Tiered Tessellations and Photo Backgrounds

The polymer beads shown below are domed beads I made using some metal paint tins...I placed raw round cutouts of polymer on the convex sides (the under side of the paint tins) and textured each one with tools that I demonstrate in my Textured Tile Tessellations Class.  I really love how these turned out and will be doing more experimenting.  And yes, the plastic paint tins will melt in your oven as some of us had wondered about on Facebook.

 

 What I really want to show you is a quick side by side comparison of a picture I took today; 

the graduated background I used and what simple photo editing can do for an image. 

Below is a black to white graduated image that I made in photoshop. Click on the image and enlarge it, then "save as" on your computer.  I learned from Janice Abarbanel's Blog - Exploring the Art of Polymer Clay, that she orders her jewelry backgrounds from the printing department of an office supply store. I uploaded the graduated image and ordered mine online at Costco's photo processing site.

Next, I sandwiched the background between non-glare glass (shiny side down) and foam core (you could use cardboard or mat board) and held the 3 pieces together with thin strips of masking tape wrapped around the edges.

If you scroll back up to the collage at the top, you can see the same photo 3 different ways.  The first is the original photo with no editing.  The second has the exposure only auto fixed in picnik.com and the third has a complete auto fix in photoshop. After editing a few different ways, I usually print out a couple of 4x6 prints of each to see which I like better.  Hope this will help you take better photos of your work!

Not a Zentangle

I mention at the beginning of my Texture class that my "Texture Doodling" (copyright 2010) on clay is based on Mehndi and Henna Designs.  Now that the class is up on CraftEdu, I feel that you might like to see the kinds of designs that I've subconsciously been influenced by. 

I had already been working with texture for a while when a few months ago, I ran across some images on Flickr and was mesmerized by the complexity of the designs.  Soon after, I realized how much some of the shapes and designs were working their way into my polymer textures. 

I finally sat down with a two sided sharpie (fine and extra fine tips on one pen) and a piece of copy paper. When I began, the intention wasn't meant to make such a large design, but I just couldn't stop.  I've worked on for the past 4 days and I'm pretty happy with it!  Okay, I'll admit that I'm VERY happy with it.   I even went out today and bought some spray adhesive (I already had some black poster board to mount it on)  and a cheapy black frame.

I discovered that I still  have a very steady hand.  I used to do a lot of watch and some jewelry repair in my younger days selling fine jewelry, and I remember a customer telling me that I must have the hands of a surgeon to be able to work with such tiny parts in watches.  I had forgotten that I could actually draw a pretty straight line!

But, I have to tell you...please don't say this looks like a "Zentangle."  Of course I've seen the black and white drawings and heard of the method, but I have no idea what the rules or constraints are supposed to be.

Anyhow, now I feel like this could be a new addiction for me.  All I know is what I'm influenced by and luckily,  I had a piece of  white paper and black pens to help me express what is in my head.  I know, pretty scary isn't it? ;o)  It looks like a bird to me...

Bazinga? Yes, Bazinga!!

This is a new word to most of us :o)  What it means is that a particular class is being offered up at CraftEdu for 25% off for 24 hours.

You can Bazinga my class (I haven't decided if this new word we use is a noun or a verb) until 12noon MST on Saturday, December 4th...tomorrow!!





This really is a versa"tile" lesson (pun intended)...I used mine for a bracelet, but there are oh, so many things you could try...how about ornaments?  You could theme a small or large tree with a southwestern style tiles!  Here are a few other items you could create from Textured Tile Tessellations:

• Pendants
• Necklaces
• Belts
• Bracelets
• Earrings
• Rings

• Bookmarks
• Picture Frames
• Mirror Frames
• Frame a Window or Door
• Decorate a Door or Cabinet
• Kitchen Backsplash
• Poker Chips
• Magnets

Let's see...what else is new ;o)  I have a page here with some earrings up for sale for the Holidays...be sure to visit.  I'm thinking of doing more selling here on my blog, so you may see more items here than on my website.

Each purchase will be sent on a black signed card, gift boxed and shipped (first class) for free until Friday, Dec. 17.  I've also uploaded some pieces to Flickr, they are for sale and the same free shipping applies.

Ummm, oh yes.  I had an excellent November, hope you did too.  I was notified that a piece of mine is a 2011 Niche Awards Finalist...still can't believe that one.  The winners are announced at the BMAC in February, but don't think I'll be able to attend.  I believe that to have my finalist piece displayed at the show, I need to bring it in person...don't think that's gonna happen.

Also, had a good show Thanksgiving weekend here in Albuquerque and had an artist profile article in the Dec/Jan 2011 issue of Beadwork magazine.  Great people to work with, thank you guys!

Lastly, I was invited to join the oldest co-op gallery in Old Town...about 5 minutes from my house...Yucca Gallery.  I'll be taking some pieces in for jurying next weekend.

Whew!  Have you ever seen so many links in one blog post?!  Happy Holidays all, and thank you for your business and friendship this past year!

Creating the Perfect Swirl Lentil Bead

Tooling around on the web as I often do, I find there are still a lot of questions on why people aren't getting the hang of the Swirl Lentil.  There are some important ingredients that are often overlooked in creating successful swirls:

1.  The polymer clay can't be too firm or too soft.

2.  You may be using too much pressure on the "swirler."

3.  Make sure the work surface and the swirler surfaces are clean.

4.  Are you using glass, plastic or a ceramic tile for either surface? If the clay slips or sticks as you rotate your arm, you may want to try a different surfaces. 

Swirl Lentils can be tricky little buggers, so it may take some experimentation to get everything just right...sort of like Goldilocks and the Three Bears :o)

I have a class on CraftEdu.com that will take you even further in your pursuit of the perfect Swirl Lentil.

Click below to see a free preview of
"Swirl Lentils - Getting Personal"



Hope that helped and good luck!
Barb
www.rubarbdesertdesigns.com

Thinking about where I've been and where I'm going...

Isn't this something we all think about nearly every day?  I have a magazine interview coming up next week and I've decided to put some thoughts down on paper.  I don't do that nearly enough.  I think about things a lot, but rarely do I write them down.

Even blogging has become a bit difficult as I find it's not that easy these days to put my thoughts into words.

So this weekend, that's what I'll do... try to nail down some of the things that make me do what I do.  How I began, where I've been and where I'm going.  Why I enjoy it and what keeps me inspired.  

Have a beautiful weekend all!

Hand dyed silk ribbons

I'm starting to experiment with "Layered Flora" beads.  I bought these gorgeous silk ribbons from the gals at classactdesigns.com at Bead Fest Santa Fe a few months ago.  The centers will most likely be different from what is shown on these...I've even toyed with the idea of embedded turquoise cabs for the centers, but then I would have to up the price and now might not be the time to do that.

I love that you can tie these on any number of ways...and almost anywhere...neck, wrist, hair...I so love it!

Many of you know that I struggle with jewelry designing so I hope these go over well with my customers this summer at the ACRE show and at the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair.

Here is one of my new banners for this year so if you see it hanging in a booth somewhere, you've found me!

No peace and quiet on a Saturday...

Here I was getting ready to be productive this morning.  I have two classes ready for CraftEdu, but both or at least one needs narration.  I knew Rudy was out to play golf, Dan had a track meet to coach and Evan was supposed to be working at UNM.

Must check Facebook first :o)  Then after getting showered, gulping down coffee and readying myself for a not so pleasant task (who likes the sound of their own voice?) Evan pops in.  "They put me in a new building and my key doesn't work...I'm locked out!"....kay....about an hour later he leaves to go play basketball and I think "yesssss..." but in walks Dan from the track meet.  Then about an hour after that Rudy's back from golf. 

Guess what...no narration happened today.  But I did get a lot of fine tuning and editing done, so it wasn't a complete waste of a day.

We're all getting really excited for the launch of CraftEdu.  It's coming...soon...very soon!!!

Tejae, Vintaj and me...

Sweet!  The designers at Vintaj have put up two projects featuring one of my Flora Beads.  The bead used on the project to the left is  on page 12 in Tejae Floyde's new Polymer Artists Showcase book.  I was also very honored to have my Pink Scroll Flora Bead bracelets chosen as the cover image for the book.  And thanks to the gals at Art Bead Scene for the shout out too!










Another announcement:  I am thrilled to be a member of the faculty at Donna Kato's new on-line teaching venue CraftEdu.com along with a few hundred other amazing artist/teachers.  Sign up for notification of the beta launch, scheduled for a date in the very near future!  This is going to be big folks! :o)

For those of you who have asked, most of the beads and jewelry that are left from Santa Fe BeadFest are on my Clearance page.  I'll have lots of new work at the New Mexico Arts and Crafts Fair in June.

If you're interested in wholesaling my work or beads, please contact me at barbfajardo(at)gmail.com.   All you need to do is supply me with your resale info and I'll send you the password to the wholesale page.  I'm also on-line at WholesaleCrafts.com (artist# 25840).

Happy Spring!!  May the warm sun be shining down on you in your neck of the woods...

Springtime!

It's almost here...I can feel it :o)  

Today was beautiful here in NM and my sinuses are telling me that everything's getting ready to bloom.  

Hope my stuffiness, sneezing and itchy eyes get better by next Thursday.  

Here are a few different kinds of blooms that I will be taking with me up north...Santa Fe here I come!

Railrunner day trip to Santa Fe

This past Sunday Rudy and I finally took the Rail Runner to Santa Fe, just to fart around for the day.  After about 90 minutes and 4 stops we arrived.  We were told that the shuttles around town don't run on Sunday, so we were left to trek to the Plaza on foot...which was fine except that it started snowing (hard) as soon as we got off the train.

Our first stop was just a short walk down the street to Zia Diner catch a bite and warm up.  We then made our way to the Plaza and we see a Five and Dime store.  Again, we need to warm up and dry off a bit.  I had a hat and scarf, but no gloves...so I find a great little pair of purple gloves for $3.99.  Hey, you can't beat that right?

Next, it's on to the La Fonda, where I want to check out the Ballroom where my table will be at the Santa Fe Bead Fest in a few weeks.  We were lucky enough to have a nice security guard open up the Ballroom so that I can take a peek.  I had been there some years ago, but it looks different.

We rested in some wonderfully comfortable big leather chairs in the lobby and wondered what we wanted to do next.  We had about 5 hours to kill.  We cross the plaza over to the Palace of the Governors to look at the Native Americans selling turquoise jewelry on the ground as they've done for almost 75 years. 

Around the corner we find the New Mexico History Museum which just opened last May.  It's an incredibly gorgeous museum and one that you should definitely see when in Santa Fe.   If you get a chance go before the Fashioning New Mexico exhibit leaves on April 10.  The wedding dresses were just mesmerizing.  I got lost imagining the lives of the people who wore these lovely costumes.  Rudy had to go and sit it out, I just didn't want to leave!

Again, we talked to a really great security guard at the museum, who directed us across the street to warm up in a sweet little bar at the Inn of the Anasazi.  Couple of beers later and we were back outside.  The snow has finally stopped. 

Time to find Rudy's college roommate Nick who he hasn't seen in about 30 years.  He owns a bar called Evangelo's.  It was so funny to listen them talk about the old crazy college days.  A portion of the movie Crazy Heart with Jeff Bridges was filmed at his bar.

We are down to about 2 hours until the train leaves for Albuquerque and we've worked up quite an appetite.  So we decide to walk back towards the Santa Fe Depot and we find a cool place that is across the street from Zia which was our first stop at 11:30 that morning.  It's called Cowgirl BBQ...thought we could catch the Olympic hockey game on the big screen, but they weren't playing yet. 

With only about 45 minutes now before the train pulls in we decide to go and have apple pie and coffee at The Flying Star.

What a day...whew!  Exhausted, but happy!

I'm thinking about all of my clay friends traveling to Baltimore for Synergy2 this week.  I so wanted to join you guys, but I'll be following all the fun on Crafthaus where Cynthia Tinapple of Polymer Clay Daily and Libby Mills will be live blogging for the event.  Can't wait for pictures too, so don't let me down peeps! ;o)

Hope you all have a blast!!

Dream Interpretation and new bracelets

I always have trouble coming up with a blog post, which is doubly hard for me because I'm a terrible typist.

But, I have been on a bracelet making binge and I had a weird dream last night.  I'm hoping if I tell you about the dream, it will help me figure out if there is a connection between the two.  LOL, just for fun you know...

So, to make a long dream short...

I'm with some old friends (think 20's when we used to party every weekend, no clay friends)...they had rented this enormous house in a gated community that was at the very top of a winding trail of ups and downs, steps and ramps. It took quite a while to get there...going along narrow ledges and crumbling steps.  I feel like I'm in Spain.

We finally get to the fabulous house which is like a long southwestern ranch spread, one story with lots of space.  Some people are relaxing in about 6 claw footed bathtubs (weirdest part for sure) on different levels of a sunroom with lots of hanging ferns.  There is sumptuous ochre leather furniture, a roaring fire (although it is summer outside) and a Spanish tiled kitchen.

So, I walk through the house putting my purse in one of the back rooms.  I'm kind of disgusted because the house is a mess...not with trash, but just junk everywhere.  A house this beautiful should be kept nicer.

When we leave, neighbors are partying in swimming pools and on decks at some of the houses we pass on the way down.  Again, we are winding up and down steps, and around winding curves.  About half way down we stop to chat with people.

Then I remember that I left my purse, go back by myself and wonder if I can even find the house again. None of the houses looks familiar so I circle around, go back, take different turns like I'm in a maze.  Finally, I end up at a dead end and then I wake up!

Strange, huh.  It really was a pretty and colorful dream though!

Oh, here's the bracelets ;o)

BeadFest Santa Fe 2010!

I'm happy to announce that I'll be showing at BeadFest Santa Fe this March!  The Show is at the new Convention Center and at the La Fonda Hotel.  I'll be in the La Fonda Ballroom booth #27.  I'd love for you to come by and say hi if you attend the show.  Santa Fe is beautiful in the springtime and the show promises to be as gorgeous as it was last year
.

I need to let you all know that most of the unsold merchandise here on my site will be taken with me to Santa Fe, so if you've been looking at some beads or jewelry now is the time to purchase them.  I will keep everything here until Sunday, February 28th.  After that what's gone is gone!

Happy February to you all.  Here's hoping that Punxsutawney Phil doesn't see his shadow tomorrow ;o)

New Style - Watercolor Flora

So...last year my wholesale line did well, but I've never been very comfortable making the same thing over and over.  Even making different textures, using different colors of paints, trying different petal shapes and petal arrangements hasn't been very satisfying.  I should be figuring out how to make rings and brooches and narrowing down my 2010 line, taking pictures, making a catalog. And I have other deadlines that I need to meet, but yet again...I get sidetracked thinking of new bead designs.   

Anyhow, I like these beads and it felt good making them.  Being able to shape individual petals and not feeling so constricted with petal shape is more my style. I've been getting a little tired of brown acrylic paint and missing using black clay.  I like using clay bits for the centers of the flowers instead of embossing powder or coiled clay. 

For my next set I'll change up the layout...because like I said, I'm easily distracted...but I'm guessing you all can figure that out by now ;o)  I must have ADD for artists...bet lots of you can relate.

Merry Christmas!

Free Priority Shipping!

Limited time only!

Announcing FREE Domestic Priority Shipping on all orders of $75 and over. 

http://www.rubarbdesertdesigns.com/purchasebeads.html
http://www.rubarbdesertdesigns.com/purchasejewelry.html
http://www.rubarbdesertdesigns.com/clearance.html

This is a wonderful deal for all of you last minute shoppers that like to shop 

from the comfort of your computer chair...

or perhaps because buying on-line makes more sense than fighting the crowds 

and/or shoveling your driveway to get out!

.

Barb Fajardo

Turquoise

I love Turquoise...the color and the stone.  I was pleased to find out that it is Pantone's pick for the Color of the Year for 2010.

Here is a strand of a few squiggly, swirly, scrolly beads (not sure what to call them)!  I had in mind making beads that were sturdy enough to use as a belt.  I didn't have enough chain to make it long enough, but it makes a cute necklace too.

I mixed trans, pearl and white clays, stuck the coily things down on raw clay bases, painted with Baja Blue pinata ink, sanded some, added some gold paint, sanded more, added more gold paint, sanded more and finally buffed.  They were tons of work, I like them, but the Baja Blue isn't quite turquoise, and I'm not totally fond of the shape. 

Look for more turquoise stuffs in the weeks to come!

Revisiting Inks and Banners

I'm dragging out my inks to play with this week.  I do miss working with them.  Layering color upon color and trying out different textures...it's soooo satisfying, but soooo messy.  I'm wondering if I can isolate myself to just using a few colors, to be consistent enough to offer these at the wholesale level.  I can work a gold filled line in that way and not just the more rustic style with the Vintaj brass findings I've been working with.

Hey, here is something I bet a lot of you can relate to.  January 2010 will be my 10 year anniversary working with polymer clay (and also my 50th BD...shh...don't tell anyone).

I began to look at the gazillions of folders that I have on my computer and started to get sort of nostalgic. Not only did I find a lot of family photos that I had forgotten about, I found sort of a time line of my work in the banners that I've made for my website and auction descriptions.  Unfortunately a lot of the banners I've made over the years I've deleted, but here are three that I ran across.

I think the plain one that you see at the top of this blog and on my website will last for a while.  It's simple, just my name and tag line "Flora Art Jewelry"  The initials FAJ are the first three of my last name "Fajardo"  so it seems right.  It will be nice to stick with something for a while ;o)

One last bit of news for the Holidays.  I have a new "Newsletter" page on my website and will use it to
 communicate with my buyers and fans.  If you are on my mailing list, I'll still send you a note letting you know that I've got a new one up.

Now through December 28, 2009 get a Free Pair of Matching Earrings with every pendant or necklace that is purchased from the clearance page!  

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

ACREs of Opportunity 2009

Barb Fajardo - Flora Art Jewelry

The business of wholesale is a completely different animal and one I'm glad that I leapt into. I was unsure if my work was marketable because I had submitted images for ACREs of Opportunity '07 (for the '08 show)and didn't make the cut. 

As I let the dates to apply for ACREs of Opportunity '08 (for the '09 show) tick by, a good friend (she knows who she is) urged me to enter, saying that she didn't want me to regret not trying again. I thought about it and really...what did I have to lose? I may not make it, but then again I might.  Life is a crap shoot and I wanted this, so I had to try again!  

I was thrilled that I made it and now after successfully taking orders at the paid IPCA booth that Pat Bolgar, Lauren Abrams and I shared last year, I can say that if it weren't for my caring and kind of pushy friend, I wouldn't have had this experience.

Having the previous year's ACRE 2008 winners serving as our mentors was incredible.  The insight and support from Sandra McCaw (one of the jurors this year), Meisha Barbee and Judy Belcher (past IPCA president who stepped in for Lindly Haunani) helped us to feel comfortable with decisions we made on everything from our product line, catalogs and price lists, to lighting and display.

IPCA members can submit until November 15 at callforentry.org.  You still have 10 days (which include two whole weekends) to gather together 5 images of your best work.  

We'd love to see you in Las Vegas next June.  It really is an amazing time to take that leap.  I am now serving as your pushy friend...don't let it pass you by!

Making textures...

I get a lot of questions on how I make my textures. I use a variety of tools, my favorites being stylus, kemper cutters and tools, tissue blade, etc. I impress different designs, make reverse textures and then sometimes texture again. Here is a picture of some that I've made in just the past couple of days. I myself never use store bought textures, it's way more fun to just sit and let your mind do it's thing :o)

Petal Perfection ;o)

I'm only calling the necklace that because it might actually *be* perfection this time. I'm pretty proud of myself for not giving up on this design. I've been very stubborn...every time I thought that I had it, I said to myself...no...there has to be a better way!

I joked recently on twitter and facebook, that this necklace was an "engineering marvel." Well, maybe not quite, but it felt that way to me since I've spent many days bugging family members (husband Rudy - an autocad teacher, and son Daniel - an engineering student). I asked, prodded, wondered why, asked some more, tried to change minds...and finally, FINALLY, I came up with the final design mostly all by my little ole self. It might look the same as some of the others on flickr, but it *is* different...you'll have to take my word for it.

Now, I won't give you details, but I've given you a close-up to try and figure out what the problems were, and how I fixed them. I am wholesaling these after all, so I wouldn't feel right spilling all the beans, but...anyway, here you go. Enjoy wracking your brain, like I have!