Magazines

Hi,

I've been very naughty and have neglected this blog <slaps wrist>

However, I'm excited to blog that pics of some of my bracelets and details of my websites are in two beading magazines this month.

Here are the piccies of the magazine articles:

Issue 33 of 'Making Jewellery'

Issue 33 of 'Bead' Magazine

Bye from a very happy jewellery designer :o)

Annaliese (JBA)

New Jewellery Designs

Hi,

Not posted in here for a while as been busy,  busy making new items.

Here's a few photos - let me know what you think.

Thanks, Annaliese (JBA)

'Our War'

Hi,

I watched a programme last night called 'Our War'.  Wow. Normally whenever I watch something on TV I tend to multi-task and do something creative at the same time.  However, you know when you watch something that draws you in to the point that you can't do anything else, well this was that something.

It was such an emotionally charged programme and it really got me thinking.

I, like many of us, have my off days where the slightest little thing can and often will annoy me.  However, watching what those brave young soldiers went through helped me put things in perspective.  I can't promise that I won't ever have those moments again, but for now I am more grounded.

Not being able to find the exact beads I want, not knowing what to do with the beads I have and not making a sale are nothing compared to not being able to find your friends during a series of explosions, not knowing which of your injured friends to attend to first, or not making it out alive.

My thoughts are with those young men that have served, are still serving or are unable to serve again...

Peace,
Annaliese
(JBA)

Chaimaille

Hi,

Last night I decided to try something new, always a good thing for a designer to do.  So I decided to try out some chainmaille jewellery.

There are so many different chainmaille weaves just waiting for me to indulge in but as I had a limited number of jumprings in only two colours I chose to make a bracelet and earrings set using the Byzantine weave.

'A Byzantine chain is a metal link chain design used in jewellery that incorporates a rope-like texture and intriguing textural design. The chains are supple and flexible, draping gracefully about the neck. 

The chain is a 4 in 1 chain meaning that each link passes through four others. It is a variation on the Box chain whose links point in a constant direction, unlike Byzantine whose links alternate in direction.' (Wikipedia)

This was my first attempt at this weave. In fact it was my first proper attempt at chainmaille.  Sooo, did I make it easy for myself?  The answer would be 'no'.  I chose to use small jumprings, id (inner diameter) 4mm.  I also chose to use two different colours.  In this case I used turquoise and mat silver.  This may not have been so bad if I had practised the weave first so I could see where all the jumprings went.  But oh no, I decided to go straight into it.  Needless to say it took me a little longer to make the bracelet as first I had to learn the weave at the same time as trying to figure out which coloured jumpring I needed to use at which point.  So to say it took me a little time is an understatement.

There is a quick way of creating this particular weave which uses open and closed rings, due to me complicating things for myself I ended up opening all of my jumprings and adding them one at a time.

I was watching 'Criminal Minds' and I'm not sure whether it was my viewing choice, my adapted method or perhaps a mix of the two but I actually found this project to be strangely therapeutic.

I hope you like it.  Please feel free to leave me a comment.

Thanks,

Annaliese (JBA)

Wire Coiling Gizmo

Oooh it's been a while since I've been on here - apologies :o)

I posted a while back that I was getting a new toy - a wire coiling gizmo.

Well, it arrived and I've been playing.  Here's some photos of a few pieces that I've made with it.

Let me know what you think.

Thanks,

Annaliese (JBA)

Sparkly Pendants

Hi,

I've been trying my hand at something new recently, bead stitching.  I've made these lovely sparkly seed bead and crystal 'wheels'.  The crystals are 4mm.  These wheels can be used as links and/or pendants.  I am going to make some smaller ones to use for earrings.  I have also made a bigger one using 6mm beads.

I hope you like them.

Thanks,
Annaliese
(JBA)

Fimo Owl Pendants

Hi,

I've been busy making something that was not only fun to make but fun to look at.   I'd like to introduce you to Colin, Eddie and Jeff.

They are all attached to cord (which comes in different lengths) and fasten with a hand made silver plated s-shaped clasp.

I can make them to order, in various colours and styles.  I can also alter the background shape.

If you are interested and would like to order one, please contact me for more details.

Thanks,
Annaliese
(JBA)

In celebration of the Golden Sun

Hi all,

The last couple of days have been so lovely and sunny and have put a smile on my face.

So in celebration of the big golden ball of goodness I am using this post to give you some information about gold.  (Courtesy of the book 'Mixed Metals by M. Barta and D. Fox)

With it's physical characteristics resembling those of the sun, warm, yellow and shiny, gold has long been considered the King of all metals.  Although, platinum is more valuable.

One of the main advantages gold has over other metals is that it can last forever.  It doesn't corrode when exposed to air, water or common acids.  It doesn't tarnish or rust either.

Another comparison to other metals proves gold to be the most malleable and ductile.  However, in it's purest form it is too soft to be useable.

In order to obtain additional strength, gold is often alloyed with other metals such as, silver, copper, nickel, palladium and/or iron.

Gold is associated with the Carat (Karat) system, which was developed to ascertain the amount of pure gold existing in gold alloy.  By today's standards pure/fine gold is designated as 24k gold.  14k gold (58.5% pure) indicates 14 parts gold by weight and 10 parts of another metal or metals.

Gold is found in many countries, the top producers including (but not limited to) the United States, South Africa and China.

About two-thirds of all gold produced is used in jewellery.

The most exciting 'gold fact' I've read so far is...

"It is estimated that about 15 percent of the gold in circulation is recycled.  That means it is possible your gold-filled earrings were made with gold that was once part of an Egyptian Pharaoh's ensemble"

The picture below is of a bracelet I made a month or so ago.  Whilst not exactly gold, the bead caps and clasp are gold plated.  I think that you'll agree that the colour gold really compliments the fuchsia pink and black Swarovski crystals.  Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing a similar item.

Thanks,
Annaliese (JBA)

Neglected Blog

Sorry,  I've been so busy with my bridal items that I have neglected 'Jewellery by Annaliese'.

Rest assured that there are a lot of ideas and designs in my head all of which will be bought to fruition sooner rather than later :o)

I have a fairly big project lined up that I need to get working on.  Pics will be on here as soon as I can sort them.

I often wonder where my day goes, and the term 'running' pops up a lot - 'aaaargh, I'm running out of time', 'my imagination is running wild', 'I am constantly running around trying to sort out 101 different things'.  I found this quote and suddenly all this running doesn't seem so bad.

Keep on dreaming...

Annaliese
(JBA)

What's in a Name?

Hello,

Deciding on a name for your business may appear to be an easy task.  However, some businesses will spend thousands on branding.  That's the thing you see, a name is not just a name it is a brand... your brand.

So think long and hard, you do not want to choose a name that is too long, hard to spell, hard to remember.  Or even a name that will date over time.  You want a name that is fairly quirky, extremely memorable and one that when mentioned will make people instantly think about your business.

How did I come up with my business names?  Well, 'Jewellery by Annaliese' is fairly obvious.  My name is Annaliese and I design and create jewellery, so to quote a well-know brand, my brand name 'does what it says on the tin'.

Alongside my 'Everyday Wear' jewellery, I also design and create bridal jewellery and accessories.  My brand name for that is 'Tatty Angel Designs'.

Okay, so it's fairly long but it's easy to spell and easy to remember because it's a bit different.  Designs is a bit ambiguous but it does suggest something of an arty nature.  Designs seem to run off the tongue a little better than 'Tatty Angel Jewellery'.  And as my bridal range extends beyond jewellery to accessories, cake toppers and beaded bouquets I figured I could work around my own set rule about making the name fit the business.

My bridal brand name is personal as it is a play on words.  I have an angel tattoo, my email tag is angeltatt74, so tatty angel was just another fun option.  To me the name represents two extremes.  Angels are considered pure whereas tatty is, well, not so perfect.   My handmade items are made to the highest standard using the highest quality materials but because they are not precision cut and machine manufactured no two pieces will be exactly the same.  This is the beauty of handmade items and adds that unique quality to each piece.

I will admit a couple of people have mentioned 'tatty' as having negative connotations.  Yet, I see the positive side to this, the name will definitely stick in their minds.  (Who was it who said even bad publicity is good publicity??)

However, the majority of people have commented on my business name using phrases such as 'it's so quirky', 'I love it', 'so original' and the best talking point 'how did you come up with that name?'

So, do not rush your naming process, it's more important than it seems.

I will leave you with this thought.  In a year or so when all the top celeb are wearing jewellery with a 'JBA' or a 'TAD' tag you'll know I was right, haha.  Positive thinking right!

Annaliese
(JBA)

Spring is in the air

Hello,

Today I was definitely feeling spring in the air, so this feeling inspired my new piece.  I am loving copper at the moment and I'm also enjoying learning new wire wrapping techniques.  Bead caps are also a favourite addition of mine, they can really add a certain something to a piece.  I was excited about using them in a different way.  So with all that in mind, here is my hand made, wire wrapped, spring inspired pendant.

Enjoy your evening, I'm off to make something else - I can hear the copper calling me.... :o)

Wire Weave Pendant

Hello,

I hope you are all well.  I've been so busy these last couple of days.  The wonderful world of beads and wire is an on-going learning curve for me.

Today I taught myself have to weave with wire and I made a wire weave pendant.  The weaving encases a beautiful Chinese green jade coin.  Believe me when I tell you that this stone is gorgeous.  It's very tactile too and smooth to the touch.  The thing I like about these coins are the fact that each one has different markings and colours making each one unique with it's own flair.

Let me know what you think of this.  Commissions are welcomed.

Thanks,
Annaliese (JBA)

Totally non-bead related.

Ever had one of those 'I'm in a musical' moments, where you just want to break out into a dance as you walk down the street, no, oh well perhaps it's just me then.

Anyway, it happened earlier.  It was raining but I had to go out as I needed to post a parcel.  So armed with my ipod off I went.

I decided on walking in to town with Dave Matthews Band for company.  I was listening to their album 'Big Whiskey and the GrooGrux King' and on came song #2 'Shake Me Like a Monkey'.  Well it came on and a light lit up inside of me.  My feet wanted to dance, I started playing air drums (only a small set mind, didn't want to look too mad walking along the street) and I had the biggest smile on my face.

Seriously, if you've not heard it before - have a listen.  then tell me it didn't make you smile.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRZsDxrRUng

Enjoy the rest of your day,
Annaliese (JBA)

Inspiration - (The Sanctuary)

Hello,

I wanted to share something with you today.  I found it in a book I have called 'Treasures from The Sanctuary for the Spirit (by Tanya Wheway with Jane Ross-Macdonald).

Inspiration:

Inspiration cannot be forced.  Sometimes it simply comes like a bolt out of the blue; at other times it totally refuses to come out to play.  There are times, however, when we can cajole it into action by freeing our minds - listening to some beautiful music, spending time in a beautiful garden, meditating, reading, exposing ourselves to a new environment or spending time with positive, passionate and creative people.

What inspires you?  Who inspires you?  I would love to hear your stories.

Here is a new make of mine, inspired by Spring.  It makes me think of blue skies, the shining sun and the freshness of new life as everything begins to wake up after Winter.

It is made with 8mm citrine Swarovski crystals, 10mm turquoise blue (dyed) veined jasper, and a silver coloured toggle clasp.  

Til next time, Annaliese (JBA)

Wire Coiling Gizmo

Hi,

I'm pretty excited as I've ordered a Wire Coiling Gizmo (don't you just love that word, Gizmo...)

I cannot wait for it to arrive.  Once I have it I will be able to make lots of interesting wire designs and beads.

Hope you are all having a great day.

Thanks,

JBA x

Sterling Silver Wire Wrapped Ring

Hello,

I took the plunge the other day and bought some Square Sterling Silver wire and some D-Shaped Sterling Silver wire.

When it arrived I couldn't wait to start playing with it.  I used the Square wire for the ring base.  Due to the shape and the hardness it was pliable enough to manipulate but strong enough to retain it's form.  The D-Shaped wire was perfect for wire wrapping with the straight edge flush against the ring base and the curved edge giving an interesting shape to the wrapping.

I chose a Swarovski Crystal Pearl and a Rose Quartz round bead as my two focals.  I just love both beads and think that they compliment each other well.

There were so many options for how to finish the ring, I decided to finish with four closed loops that are graduated to add an interesting feature.

This ring is very comfy to wear and looks really pretty.  (Shown in pic worn on middle finger of left hand)

This ring can be made in other styles and with other beads.  Please contact me if interested in purchasing.

Best wishes, JBA.

New Items

Hello,

I've not been on here much as I have been busy making new items.  Here are a couple of my recently made bracelets.  Two charm bracelets and a bead stitched bracelet which features Swarovski Crystals, Swarovski Crystal Pearls and Seed Beads.

Let me know what you think :o)

Thanks,
JBA.

Website

Getting very excited now as the website is taking shape :o)

New Makes

Hi,

I thought I'd share with you some pics of my newly made items.

This one was made with 'Romance' in mind, bet you can't guess why!!!

More to come later,
JBA x

Welcome

Hello and welcome to my new blog.

I am hoping to update it on a regular basis with all my new makes.

Enjoy,
JBA x