Garage Sale at FIT

Thank you for taking this journey with me.    Tomorrow, I will be a part of the Bead Show of Greater New York’s “Garage Sale”. It has been fun to explore may avenues, but for a while, I will focus on polymer clay and metal because they allow me to control the entire process – shape, color and design.  To reclaim space, I hope to sell all the gemstones that serve a different path.  I am selling the gemstones at or below cost.  With the exception of polymer clay (and one set of matched pearls), I will sell most jewelry at 50% off and a smaller percent at 25% off.  The need for space in a one-bedroom apartment can make you do strange things. 

I will not bring metal to the show.  That is due to limited table space and my ability to lift large bags.  However, much is still available and I hope to have a website up before the end of the academic year. 

In addition to total control, I am drawn to polymer clay for a variety of reasons.  First of all, it allows me to design large pieces that are extremely lightweight.  The malleability of the medium allows me to create beads that are either uniform (by using a mold) or unique (by shaping with my hands --- which is my preferred method).  It also lends itself to the raw, organic look that I love to construct.  Finally, it is easy to add links or smaller pieces so that a woman of any build can select ANY of the pieces and have them adjusted to her preferred fit without the major reconstruction that strung jewelry requires.

Below are some photos of the things that will be available at the Garage Sale on Wednesday, February 27.  The multicolored items are new works in polymer clay.   The loose gemstones (not pictured, but there are lots) are priced between $1.00 and $4.00 per bag.  I really need to reclaim my space and will no longer use them; they are definitely not second quality.  For those who are interested in exploring bead stringing, I will have jewelry made from some of the various loose beads to show possibilities.   Those pieces of jewelry are for sale.  All except the polymer clay is on sale.  There are many more styles of jewelry than those pictured. 

There will be 40 serious beaders, selling merchandise at great prices.  We will be at Fashion Institute of Technology in the building closest to 8^th Avenue on the 8^th floor from 6 to 8 PM.  It really does end at that time.  I accept, MC, Visa, Amex and cash.  Sorry, no checks.  Hope to see you then.

New Metal

The cuffs and earrings are still going strong.  Thank you for all the support!  Here are a few of the necklaces that have enhanced the collection.  Each is totally hand formed.  Generally, they need to be specially ordered, with a 2 week lead time.  To keep fresh and excited about creating each piece, I am also thinking of limiting the production to 5 of each, although no two can be identical.  A happy designer is one who is constantly creating something new.

The top two are cooper and the third is copper and brass.

I appreciate you more than I can say.  There is so much more in the studio.  I will update the site much more frequently.  Thank you again,

Remember to click on any image to enlarge it.

Paula

The Fabulous Glass Island - Murano

There is nothing like mouth blown Murano glass.  My favorite wholesaler actually had the beads in the first necklace blown to my specification when they went to Venice to place orders for their company.   The blowers affectionately referred to the large top bead as The Hockey Puck.  The other necklaces are hand formed and are exquisitely layered as only THEY know how to do. 

When starting out, I saw so many pretty beads that "looked similar" to the Murano (the glass island next to Venice) glass bead and they were so much cheaper!  So I tried using them to keep the price down.  It was not worth it.  While I  do not abuse my jewelry, I am not the most gentle either; the fake beads broke before I could sell them in most cases and I had requests for repairs in others.  When on the island for my first purchase many years ago, I was told by the blower that Murano glass would probably break something else before it would be broken.  All I can say is that I lay my jewelry flat -- away from metal or sharp objects (doesn't everyone?),  in a drawer with lots of other things and nothing ever even been scratched or damaged in any way.

The bottom necklace is also available in beige.

There has been increased interest in some of my new work and it is my pleasure to share with you.  Should you be interested in procuring any of the work, give a shout.  While not two pieces are identical, the feel will be consistent.

My newest love has been polymer clay.  Here are three samples of necklaces.  I create the color and hand-form and texture each bead.   No two beads are exactly alike as I do not use molds in their creation.  There are other colors, so inquire if you have an interest or if you want something designed just for you!

Actually, I bought the blue resin beads and components.  Then I created the design, but I could easily re-create this making beads in polymer clay in any color.  The resin necklace is also presently available in a vibrant purple and chocolate.

The first and third necklaces are totally designed and fabricated by yours truly.

Thank you for your support

I won first place in the Clash of the Artists international competition in the creative category.  I am both humbled and gratified.  We will have a big celebration at the NY headquarters on May 13 and 14.  If you would like to join me and the winners in fashion, music and visual art, please do.  Information can be found on the website artforprogress.org.  Proceeds go to support arts in education.  Hope to see you there.

Semesters are coming to a close at both CCNY and FIT so my hands are very full right now.  I am working in acrylic, resin and paper for my alternative materials for jewelry fabrication at FIT.  It has been both interesting and challenging.  No time to post anything at the moment.  Look to see work some time in June.

I have been fortunate to have several students at CCNY who are well rounded, good communicators and are able to seamlessly incorporate art into academics in ways that do not dumb down the content.  It has been a pleasure to watch them interact with students.

Thank you so much for your support.

Please vote for me

I am in an international arts competition and would appreciate your vote.

The voting started February 21 and ends on March 31, 2011.

Go to   http://artforprogress.org/

Then click on "vote now"

At the top right it will say "visual artists".  Click to bring up the word "creative" and also click "view"

There you will see my work and can vote.

Thank you.

Paula

Color and Corrugation

As if were not enough to design corrugated shapes, I am venturing into color; call me ambitious:-).   Black is a safe bet against the brass or copper, but I am experimenting with bolder colors -- none to my satisfaction at this time.  Stay tuned.    Here are a few new items for the wrist and ears.  Maybe it's time to incorporate a few beads.