Bead & Button Conference

Last weekend my dear friend Christie and I headed up to Milwaukee for the mother of all bead shows.  This conference and show runs for a full week long, with 100's of jewelry classes and exciting events. Not to mention 4 days of shopping for beads, supplies and more.  If you need it for jewelry making, they have it, well almost everything!
My friend Christie had never attended the Bead & Button show and her enthusiasm and excitement perked up my desire to return one more time to the big bead shopping mecca - Milwaukee!
I have taken so many wonderful classes at this fantastic event over the last 10 years and learned so much. Teachers from all over the world come and share their knowledge, tips, tricks and designs to make us better at what we do and encourage us to grow and expand our techniques and to soar to new heights!
The 5 hour drive up was now behind us and we were ready to shop and explore. We quickly grabbed a sandwich for lunch and headed up to the show room floor at the convention center, Christie had no idea what she was in for! Like kids in a candy shop we started to explore, so many great things to take in and enjoy.
We both had our shopping lists in hand and began our search of the hundreds of vendors who came with  tools, supplies, glass, beads, metal findings and more.

I came across a vendor who had case after case of old collectibles. Oh my, talk about a kid in a candy shop, I was drooling at all the luscious old treasures. He had several cases of cameo's like the one on the left and they were the big old ones with elaborate gold filigree mountings & beautifully carved faces. Gorgeous old antiques!
Then there were the oodles of old lockets from all around the world. I could have spent the rest of the day at this booth and I would have barely seen a fraction of what he had brought to the show. When I found a case full of Cracker Jack toys he had,  I couldn't believe they had become collectibles. Oh, how I remember the excitement of munching that caramel coated popcorn till I got to the toy in the middle of the box, if I'd only known that one day they would become valuable.  Each case I encountered brought back memories of my childhood as I sorted through Monopoly pieces, old dice, magnetic scotty dogs and so much more.  THEN, reality set in, I'm getting old.  Guess that means I'm a collectible too!

My favorite new vendor is Dakota Stones from Edina, MN! So excited they came and I found their booth.  They had the best assortment of quality gems all neatly hung in rows with clearly labeled tags.  The quality of the gems they carried was fantastic, in my humble opinion. I spent a long time here admiring the huge selection of gems and carefully selected many new and interesting gemstones to come home with me. They had a selection of matte red river jasper that had me melting on the spot.  I purchased 4 strands of these stones and I can't wait to work with them later next week.  I also found a really dark green jade that had great color and I snagged up several strands in assorted shapes and sizes.  Then, my eyes were lured to this intense color of turquoise, be still my heart, it's Apatite.

 I had never seen Apatite this rich or luscious calling me to take it home, I selected 2 prime strands knowing just what I want to do with them.  The photo on the right just doesn't do justice to these stones, the red river jasper is satiny and smooth and has the most incredible colors and veining, in unusual patterns.  LOVE THESE!
 The show is called Bead & Button and there were several button dealers at the show, I would of liked to have seen more button dealers but those that were here had a great selection of buttons to choose from.  There is one dealer I make sure I visit  when I attend the show who has thousands of the most incredible buttons in every shape, color and size you can imagine.  He is an avid collector.














I purchased these two fantastic silver buttons from his booth that were made sometime in the 1930's.  I couldn't resist this great find and had to bring these sweet ladies home with me. Wish I could have bought a few more but if I told you what these buttons cost you'd think I was nuts!


Christie and I had shopped till we dropped on Friday and headed back to our hotel and then on to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory.  I thought I'd died and gone to heaven, the food was fantastic and the the key lime mango topped cheesecake had to be one of the best desserts I've had in a long time.  We headed back to our room and it wasn't long before we passed out from exhaustion.  The next morning we were a little worse for wear but had breakfast and headed back to the show for a few more hours of shopping that turned into a whole day.  By 6:00 we were ready to have dinner and get on the road for the long trip home but not until we had checked out the exhibition showcases for the Bead Dreams competition. Elaborate, fantastic, creative, stunning, the list of adjectives goes on and on.  Each piece more exquisite then the next.  Here's just a few of our favorites.

INCREDIBLE, is all I can say. Hours and hours of work went into each design.  Some designs were done by a collaboration of several artists who came together to create one stunning piece. These fantastic creations are the work of some of the best in world who use a variety of mediums including polymer clay, metal clay, wire, glass, fine seed beads and more! I'd love to post all the pictures I took but these will just have to do.  You'll have to attend next year if you want to see more.

Speaking of next year, I hope there will be another show as the attendance was way down from years past. Each year I have noticed a drop in attendance. I believe the attendance was the lowest of all this year, and not even the offer for free admission to the show seemed to help. That's a $10 savings for the attendee. So why aren't people attending? I believe it is the digital age, You Tube tutorials and the fact that we can now purchase just about anything we need in the line of supplies online.  I'm guilty of the above too but for me there is nothing like seeing and feeling the real thing.  Color, texture and a personal touch just is something we can't get via a computer.  So, for me, this girl will continue to make the 5 hour trip to the Bead & Button Conference in years to come to fuel my creative senses and shop till I drop so I can find great treasures and new companies, like Dakota Stones.  I hope this top notch show will be able to continue in the future and find a way to draw back the crowds.  Christie and I already have made plans to attend 2015!

Opening Artist Exhibition

The four of us prior to the opening of our artists exhibition on Sunday June 1. (L-R: Mary Meehan Firtl, Erin Warner, me-Darlene Troyer and Alan Fore) We toasted the Buchanan Art Center and at the same time hoped the great wine would settled our jittery nerves before the doors opened that afternoon.








It was a beautiful warm sunny day and after the long cold winter we couldn't blame anyone for staying home, but we were pleasantly surprised and very appreciative that so many people came to share in our special day.  The art center had a steady stream from the time the doors opened till closing. 








The four of us had spent a considerable amount of time planning the food selection for our reception. I made 2 trays of sushi rolls, 2 trays of caprese appetizers and a fantastic goat cheese log rolled in cranberries and pistachio nuts to go with the yummy food that was donated by Fiddlers Hearth and the Bucktown Tap.  I guess we did a good job planning as we didn't run out of food!

It was so much fun spending the afternoon sharing with others the process of how I make my jewelry designs.   I've done lots of art shows over the last few years but this was just so different and enjoyable having people interested in the process and the mind behind the designs!  It was such an enjoyable experience and I can't thank the Buchanan Art Center for the opportunity to exhibits my line of jewelry.

I have over 100 jewelry designs on exhibit  for my show titled, "Bling it On" in the three showcases at the art center.  What a process it was for me to decide what went where , it took me hours to get it all done but it was well worth the time that it took once it was done.

I want to thank all of my family, friends and customers who came out that day to see the exhibition and to share in this special event in my life!

If you weren't able to make it to the open house reception, the show is open through July 5th so if you have the time stop on over at the Buchanan Art Center one of the volunteers will help you in any way they can.

Below are just a few of the things that I have on display in the exhibit.  All items are available for purchase in case you find that special something you just can't live without.

 

 

"BLING IT ON"

BY ARTIST DARLENE TROYER

 

EXHIBITION JUNE 1 - JULY 5TH

BUCHANAN ART CENTER

BUCHANAN, MI

 

 

 

Artist Exhibition

"BLING IT ON"

I am so excited about my upcoming jewelry exhibition at the 

Buchanan Art Center!  

I would like to invited you to attend the opening reception on 

Sunday, June 1, from 2-4 pm.  Lots of great art and food too!

The show runs through July 5th, so if your not able to attend the reception you can still come see, not only my jewelry designs, but the work of three other talented area artists.

I look forward to seeing you on Sunday June 1!

Buchanan Art Center

117 W. Front Street

Buchanan, MI

If you have any questions don't hesitate to email me!

magdalenamoon@hotmail.com

Summer Classes at Buchanan Art Center

I'm excited to announce my Summer Teaching Schedule

SUMMER CLASSES -  This summer expand your creative knowledge with a class at the Buchanan Art Center.  Below is a list of classes that I am teaching this semester. 

I've highlighted June's classes so you won't miss out on these great classes. Call soon to register and get your seat reserved.

Buchanan Art Center 269-697-4005

117 W Front Street, Buchanan, MI 49107

BEGINNING KUMIHIMO BRAIDED BRACELET   WEDNESDAY, JUN 11 from 1 - 4 PM 
Darlene Troyer, Instructor                                                                 REGISTER BY JUNE 6
$40 member/ $45 nonmember - Materials included in class fee

Kumihimo is a Japanese form of braiding, using cords and ribbons that are interlaced to make beautiful corded strands. Using a modern Kumihimo disk and satin cording you will create a braided strand that will be turned into a beautiful bracelet by the end of the class. Class fee includes the Kumihimo disk, cording and metal findings needed to finish off your creation into a wearable piece of art.

FINE SILVER JEWELRY: Introduction to Silver Metal Clay   WEDNESDAY, JUN 18 from 10 AM- 5 PM
Darlene Troyer, Certified PMC Instructor                       REGISTER BY JUNE 13

 $45 member/$50 nonmember -  Plus $60 class pack fee for silver, to be purchased from instructor in class.

Create .999 fine silver jewelry designs using Precious Metal Clay (PMC). Learn the different types and properties of metal clays prior to designing a pair of earrings and a pendant. Firing, patinas and finishing techniques will also be taught. Come see how easy it is to make beautiful silver jewelry with this clay like substance. The Silver PMC must be purchased from the instructor at the start of the class. Current market price is averaging $60 and is subject to change. All basic tools will be supplied by the instructor for use in class. Bring a sack lunch and beverage.

ETCHED COPPER BRACELET BANGLE   SATURDAY, JUN 21 from 10:30 AM - 2:30 PM
Darlene Troyer, Instructor                                                  REGISTER BY JUNE 20

$45 member /$50 non-member - Bring facemask and safety glasses

Create a beautiful etched copper cuff bracelet! Techniques on preparing copper for etching, applying designs to metal, using etching solution and forming your unique copper cuff into bangle will be taught in this class. Copper sheet, etchant and tools needed to complete your project will be provided and have been added into the cost 
of the class. It is required that you bring safety glasses and a facemask, as we will be using chemicals for etching.

BEADED KUMIHIMO BRACELET WEDNESDAY, JUL 9 from 12:30-4:30 PM

Darlene Troyer, Instructor                                                 REGISTER BY JULY 7 

$46 member/ $52 nonmember - Bring your own braiding disk.

Previous beginner class or knowledge of basic Kumihimo is required for this class. Kumihimo is a Japanese form of braiding, using cords and ribbons that are interlaced to make a beautiful corded strand. You will learn how to incorporate and interlace beads to make a beaded bracelet. Students must bring their own Kumihimo round braiding disk to this class. Class fee includes beads, cording, and metal findings needed to finish off your creation into a wearable piece of art.

SILVER LEAF PENDANT: Silver Metal Clay (PMC) SATURDAY, AUG 9 from 10 AM - 4 PM 
Darlene Troyer, Certified PMC Instructor                        REGISTER BY AUG 6
$45 member/ $50 nonmember -  Plus $45 class pack fee for silver, to be purchased from instructor in class

Create a lovely silver leaf pendant from real leaves and PMC silver metal clay! Learn how to select leaves and then apply multiple layers of silver metal clay paste to achieve stunning nature designed jewelry once they are kiln fired. Additional information and handouts will be given for applying this technique to other natural materials. Class pack includes one container of PMC paste (enough to make one leaf), suitable fresh leaves, use of teacher's supplies and kiln firing. All other basic tools will be supplied by the instructor for use in class. Bring a sack lunch and beverage.

Winter 2013

   

SO what have I been up during 

this long, long, cold winter?  

Doing a much needed studio makeover!!

Before Makeover - What a mess!

As you can see from the collage photo on the right my studio was a big mess. I was spending more time looking for supplies and most times not finding what I needed. Bags, boxes and booth supplies lined the floor; I ran out of places to put things.  

I couldn't create anymore because I wasn't able to locate what I needed to work with. The lack of storage, huge messes and the color of the walls in my studio (slate blue) was so depressing that is was overwhelming me, I had to make some changes.  

Being snowed in for weeks was the perfect opportunity I needed to make the transformation.

I schemed and planned on how I could make changes without spending a lot of money.  I spent hours on Pinterest looking at studio designs and getting ideas on how I could make my small space more workable.  

I choose bright colors of lime green, teal and purple to paint the walls, these are my favorite “HAPPY” colors.

Bay Window with New Valance - A Pinterest Idea

Things were starting to come together and I figured it would take me about 4 weeks to accomplish it all.
I had everything all tore up, my boxed studio supplies were occupying space in the hallway, guest bedroom and living room, what I mess I had.

I had two walls painted when I got sick.  Put me out of commission for two weeks and blew my 4 week makeover timeline all to you know what.

My Closet Office

Anyhow, it seemed to take me forever to get the painting, arranging and mass purging accomplished but I did it.  All in all it took me two months to accomplish instead of the 4 weeks I had planned.

It was well worth all the time and hard work it took because I now have a studio that I LOVE!   

The drawers and storage bins are labeled, my files organized, tools have new homes, my assortment of pliers hang on the wall inches away from my work desk, everything has a place (well almost, I’m not perfect you know) and the layout works.

 I have created an uplifting, inspiring work atmosphere where I can create and explore my world of jewelry designs.   

    Now if I can just keep it this way, so far so good!

  

  Check out the  photos below to see my new studio!

  

Between my office closet and my workbench I moved out the old file cabinet and  put one of my bookcase sideways. This formed a wall and defined my office space and gave me much needed space for my books and  files.  I painted the end of the bookcase with black chalk board paint and added white trim to resemble a screen door. ( a Pinterest idea)  The back side of the bookcase needed help so I cut sheet metal and nailed it in place and now it provides a safe place to solder and also allows me to hang things from magnets.

Tool Bench Before and After

The before/after split photo here allows you to see the changes I made to the workbench.  Ken built the bench top and peg board area for me a few years back and included a row of narrow hidden shelves along the right side of the peg board allowing me to store my chemicals out of site. The big problem I had with this bench was clutter and lack of organization. The newly revamped bench now stores oodles and oodles of my jewelry supplies and I can quickly located what I need now that they are labeled !  The second drawer from the top when opened becomes my design tabletop space. 

Painting the peg board was another Pinerest idea and I love the bright colors instead of that drab ugly brown. The best part is I can now USE the top of the work bench since I have re-organized. 

I use to have 3 bookcases centered on this wall. By removing one of them I was able to move my kilns to this side of the room.  All of my beads are now in one place!  Even better, I color co-ordinate the stacking plastic boxes and used  paint swatches to make punched out butterfly's that I glued on the boxes that corresponds to the color of beads  inside. 

The  storage boxes have all been cleaned out and labeled.  I even created a space to take photos and the lights are hidden away in one of the drawers along the right wall.  When I need them I pull them out and clip them to the edge of the bookcase.  

Look at that bright purple wall!  I love this color! Only one wall is painted purple, and I have plans to do add some lime green to it when I have more time. 

Painting the ceiling fan turquoise was a lot easier than I thought and I love how it came out.   I just love the pop of color and this room just makes me smile the minute I walk in to it!

I should of taken a better photo of the one place I spend most of my time at designing jewelry.   My antique work desk now sets in the middle of the room instead of in front of my window with my back to the world.  I wasn't sure I'd like it out in the middle, especially since my room is so small but it couldn't be in a better place.  I can see out the bay window, see down the hall way and watch TV if I want, all without moving.  All of my supply's are right behind me and it works so well.  I even made "curtains" to go around the bottom of the desk in purple (of coarse) to covers up my jewelry cases and wastebasket. It brings the color down to the floor and conceals the clutter.  

I'm so excited to see all the plans I'd worked on for my studio turn out to be the fun work room I needed for creating
 my one of kind creations!!!

So now you know what I've been up to the last couple of months!

   

National Jewel Day

Today, March 13th, is National Jewel Day

This day is a day to give or receive jewelry however, it may also be celebrated by honoring jewelers. 

Maybe today you would like to make some jewelry yourself or sign up for a class to learn the art of jewelry making.

Check out the Buchanan Art Center Website

 or an art center near where you live

to see all of the classes that just 

might be designed just for you!

Buchanan Art Center Class

Students in my Fused Glass Class

Last Saturday I had 6 students in my Fused Glass Tapestry Class at the Buchanan Art Center and what a great time they had creating.  Students “practiced” with colored sand as they learned the techniques of manipulation and movement.  Once they mastered this, it was time for them to start creating scenes and patterns from a large assortment of colored crushed glass frit to make their one of a kind glass tapestry panel.

The thing that was the most amazing to me was that none of them had worked with glass or fusing prior to this class.  They came into the class with such a desire to learn and were free of the pre-conceived notions of how glass fusing is normally done, thus allowing them to soak up this new technique like a sponge.  It was wonderful to watch these ladies as they planned out their color schemes and worked to create their designs.




To the left is one of the designs prior to going into the kiln.  These glass frit panels go through a 12 hour firing cycle before they are fully fused and ready to take out of the kiln.



I get so excited when the cycle is done and I can open the door to see how my students designs look.  Below are some of the finished panels after the firing cycle is completed.

                  

              

I can't wait till they see their designs when they pick them up this coming Saturday.  I must say they all did an incredible job!  They are all works of art!

I will be offering this class again this summer in case you too want to learn this process.  I will post the dates once we do the summer class schedule!

MERRY CHRISTMAS

It's Christmas Eve and the snow is softly falling on the ground.  Its 8 degrees this morning and the lake is giving up more of its warmth as the steam rolls by like clouds, I'm so thankful we have a wood burner on days like these to keep us warm.
The day we have all prepared for has finally come!  The tree is up, the presents all wrapped and the cookies are made.
But its not really all about the gifts and the food, or a man named Chris Kringle now is it?
It's about the birth of Christ as our Savior that we celebrate!  So often we forget with the hustle and bustle what the true meaning of this day is all about.
So I wish you all a blessed Christmas day and pray that the love of Christ shines brightly in your hearts!

MERRY

 CHRISTMAS 

EVERYONE!!!!

New things on Etsy!

I so wanted to get more items listed on Etsy this week but the Christmas holidays are fast approaching and guess who still has shopping to do?  Me!  Of coarse.  For now these new pieces will have to suffice until I have the time to list more pretties!

I love this silver coin link necklace and once it was done decided I needed to make one for myself, soon!

The earrings to the right are so much fun to wear and have several white keishi pearls that move freely. I started making these late in the summer and they sold out at each show!

These 2 piece floral textured tear drop earrings have a beautiful matt finish.  They are light weight and have great movement.  

Nettles, nettles every where!  Nettle plants crop up everywhere in the woods behind our house and I couldn't be happier because they make such pretty silver necklaces. Who would think that such a prickly plants could provide me with great treasures to turn into such pretty jewelry designs.


Check out my Etsy shop soon!  Happy Shopping!

Just in Time For Christmas

Neither sleet, wind, or snow kept me from delivering new jewelry items yesterday to D2E Gallery in Crown Point, IN .  It was a white knuckle drive but I made it safe and sound.
They have such a beautiful store and lots of great gift items to choose from.  If you live in the area and are looking for a special gift I suggest you stop by their store!
D2E is located at 702 Merrilville Rd, Crown Point, IN.
Tell them Darlene sent you!

Finally, I have triumphantly installed an Etsy widget!  

My gosh, I have tried so many times the last few months to install this thing, I'm great at using a computer just don't understand the computer lingo!  Anyhow, I just found a great tutorial with just the right instructions and it was a piece of cake once they were talking my language.
I'm so excited to have this installed.  Now when you visit my blog site, you can check out what I currently have on sale at my Etsy store. The widget is located in the column on the right side of the page. If you see something you like just click on the link and it will take you to my Etsy page!
I wish I had more items listed on Etsy but that will  (hopefully) change in a few days once I get the photos and the descriptions for the new pieces done, time consuming but oh so necessary!  Wish I weren't so long winded writing up the jewelry descriptions for each of my creations but I do feel it's the only way you have to know what each piece is made of and the details.
Now, if  all goes right and my camera will hang in there for a few more weeks (OH, SANTA, I need  a new one for Christmas!) and  allow me to get some good photos, I'll have some new pieces posted on Etsy soon.  Check back next week to see what's new!