Success or Failure

Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.
-- Thomas Alva Edison

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Handmade Beads Update

This is the second poat about the new set of polymer clay beads that I just made.  They have been uniformly drilled, sanded, and polished.  I've put a few together that I will contine to create necklaces with.  Eventually, I will use them all to make necklaces.  But for right now, I'm just playing with an idea using a few of them.

The first few photos are of them prior to drilling.  So, don't look to close  at the holes!

Purple is so hard to photograph and keep the original color true.  I think I captured it this time though. 

Now,  for the orange ones

I had a really hard time getting a good photo of the yellow beads.



So, what do you think?  What are you working on today?

Have a great day!

Janie

Making Polymer Clay Beads Today

I'm making polymer clay beads today.  I decided to give the silver a rest and go back to the polymer clay.  Time for some color!  I have loads of polymer clay canes.  Some that I made myself, some from various swaps I've done online, and a few that I've purchased.  The first photo is of the box I have all my flower canes stored in.  The next phot shows the first set of purple beads.

   

And some yellow and orange beads:

I'm intentionally making each bead different.  I have a plan, but I'll show that later in another post once I've put them together.  Below are the finished beads ready to go in the oven for curing.  Due to the different brands of clay used and the different types of translucents involved, I expect several of them to shift colors during the curing process.  In fact, instead of letting that be a concern, I think I'll push it and over cure them a little longer and hotter just to see what happens.

And here are all the beads fresh out of the oven.  I gave them an ice water bath, so you might see a few droplets of water here and there.

Have a great day!

Janie

The Vision Inside



Achievement flows from the inside out. To experience an exceptional life on the outside, you must nurture exceptionally positive values on the inside.
You cannot be angry, resentful, envious or cynical on the inside and expect to achieve anything of value. No matter where you might attempt to direct it, your negativity hurts you more than anyone else.
The great thing is, you can experience an outstanding life if you will constantly and persistently envision an outstanding life. That positive vision will itself drive your actions to ensure its own fulfillment.
There is great and unique beauty living within you. Connect with it, acknowledge it, express it and watch as your actions create corresponding beauty in the world around you.
Achievement begins, continues and culminates with the vision of achievement that lives inside you. Fulfillment flows naturally and unceasingly from the integrity of your inner self.
Keep that inner vision strong, and keep that integrity intact. The whole of life surrounding you is eagerly awaiting the full expression of the beautiful vision that lives inside you.
— Ralph Marston


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Metal Clay Today Design Challenge.

 Metal Clay Today magazine has posted online the entries to their "Chains, Links, and other Connectors" challenge.  It will be a two part vote this time.  Entries will be judged and voted on by a jury, and the pubic is also asked to vote for their favorite.  Below are photos of my entry.  Read all about it and vote at Metal Clay Today.

Have a great day!

Janie

CADEAUX CACHES Gift Shop in Fairhope, Alabama

I have a new shop that I am consigning my fine silver jewelry with in Fairhope, Alabama.  It's name is Cadeaux Caches.  It's a wonderful shop with lots of different types of merchandise.  They also have lots of nautical gifts.  That's why I decided to give my fine silver jewelry a try with them.  They are located at  337 Fairhope Avenue, right next to the BB&T bank.  The owner, Donna, is a wonderful lady who treats all her customers and visitors with such grace that it makes you feel glad to be there.  Here are some photos that I took the last time I was there:

Here's my little display (Please ignor the terrible photo).  If you would like to read about the construction of the large oval nautical pendant (second from the left), I wrote a post during construction with in-process photos here.

They even sell "Pretty Tools" brand tools for women.  All kinds of every basic tool you can imagine with enameled flowers all over them.

And they are ready for Mardi Gras! 

I have to say that my photos don't really do the shop justice.  I took them during a quick impromptu visit while in the area.  There is so much to see and such variety.  All types of local artisan wares as well as fair trade items.  She even sells some gem stones.  I got a very nice lapis stone the last time I was there that I plan on setting in a metal clay piece later.  There are some unique gifts there that you won't find any where else.  She even sells some beautiful seashells.  You know, the kind that you can never really find intact on the beach.  In fact, I made the silver nautical pendant  from molds that I made using some really cool seashells I got from there.  

One of the great things about Cadeaux Caches is the location.  It's right on the main street in Fairhope where you will find all kinds awesome places to shop and eat and stroll.  I can't wait to go back and try out another resturant!

Some other places where you can see my jewelry locally:

Mac and DD's Emporium, Dauphin island, Alabama

The Gingerbread House, Semmes, Alabama

And, I have a shop online at Etsy called Life Art Designs.

Have a great day!

Janie 

  

Your Own Special Songs

Allow yourself to be yourself. If you don’t want what the world says you should want, have the courage to say so.

Your greatest opportunities for making a difference in this world flow from your unique perspective. Explore, strengthen, celebrate and express that perspective every chance you get.

It’s not a matter of being different just to be different. It’s a matter of being honest with yourself and others about who you truly are.

You have your own special songs to sing. Sing them with passion, just because it feels so right.

What the world tells you is to be like everybody else. What the world needs is for you to be you.

Give to life the unique beauty of your own special making. Allow yourself to feel how good it feels, and to see what a positive difference the real you can make for everyone.

— Ralph Marston

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