Bead Table Wednesday 27 April 2011

Join the Bead Table Wednesday Group on Flickr!

This is my first post since I joined the Bead Table Wednesday (BTW) Flickr group.

For those who haven’t heard about this group yet: Every Wednesday, we get to show off what is on our bead table – take a photo and share it with fellow bead addicts on Flickr. You can show a close-up of what you are working on or the full messy table – it’s up to you! Head over here to view the group in action.
Most jewelry designers, I am sure have a proper work table and storage set up. This is something I need to do as soon as possible. Why? Cos I prefer to make my jewelry on my bed! It’s a unique combination of laziness, comfort and creativity that makes me function like that.I don’t actually have a table to show on Bead Table Wednesday πŸ™
My current working space involves a cookie box. Here’s the lid in all its mini-worktable glory and here’s a peek into my bead box (the ex-cookie box).

My current working surface- a cookie box lid! You can also see a button bracelet that I was working on and 2 pairs of earrings.
BTW- 27 April 2011-My current working surface- a cookie box lid! You can also see a button bracelet that I was working on and 2 pairs of earrings.
Bead Box BTW- 27 April 2011
Bead Box BTW- 27 April 2011
Tanirika - bracelet made with flat rose buttons and jump ring roses
Tanirika - bracelet made with flat rose buttons and jump ring roses

 

 

And please do check out the finished bracelet(I have some tweaks to make before I list it) And, by the way- Tanirika means flower in Sanskrit!

A Kick in the Pants

The past couple of weeks have been both good and blehh for me…My creativity was at an all time high in April and is still going good…I was able to get this blog up and running with the help of my brother and my friends.

So what all have I been trying to do in April?

  • Making something every weekend– I actually want this to change to a fixed goal of making something 2 days a week. I’ve kept up with this goal for the past 4 weeks.Β  Some days I have experimented with new materials, some days I’ve just jumped directly into making earrings but so far it’s been good. I’ve made about 35 pairs of earrings and 2 bracelets – Will post more pics soon!
  • Completing my business plan – I had promised my friend that I would send him my business plan for review, but as of now it’s still in progress – I think I enjoy creating more than planning πŸ˜›
  • Introducing myself to other jewelry makers– So, I’ve recently introduced myself to Tara of Art at Zazuta. She makes gorgeous jewelry and hand painted pendants that I’m totally smitten by! I wonder why I never chanced on her blog till now! Silly me! There are more jewelry makers, whose work I adore but I’m too chicken to actually go out there and admire them. I would love to do more guest interviews…Bah! I’m trying to change that…still working on it folks…
  • Blogging again – It’s very strange that though I am a writer by profession, I can never seem to find anything to write about here! I post photos of my jewelery on Facebook, so that’s done. Otherwise, I just post links to designs I’ve created on other sites like www.Sheyna.com on my FB wall. Most of my posts start all fired up and end up rotting as old maids in my Drafts folder or being Trashed anyway! I need a real kick in the pants to start writing again – so I have signed up for a Free 5-Day Blogging E-Course for Crafters by the Sunday Afternoon Housewife! You can also sign up here.
  • Creating a solid brand identity– Sigh! this one is the most elusive on my list. My problem is that I like too many things and have too many styles. I haven’t yet settled on a logo or colors for my brand πŸ™ I’ve been driving myself up the wall about it. I need to decide soon.
  • Taking better photographs – You would think that a M.A.Communication student could handle a simple point and shoot camera better, wouldn’t you. Err- this one apparently can’t! After tons of requests for better photos and thermocol backgrounds – I’ve finally succumbed to taking pictures on weekends with the necessary setup. Your wait is over! I’ve ordered for a lamp to light up my pictures better.(Right now I’ve been taking them at noon or early morning in my front porch.)
  • Spreading the word about Craftzy– I recently came across the Handmadeology website (which rightly deserves an entire blog post for itself!). I decided to submit this blog to their blog directory and I’ve been getting good traffic as a result. You can submit your crafts blog to their handmade blog directory too, right here.

What have you been up to this month?

Newest Earrings

In case you wonder where I’ve been – I was seriously working at making more earrings and I’ve also been trying my hand at other things like bracelets and making beads too…

My count of earrings has reached 34 pairs – I am so proud of myself!

Here are some of my latest creations that have been keeping me busy:

Atimanjula- Sweetness and Sunshine bracelet
Afreen- hot pink, orange wooden beads and silver earrings
Anissa - modern yellow and funky pink wooden beads get their groove on with silver!
Anissa - modern yellow and funky pink wooden beads get their groove on with silver!
Bhuvana- earthy brown and red earrings
Bhuvana- earthy brown and red earrings
Angoori - purple chip beads with glossy yellow grape shaped beads
Angoori - purple chip beads with glossy yellow grape shaped beads
Chameli - Silver and wine red earrings - reminds me of old fashioned perfume bottles!
Chameli - Silver and wine red earrings - reminds me of old fashioned perfume bottles!
Chandana- bronzed beads with flower cabochons- reminds me of vintage movies and English novels
Chandana- bronzed beads with flower cabochons- reminds me of vintage movies and English novels
Gauri- blue, red and cool green wooden beads make these very Indian earrings- good to wear with most Fabindia kurtas!
Gauri- blue, red and cool green wooden beads make these very Indian earrings- good to wear with most Fabindia kurtas!
Hasita- Blue and red wooden beads with silver- urban chic at its best!
Hasita- Blue and red wooden beads with silver- urban chic at its best!
Induja- a very desi combination of blue, hot pink and mustard wooden beads
Induja- a very desi combination of blue, hot pink and mustard wooden beads
Kanti- oxidized silver beads with clear crystal beads
Kanti- oxidized silver beads with clear crystal beads
Keiyona- summery yellow wooden beads, gold beads with purple chip beads.
Keiyona- summery yellow wooden beads, gold beads with purple chip beads.
Samudra- gentle as the breeze over the ocean, with pretty aqua blue flowers- perfect for summers
Samudra- gentle as the breeze over the ocean, with pretty aqua blue flowers- perfect for summers.
Tara- sparkling like the stars and so feminine! Beautiful earrings
Tara- sparkling like the stars and so feminine! Beautiful earrings.

Since most of my earrings look and feel ethnic and Indian- I’ve decided to name them with Indian names πŸ™‚ I hope you like these earrings and I hope you’ll tell me what you think about them…

By Hand, From The Heart- Exhibition in Chennai

Hello!

I wanted to let you all know about a great event that’s coming up- no not the IPL (it’s great enough but not what I’m referring to!)
Fabulous Folks of Chennai- get ready to empty your pockets and still have a good time! By Hand, From The Heart: An Exhibition of Art, Design and Lifestyle Products is happening in namma Chennai on the 8th and 9th of April. This exhibition aims to promote artisans and individual entrepreneurs who create unique handmade products.
I am just SO happy that Chennai is warming up to such events for products that are handmade but unlike the usual handicrafts created by traditional craftspeople.
I’ve tried to collect links for each of the designers/product lines that are going to be featured in this exhibition. I am familiar with the work of some of the participating designers like Deepa of 10Fingers! and Vandana of Vandanas Paper Bags but most of the other names are new to me.

Products:
10 Fingers! Paper Jewellery
www.paperjewellery.wordpress.com
10 Fingers! is a line of exquisite paper jewelry made by Deepa. This line consists of handmade paper earrings and pendants that are water resistant and sturdy.

Vandana’s Paper Bags
http://www.vandanaspaperbags.com
Started in 2009,by sisters Vandana and Priyanka,Vandana’s Paper Bags specialize in Handmade paper bags, Decorative Envelopes and Gift packaging for special occasions like weddings, birthday parties and so on. Eco friendly and available in various hues, these paper bags are sure to catch your eye!

Chennai Gaga
http://www.chennaigaga.com/
Crazy about Chennai? Want to give Chennai themed souvenirs to your friends from outside India? Then Chennai Gaga is a must see! Tees, bookmarks, mugs, coasters and more will be presented at this event.

Vartikaa
http://vartikaa-art.blogspot.com/
The Vartikaa Team of artists use unique media and give different twists to traditional art. Coffee art, warli paintings are their forte.

Linen Box
http://www.facebook.com/Linenbox?v=app_2344061033
Linen Box, a Chennai based company designs premium cotton sheeting & duvet sets in white. The line includes Duvet Covers, Fitted and Flat Sheets, Pillow cases, cushion covers, Bath linen, Table Linen, and Baby cot sets.

Sudhas
SUDHAS presents gorgeous hand painted saris, salwars and accessories that are refreshingly elegant.

Eco Craft and Weaves

Designer clutches, mobile covers and pouches made using traditional fabric from Gujarat, ceramics, stylish mugs, jugs and glasses that fuse traditional materials with modern aesthetics.

Cannanore – a Lore From a Loom
http://www.facebook.com/cannanore
Cannanore showcases hand woven home furnishings with beautiful natural fabric. This line merges traditional weaves with contemporary and stylish design.

Desi Popsicles
If you get tired with all the shopping, Desi Popsicles are sure to quench your thirst and put the spring back in your step! Try their traditional ice golas in a rainbow of flavors.

Chaat Le
Prefer something more solid? Are your taste buds pining for something tangy or spicy? Enjoy with tasty chaats from Chaat Le!

Where:
Corner Stone,
Besant Avenue Road,
Adyar

When:
8th and 9th of April, Friday & Saturday, 10am to 8 pm.

Contact Details:
Mobile: 9176567018
Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/By-Hand-From-The-Heart/180960371950780