May 29 2009
At least once each day, Sunny (the dog), and Hobie (the kitten) bat paws in a slow motion play-fight and then take a nap. It is nauseatingly cute.
May 28 2009
Nothing in the bead world is quite as exciting for me as the release of a new TierraCast® collection. The newest collection is out, and I’m thrilled with this summer’s “Spirit, Sparkles & Tattoos” release!
This beautiful new line of lead-free pewter components includes a set of spiritually motivated components, a collection of bead frames engineered to work precisely with 12mm Swarovski Rivoli stones (article 1122), and a whimsical line of charms based on popular American tattoos.
The “Spirit” portion of the new line includes beads, charms and links drawn from a diverse and cross-cultural collection of spiritual symbols — including the gorgeous Tree of Life design pictured here in a pendant and charm size, plus eastern Om’ and Buddha designs, and the ubiquitous Peace symbol, in pendant, charm and link components.
The TierraCast® Sparkles Collection consists of pieces various bead frames precisely engineered to hold Swarovski® 12mm Rivoli Crystals. Rivolis are not drilled – they’re beautiful stones from Swarovski designed to be set or glued into other components. Swarovski’s rivoli stones have foiled backs which bring out the richness of the crystals’ colors.
These new TierraCast® frames are available as charms, links, and multi-strand links, giving the jewelry artist a wealth of possibilities.
Finally, the TierraCast® Tattoos line of charms features eight of America’s most popular tattoos in mid-sized charm – perfect for charm bracelets, earrings, accents and more.
May 27 2009
One of my most favorite craft blogs is “Make It” – a blog I discovered seven or eight months ago after the author (who is also a customer) linked back to my web site. Since then – I haven’t missed a post!
Shannon, a print artist and budding soap maker, has been chronicling the building of her craft business in her open and insightful blog. Not only does she share her own experiences, but her blog is full of tips and suggestions, links to articles and stories, and is full of ideas on how to use new media, alternative venues, and social networking to create a customer base and community good-will.
I started Lytha Studios in 1996, and like an old dog trying to learn new tricks, I find it challenging sometimes to expand my frame of reference beyond the methods I used in the late 90’s to run an online business. “Make It” has been a wonderful resource for me as I have been working to expand the way I operate.
“Make It” is a fantastic blog – go have a look!
May 24 2009
I’ve got so many new items that I’ve ordered over the past few months, but haven’t had time to photograph and list, that I will undoubtedly be kept busy with them for the next few weeks!
To start with – I have received in more styles of Wire Guardians. In addition to the copper and sterling I added in March, I now have them in gold-filled, plus basemetal versions plated in silver, gold and gunmetal. These pieces help give a finished, polished look to your bracelets and necklaces. And I picked up this great tip from the Starving Jewelry Artists forum – use wire guardians to connect your beading to watch faces – check out the link (see below) for photos and discussion!
In the past week, I’ve also added several new watch faces for making beaded watches. These watches are manufactured by The BeadSmith, and are stored and shipped with their stems out to prevent dead-on-arrival batteries. Even so – watch batteries will die, and to facilitate their replacement, we now stock both replacement batteries, and a special watch face opening tool which helps to pop the back off, making it easier to reach and change the battery.
I’ve been working this weekend on the new TierraCast summer collection, titled “Spirit, Sparkles & Tattoos.” This line has some fantastic new charms, and a brilliant collection of Rivoli frames. Look for it after the holiday, and have a wonderful Memorial Day Weekend!
May 22 2009
April was something of a monster month for us. I imagined myself writing this post on May 1st, as April’s bumps and bruises were put away, but then work, family, pets, play, and life got in the way and now it is two weeks later. So let me try again — Good Bye April. Hello May!!
So far May has been blissfully sweet – the calm after the storm. All three of us are healthy (and all at the same time no less!). There is a new tankless hot-water heater in the utility room, and various other plumbing updates have been made (don’t ask!). Indira is back home safe and sound (look for more about her adventures in an upcoming post). And currently I am spending my afternoons getting ready to launch the new TierraCast® summer 2009 line on the Web site (more about that coming soon too!).
I wanted to end this post with a charming story that came across my desk a few weeks ago, about a rescued Greyhound named Jasmine, who went on to become a foster mother of animals of all sorts at the wildlife shelter that rescued her.
Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary’s resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born. The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, 15 chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and 15 rabbits.
I highly suggest reading the whole of Jasmine’s story and looking at some photos that are too beautiful not to be seen.
Happy May!
– Erin