Pantone colors for Fall 2013

Pantone colors

for Fall

 

 

 

I've posted about Pantone colors before. Pantone is the "authority" for what's new in colors. Pantone Inc, a company in Carlstadt, NJ, is best known for its Pantone Matching System (PMS), a proprietary color space used in a variety of industries, primarily printing, though sometimes in the manufacture of colored paint, fabric, and plastics.

 

 

The color names always make me chuckle a bit. After Emerald comes Mykonos Blue then Linden Green. Not too bad.

 

 

 

Then comes Acai - after Oprah's "superfood" I guess. The Acai berry looks a little like a blueberry. Then colors of Samba and Koi. I understand Koi, like Koi fish but Samba. What is that about?

 

 

 

Deep Lichen Green and then Vivacious and my favorite color name: Turbulence, sort of a medium gray followed by Carafe.

 

 

 

I spent some time reading the color names and trying to picture, in my mind, what the color would be. With these names, I "got" some but some not.

 

I do enjoy reading about color pallets and combining the "new" fashion colors. You can read more about the Pantone colors for women (yes, they have colors for women and colors for men) on the Pantone site. It is interesting reading.

 

 

New Earrings-Special

New Earrings

Special

 

I taught a chain maille class on Friday. The new design was from Scott David Plumlee. He calls it "Side Knot Byzantine".

 

 

 

 

 

Because my students are proficient in Byzantine, the class focused on the Side Knot. As we were making the pretty knots, I realized that just a knot would make nice earrings and thus -  the latest earring pattern:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You may have noticed that the title mentioned "Special". Since I have not been offering Friday specials lately, I thought it might be appropriate to offer "Introductory specials". My website cart does not allow me to offer discounts so as a "work around" I have made a new page on the site that is not easily found without the specific link. (I'm about to give that to you) That way you will be able to take advantage of these specials.

 

 

 

For specials this week, I've added the matching bracelet and another new earring design. Hope you will like them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Side Knot Byzantine Bracelet and earrings shown together:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And here is the other new earring design:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And, now, for the important link for special pricing. I'm going to type the link so you can copy and keep it somewhere (or book  mark the page) for the future. You will notice that the specials will change, however.

 

 

http://www.ringbyringdesigns.com/special-pricing.html

 

 

 

 

Let me know what you think about the Introductory Specials.

 

lly

Annual Hot Air Balloon Rally

(Pittsfield, NH)

 

Most of you know we sponsor a Hot Air Balloon every August in Pittsfield, NH. We make a weekend out of and include several family gatherings.

 

 

We have lots of good pictures of the event but still seem to take more.

 

That is my youngest grandson in the yellow shirt waving as they start up with a blast from the propane tank.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A trip to NH would not be complete with out a trip to the former family farm in Gilmanton.

 

 

 

 

 

The people who purchased the 200 year old house from the Carlsons, though they promised to restore it, actually ended up tearing it down and built a big brick house. Here they met the new owner.

 

 

The trip to the farm always  involves discussing where the original house was in relation to what is there now.  "Isn't that the tree that was in front of the living room window?" That is getting harder to do that since trees are getting bigger/older and some have been removed. Also, other houses are being built on the original property plus there are other changes.

 

 

 

 

This shows the pump, which in itself, draws great discussion (being original location - or not).  Here you can see the deep discussion about the pump location with my husband, his brother and the newest owner. This owner is very interested in the history of the property and was pleased to listen to the stories making everyone very happy.

 

 

 

 

We did have some good flights (except Saturday evening when it was too windy). Here is a view from our balloon up in the air.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And just landing "The Irish Rover" in a field getting ready to pack it up for the next flight.

 

 

 

A few years ago, I made a video of the "process" of launching the balloon we sponsor. You can see it by clicking here if you would like.

 

 

 

Spiro Pendant Revisited

Spiro Pendant

Revisited

 

It is not unusual for me to get the comment

"Oh, it looks better in person than in your newsletter picture" from people I see while wearing a piece featured in a recent post.

 

However, this week the comment I got most was "It is smaller than I thought" or "My, it really looks different"

 

I know that pictures can never really give an accurate look at my jewelry pieces. No matter how hard I try.

 

 

 

 

The "close up" Bermuda Blue AB

 

The pendant is 1 inch in diameter

 

 

 

Shown hanging on a silver chain.

 

I don't know about you but sometimes all the "verbiage" used to describe something is never enough. So thinking of how I could possibly get the look across, I thought about a picture of the pendant being worn. It is shown on a 20 inch silver chain. Of course, it can be on a 16, or 18 inch chain it you prefer.

 

 

Not sure if it helps but I'm trying. Am I succeeding any at all?  Bev, you are or are not succeeding.

Let me know - click on the link above

 

My other problem is the explaining the color of the crystals available. This is a Bermuda Blue AB Swarovski Rivoli crystal. While it has blue in in, I'm  not sure it is what I would really recognize as Bermuda Blue. Remember the AB or aurora borealis changes the look. I like to think of it as an oil slick in color. Changes with movement or light change. I have to learn more about the AB effect.

 

 

 

I've ordered some different colors (2 each) Golden Shadow, Heliotrope, Aqua AB and Vitrail medium.

My personal favorites would be the Heliotrope and the Vitrail. Do you have a favorite?

 

To help me out please let me know if this post has helped to explain this piece any better.

Bev, you are or are not succeeding.

 

 

Spiro Pendant

Spiro Pendant

a new design

 

Remember the picture I asked about last week? Did you figure out what it might be?

 

 

 

I know it is hard to see so I took a closer picture.

 

Doesn't help much, I suppose.

 

 

 

I subscribe to lots of jewelry related newsletters. One caught my eye the other day. It was from Beaducation and featured a Spiro Pendant. They even had a video on how to make it.

 

So, I ordered the required material and followed the video instructions. Here is the results:

 

 

 

 

After wrapping the wire around the notched washer and Swarovski Rivoli crystal and fastening the ends, I added a jump ring and a chain. Voila a "Spiro Pendant"

 

 

 

 

This is a Bermuda Blue Swarovski Rivoli crystal. They come in lots of colors. This pendant will just be a sample as I am still perfecting the method. But I will be able to make it in any of the Swarovski Rivoli crystal colors. If you are interested, I'll show you what all those colors look like. Still working on pricing but I'm guessing $35- $45. All depends on availability and wholesale price.

 

Oh, yes, the pendant is about 1 inch in diameter.

 

 

Hot, hot, hot, hot ...

Hot, hot, hot, hot...

 

 

Have you noticed how hot it has been lately? This is the second "heat wave" we have had here in MA and the longest one so far. I, personally, have had it! The brain is frizzled.

 

I subscribe to Dr. David Weiman's Jewelry Selling Insights monthly newsletter. I received the July post this morning. David is on vacation at the Jersey Shore and made the following comment:

 

 

 

"As I write this overlooking the Atlantic Ocean during my first vacation in 6 years, I strongly urge you to take some time off this summer. Replenish. Rejuvenate.

'Sharpen the saw,' as one of Covey’s 7 Habits is titled. Read great books and avoid the news. You deserve some time off to relax and watch the world go by."

 

Then he said: "Now go make something great!"

 

I got into the take some time off etc but then when he said "Now go make something great!" I wasn't sure. That has not been on my list of desired things to do lately.

 

 

 

But after it cooled down a bit last night, I made some more spirals. I even made a longer chain working on the bracelet I'm determined to make. Ran into another hitch but not a bad one.

 

So, taking David Weiman's advice, I'm taking some time off.

 

Trouble, Trouble, Toil and Spiral

Trouble, Trouble, Toil and Spiral

(more playing with wire)

 

Last week I shared my attempt at learning wire work in my post  Playing with Wire. Trying to use some of what I learned, I settled on the spiral.  I think I can make a spiral in my sleep now. A friend in my South Shore Designer's group, Ann Spano, made a beautiful Egyptian Spiral bracelet awhile ago. It is amazing and I thought I might give it a go since I'm getting fairly good at making spirals.

 

I found a picture of a similar bracelet on the Kaboodle website so you can see the pattern.

 

 

 

 

So, I watched a few You Tube videos for some specific instruction. I picked up a few tips and started cutting wire lengths. I quickly learned the first basic requirement. You need to be very consistent and accurate in your construction. (I admit that consistency is not always my strong suit). I made, maybe, about 8 coils (2 wide) and put them together. Yuck! Nothing laid straight or looked like that picture. Fussing with the bends and spirals only made things worse.

 

So, on to plan B until I can learn the consistency needed. It seemed that I could get 3 together OK, so plan B is to make earrings. That turned out to be hard enough.

 

 

 

Here are the resulting earrings in gold plate. Not bad.

 

Then I decided to make them a bit fancier by changing the design a bit and making each layer smaller than the layer above. I tried it in gold plate and then in antique bronze.

 

 

I think the Antique Bronze came out the best both in the way the layers hang and in the size of each layer. You can see the gold plate ones are not hanging straight. :-(

 

 

 

I'm still working on my skills and learning to work with wire. Right now, however, I think I've made enough spirals for at least a few days. (I did not show you all the spirals I've made recently to practice. Remember I did mention I thought I could make them in my sleep.) I don't think making more right now will result in anything better. If I go away from them for awhile, and let the process percolate, I think I'll gather more ideas and do better. Also, I plan on calling  my friend Ann to see what suggestions she might have. It is great to have friends like Ann. I have along way to go to catch up with her on wire/metal work but it is fun trying.

 

Summer time....

 

 

Playing with Wire

Playing with Wire

(just getting started)

 

I've always wanted to learn how to use wire correctly in jewelry making. You have seen my wire wrapped pendants. (Still trying to perfect that skill)

 

Rena Klingenberg recently has offered a video class "Learn How to Make Wire Jewelry".

 

I've been watching and learning. It is great to be able to stop and start again when something is not clear. (I've worn out that feature)

 

 

 

After practicing a few things, I made one of her rings. (Finger rings not chain maille rings - I feel I need to make that distinction)

I like this one best.

 

 

 

 

The next thing I tried was a pair earrings. I was especially interested in this one as she showed how to make each one the same. Not an easy task I've quickly found out!!!

 

 

 

Here is another picture of the same earrings. My photography skills are being tested again but I'm in a hurry.

 

 

 

 

 

As I mentioned, it is important to practice and here are some of my practice pieces. There is a lesson in each piece.  :-) Can you see that each one is different?

 

 

 

These, also, show how hard it is to get two pieces the same. Each one was made doing the same thing.

 

 

 

 

If on different ears, these might make a pair of earrings. I like the looks of the design. I can turn one around to be a mirror image.

 

 

 

 

I need to practice and use the method from Rena for making earrings the same as shown above. It isn't easy sometimes, however. but as is said, "Practice, practice, practice"

 

 

 

I was most impressed with the section in the video series of how to make your own designs using what was taught in the class. I woke up this morning with an idea that I was anxious to try. (I do my best thinking just before I wake up). Well, I tried the idea and struck out on the first part of my plan. Using a bead on the wire. I know it can be done and I'll keep trying but I just don't have any beads with holes that fit the wire I have on hand. That is what keeps Bead Stores in business!

 

I'll keep trying and probably have some more for "Show and Tell" next week.

 

 

The Germiest Thing

Germiest Thing?

 

Got a guess?

 

 

Sometimes I get upset when news articles try to scare you with stories of germs everywhere. Now, I know they are everywhere but I don't want to be scared all the time and get a little paranoid.

 

 

Having said that, do you know one of the germiest things you handle every day? It is your purse. Now I know there are other things like the bathroom, floors etc.but the bottom of your purse has lots of germs.

 

 

 

 

Anyone remember plastic rain hats we used to have? You know the ones that you would snap closed to 1 inch wide, fold and slip into your purse.

 

I know I'm older than many of you, but maybe not.

 

 

 

Well, I found another nostalgic item recently that fits the title of this post.

 

 

 

 

A purse holder. Not only does it keep your purse off the floor in a restaurant but keeps it close to you at the table. Plus putting your purse on the back of your chair leaves it "available" for passers by.

 

 

 

 

These holders slip in your purse and open ready to be placed on the table next to  you and safely hold your purse off the floor or table.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here is a view of the purse holder on a table.

I should have put a purse on it but you get the idea. I purchased some blanks and have been having fun making some.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These are available with almost any picture you can think of. For example, the same pictures used in my Glass Dome Pendants, work here. Flowers, Japanese characters, etc.

 

 

 

 

The size is larger ( 1 1/4 inches) so pictures of people, your pets and almost anything will work. I will make one for me with my initial "B". They make great gifts.

 

 

I've added some of the purse holders to my website.

 

 

If you don't see what you like, just ask. There is a video on the right side of this post for the Glass Dome Pendants for more ideas. (See the Video)

 

 

Let me know what you think of the idea. Have you seen them before?

 

 

.

 

Until next time,

Bev

Complicated?

Complicated?

 

We often watch "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" while we eat lunch. Well, really almost everyday. Today one of the questions was very interesting. Paraphrased  -

 

 

Given these choices,  which one means "Complicated"

 

1) Macedonian, 2) Assyrian, 3) Byzantine, or 4) Caledonian ?

 

I suppose because I'm the one asking, the answer is easy.

It is 3) Byzantine.

 

I checked with a dictionary and found, though it was the 3rd meaning:

 

Byzantine - highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious... complicated in structure; consisting of interconnected parts;

 

Byzantine is one of my favorite patterns of Chain Maille. It looks complicated but it really isn't (when you know how). I have a book that has lots of variations of Byzantine and I was asked to teach one of them. It is called "Side Knot Design" by Scott David Plumlee.

 

 

 

 

So, I ordered the appropriate rings and started to make a bracelet. New designs usually present a problem getting started but this one ... The easy part was the Byzantine sections. The complicated part was the Side Knot. Byzantine, indeed!

 

I even asked for help from by buddy Scott at pflora beads. It was just trying to understand the instructions while holding what I had put together already without the rungs falling out of order or dropping rings etc. Many times just another pair of eyes helps and it did.

 

Now, I understand and it is not as Byzantine as it seemed in the beginning.

 

Here is a close up picture of the Side Knot.

 

 

 

All of which proves how hard it is to get a good picture of shiny silver rings. The paper clips are just aids to keep the pattern together until more rings can be added. It does lend a bit of size comparison though.

 

 

The finished bracelet really looks nice.

 

 

 

 

 

What do you think of the new design? I think I should add it to my website. This one is made with Argentium sterling Silver (as I usually do - for tarnish resistance)

Bev