argue when Ed Norton is in it?

I’ve always wanted to learn guitar, but have never had the patience. I found this girl, Marie Moreshead, on youtube yesterday. I love her voice, and I wish I could sing….period. haha. Here’s one of my favorite songs by her and I suggest you check out her youtube, website and myspace!

http://www.youtube.com/user/dizzyfrompinata

http://www.mariemoreshead.com

http://www.myspace.com/mariemoreshead

Well. I think that’s plenty for a first post. I have to finish a test and an essay for my AP US History class. Wish me luck