Jewelry by Mo

Some With Lampwork, Some Without Lampwork

2010-08-17T21:11:00.000-07:00

For most of my jewelry career with Scott I had usually had a decent mix of some jewelry made with his beads and some without. Once we opened our studio/gallery a couple of years ago, I trended towards making almost all of my jewelry with at least one lampwork bead on it. It seemed to make a more cohesive line in our store. However, now that we moved into the larger space a few months ago, I've been starting to go back to making some without lampwork as well. By the time Christmas rolls around, I plan to have a full display of Semi-precious stone and Freshwater Pearl necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. I also want to make a "Guy" jewelry display (necklaces). I also dream of more keychains (older style for those who know), wine charms, and other gift items. Looking forward to it.

My New Identity

2010-08-14T12:20:00.000-07:00

So, until recently, I had been using the same Facebook page for our entire business.....Scott's lampwork beads, his lampworking tools, and my jewelry. I now intend to market these separately....Scott's Beads and Tools on one FB page and Blog, and my jewelry on my own FB page and Blog. Our newsletters however will continue to showcase all areas at once. I will be sending a newsletter later today and we're having a bead/jewelry sale and introducing some new tools!! Stay tuned.

Bearfoot Art Facebook Page
Mo's Jewelry Facebook Page
Blogging Bearfoot
Bearfoot YouTube Channel

Our Home Page on our website has quick links to all of these along with Twitter.

Life Lessons From A Dear Friend

2010-07-23T11:07:00.000-07:00

Last night I attended a memorial service for a dear friend of our family, Cal MacDonald. His service was at the Seattle Museum of Flight. He was a docent there for many years. He had also been a pilot for Northwest Airlines for many years before that. This was the second funeral/memorial I have ever been to, but I know as I grow older that number will be increasing. It was torturously wonderful. Heartwrenchingly beautiful. Videos, pictures, many words from friends and family. I walk away a better person. The shock and awe of seeing something like this sure puts you in perspective quickly. A strong message to live in the moment.
This photo shows what was behind the podium. It was an amazing setting. I guess I just want to pass along one of the beautiful messages that was passed along. It was something that Cal would say to his son when he'd say "oh man, I have to get out of bed.." Cal would say back to him, "Chris, you get to get out of bed." This persective can and should be applied to daily life on a regular basis. I know I will apply it to mine.

I'm Going To Date Myself

2010-07-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

I'm not talking "taking myself out to dinner", I am talking "woah, I'm going to sound old". I don't think of myself as old, I haven't quite hit the big 4 oh, but regardless, in the sense of technology, it makes me feel kind of old. Not in a bad way, in fact I feel rather lucky to be of the generation that grew up without all of these gadgets, but get to enjoy them now. Children of today will not know a life without these things and I will. I just find that interesting to ponder.

Thinking back to my first experiences with computers it makes me chuckle. Basic was just that, basic. Even up until I was in college, still the basics. Internet was not common and I don't think I had even heard of it at that time. I was still looking in card catalogs in the library!!! Computerized card catalogs did help a bit though. If only the internet was available to us at the time, my research papers would have been so much easier. Oh, the distractions that go with it, but I won't go there.

And now look at me. On the computer for a crazy amount of my day. It's my hub. My base of operations. I can tell you one thing for sure. Scott and I would not have been able to make it as artists without computers and the internet. We maybe could have, but likely wouldn't have chosen to. Shows are exhausting and unpredictable. I love the fact that we have the opportunity to market our goods world-wide and build a customer base from all walks of life. Social Media enthralls me with its possibilities. Target marketing at its best. What I mean by that is the ability to share information about your art and your business with people who have chosen to receive the information. You are sharing with people who give a darn. That is what I like. Whether they buy or not, to have people interested enough to follow what is going on, well, it makes me feel good.

In those early days I was so bored in computer class and thought it would never benefit me, but wow, who would have thought!!! I never would have dreamed!!!

From Home Biz to Retail Gallery Storefront

2010-07-21T10:52:00.000-07:00

Since 1998 until a couple of years ago, my husband and I ran our business from our home. We concentrated on doing shows and selling our work from our website and on eBay. Our house has a great location near an incredible Northwest beach and a gorgeous view of the water, but in exchange for that......it's teeny....728 sq foot teeny....and yes, we had also been fitting our business in there as well. That worked fine until the kiddos came along. The two boys are now 3 and almost 6. Getting the business out of the house was a must. So, we went to our artsy downtown La Conner looking for a shipping office and place of operations.

For not much more, a great retail space was available that looked perfect for us. A year and half goes by and it turned out that we were feeling too crammed in there. We moved to the front of the building that we were in to a bigger spot and it is PERFECT for us. Each need now has a place of its own, not having to double or triple its use. For example, Scott's beadmaking desk is for that alone, his tool making station is for tool making, our photo station does not have to be taken down and set up each time, we have a shipping table for that alone, and so on. But the one thing that I am the most excited about is my beading station. I'm in heaven. My beads are no longer in little boxes, I have everything at a glance. A true artist's pallette. It has made creating so much more fun and I design best when I can see colors together in a way I might not have otherwise. We are on 1st Street in downtown La Conner, WA if you want to visit. We are called Bearfoot Art Glass Studio. Hope to see ya sometime!

New Lampwork Necklace Design!

2010-07-20T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'm excited about a new, yet simple, design that I suddenly created a few days ago. I'm about to make one with black and white beads as well. I love the way it lays and shows the beads on the side.

I am looking forward to updating my blog daily and building it to be functional, interesting, and informative. I need to train my brain to think in blog. It was strange one day when I realized my idle thoughts were composing Facebook entries. As I went about the house doing chores, etc. I suddenly would put together a one liner of what I was doing. My brain was getting trained in a new way of thinking. Now for the blog training.

A Blog Declaration

2010-07-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

So, I've not been active on our blogs for a while and I think I know why. I did not have a clear direction for the blogs. I have this blog and our other one is Blogging Bearfoot that focuses more on my husband's lampwork beads and tools. With the two kiddos and running our business, I haven't been making jewelry as often as I used to. At first I was going to have this blog be a showcase for my new jewelry, but I think what I would really like is to have this blog be a place where I can write and post whatever I feel like at the time. A graceful combination of random insights and experiences along with what I've been up to in the jewelry department. I also have a lot to share about online marketing and selling your work online.

I will go forth whether anyone chooses to read or not. I want to get in the habit of blogging and I will make peace with the possibility that I may just be talking to myself. Nothing new there, I'm pretty good at talking to myself. However, I also know that I will feel very encouraged if I see the occasional comment posted.

Over the next few days, I'll be making a few changes to this page.

Well, here goes!

Some of my Jewels

2010-01-19T14:45:00.000-08:00

This is a photo that I took the other day. It is looking down into one of our jewelry showcases at our studio in downtown La Conner, Washington. The photo is kind of dark, but I like the overall look and feel of it. Just wanted to share.

Slideshow of My Jewelry

2009-09-08T19:18:00.000-07:00

Find more photos like this on Beader's Showcase

100 Twitter Success Tips and Tools

2009-09-06T09:33:00.001-07:00

100 Twitter Success Tips and Tools

Posted using ShareThis

Eye Candy and Kudos for Mo

2009-02-07T13:46:00.000-08:00

I had a nice e-mail sent to me recently, so I thought I'd post it here. I also wanted to show you a tassel I made in the shop for someone recently. Check out that huge sterling silver bead.

Girl Power! I spent a few hours today in a brightly lit, beautiful new glass art studio owned by Scott and Monica Bouwens.I had an old necklace that I loved but didn't wear. Too short, out of date. I had set aside a few free hours so I tookmy plastic baggy full of old necklace beads and parts to Monica and came home with an impressive new and improvedversion of my necklace. Fun! Beware, you may get addicted to jewelry making. Beautiful glass beads made by Scott, and the jewelry made by Monica surround you when you walk in the door. Monica patiently guided me thru the process of selecting a plan and finish beads so that I could remakethe necklace and wear it home. She has everything you will need! I was impressed with Monica's expert tools, preparation, comfortable seating and lighting and how organized she is. If you just want a few hours out of the house to do something creative, planning a team building idea, need a birthday party idea for teens, a girl's get-a-way, a coffee clutch idea for your neighbors, visit the Bouwens' glass art studio on first street on the water side of SeaPort Landing Building. There is plenty of seating and room to move around. Parties last from 2-3 hours and you can bring your own food and drinks. I am making matching earrings next! Check out the website www.bearfootart.com Joan,La Conner

What Stringing Materials Do I Use?

2009-01-13T11:20:00.000-08:00

Stringing Materials (that I prefer and use)

Soft Flex Wire
You can buy this at your local bead store or Soft Flex Company online. It comes in 30ft spools, 100 ft spools, and 1000 ft spools. You do not knot this cord, you use crimp beads or tubes. I prefer tubes.

I buy the Original as far as coloring goes, but I do like the new Antique Brass color.

I tried Soft Touch Wire (made by Soft Flex) and it is said to be just as strong but more flexible, but to me it just looks like the plastic coating is thinner and I like the extra protection of more plastic to help protect the wires inside from the sharp insides of stone, glass, and other beads that are not smooth inside.

Gauges I use:
.014 (I use only for lighter weight beads and beads with tiny holes, such as some semi-precious stones and some freshwater pearls.)

.019 (My staple. I use this for almost everything I do. I use 2x3mm crimp tubes along with this even though they may recommend 2x2mm. I like the added strength.)

.024 (I use this only when all of the beads I am using have large enough holes to handle this thickness. Freshwater pearls and most semi-precious stones do not fit on this size. Plus, it is a bit stiffer. I use this when I use a lot of Scott’s lampwork beads with just some metal spacers.)

Sinew (Nylon) Also called Artificial Sinew.
I bought my huge spool at the bead store I used to work at in Wenatchee. Some bead stores may carry this, if not, a leather/tanning supply place will have it. I just googled it and here’s a link to a place that has it. I’m sure there are many more sources.
http://www.thethreadexchange.com/

I use this for all or most of my multi-strand jewelry. Each strand splits down into four strands. When splitting the sinew, be careful not to break the small fibers. You have to start pulling it apart somewhere towards the middle of your piece and just finesse the strands apart. You’ll get the feel for it. Just don’t lose your patience. Once split, pull and stretch each piece almost as hard as you hands can take it. Otherwise, this stretching will occur over time and your piece will be loose. Cut your piece about a foot and a half longer on each end so you can freely re-trim ends as needed. I re-trim a lot when using seed beads which I use in almost all of my pieces.

To end your piece, I use a bead with a large hole as a “knot hider” and then tie all of my strands into it and then with a lighter, I slowly burn the ends and press out the melting nylon with a wet finger. This makes a “smash” of nylon and bonds all of the pieces together at the end of the knot. No glue needed. To learn more about my techniques with this, you would need to take my Multi-Strand class (coming soon hopefully).

Nyltex

This is a thicker matted nylon cord. Also used in the leather industry. I use this for example when I make a necklace that is just all lampwork beads. I like how the thickness fills the holes in the beads and helps them to lay right. It is super strong and makes a good knot at the end that can also be burned. I hide that knot in knot-hiders as well. Great for pieces like this that will be worn a lot. Give this cord a good stretch, a very good stretch before using. I sometimes even wet it, stretch it, wait for it to dry, and then stretch again.

Here is a link to a place that sells black. I use black and brown. I’m sure there are plenty of sources, but here is this one. They also carry Sinew.
http://www.bearcreekleather.com/

Our Online Jewelry Store is Now Open!

2009-01-13T11:12:00.000-08:00

I finally added most of our entire studio inventory to our website for viewing or purchase. Have fun looking!

Jewelry Store Link

Our Offical Grand Opening Reception!

2008-11-13T18:00:00.001-08:00

Please join us for an evening of wine and refreshments to celebrate the Grand Opening of our new studio/store in downtown La Conner. That same evening, right out in front of our store, Santa will be visiting to help with the annual town tree lighting. Then I suggest you treat yourself to a nice dinner at one of the many wonderful downtown restaurants. Heck, make a night of it. There are many special places to stay. We’ll have tons of great art beads and jewelry for sale. If you mention this card you will receive 10% off. Scott will be doing live torch demos throughout the night. Hope to see you here!!
Thanks, Monica and Scott Bouwens

Bracelet by Scott and Monica Bouwens

2008-10-24T18:47:00.001-07:00

Lampwork Beads by Scott Bouwens, Bracelet by Monica Bouwens - Bearfoot Art

Now Enrolling my Jewelry Classes

2008-08-14T11:53:00.000-07:00

Our studio in La Conner, WA is now open and I have completed my class schedule. Click Here to learn more and/or enroll online. I will have you making jewelry in no time.

Our New Studio/Gallery is opening soon!!

2008-07-15T22:36:00.000-07:00

I've been too busy to keep up the blog for quite some time, but I look forward to posting again regularly. In the meantime, here are a couple slide shows of the exterior of our new studio/gallery in La Conner, WA. We are sooo excited. I'll show an updated slide show by the end of the week. We hope to open on Monday. I'm so excited to be making jewelry again!

Bearfoot Art Studio and Lampwork Bead Museum - coming soon!

Inside Bearfoot Art Studio in progress

Booth Set-up. Always changing.

2008-05-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

I haven't done an outdoor show in about a year now, but I really enjoy them. They are so unpredictable, but I enjoy being out and getting a chance to talk to the other artists and look at great work and eat yummy food. We have had some crazy times at shows. More stories later. I just wanted to show you a few photos of some of the displays we have done for shows. I always wish we could do more, but I always know that we did the best with what we could at the time. We needed more signage and posters, but so be it.

When we first did shows, we were very elaborate with our booth set-up, but over time realized the beauty of simplicity. When the kids are a bit older, I'd like to do the show circuit again and finally have the booth of my dreams. Well thought out, well stocked, great posters and signs, and gorgeous and welcoming. I will make it happen. One of these days.

A new piece!

2008-05-05T16:20:00.000-07:00

I'm not sure if I have shown this piece or not, but just wanted to post some eye candy. Thanks for looking. In the future I plan to make this blog more about offering tips for making jewelry and running a jewelry business, but for now I do what I can.

Happy Monday!

Beautiful Packaging

2008-04-14T23:01:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't know, all of the jewelry I sell comes in a satin pouch. A little treasure bag that that will keep your piece protected in your jewelry box or drawer. My sister in law plans to make some extra special ones for me to sell when she can. A great touch for a gift to yourself or someone else.

How do I measure my Jewelry?

2008-04-05T23:49:00.000-07:00

All lengths are the interior circumference and all earrings are measured from the top of the earwire to the bottom of the earring. I have found these cones to be perfect for this. It is so important, especially when using larger beads, to measure the true interior instead of just the lenth of the piece stretched out against a yard stick or ruler.

Sterling Silver Ball Chain

2008-03-28T21:29:00.000-07:00

I just came across this sterling silver ball chain that I bought a while back. I was so excited when I found this because ball chain can just be cut with scissors to the length you want. The down side is that tiny clasp that the ball ends tuck into. Best to look into a mirror when clasping it on. It can be a hair tricky. Worth the custom fit though and the fun look. I just made this necklace yesterday. It shows one of Scott's new Space Gem Lentils with color. The swarovski crystals match the focal better in person. Cool bead Scott!

A Display we did for a Gift Shop a while back.

2008-03-21T14:17:00.000-07:00

This is the only display like this that we have done. We prepared it a while back for a gift store. The lines we did for this store were earrings, pendants, and chain. We converted a watch display to suit our unique needs. It made a nice impact in the store. All of the lampwork beads and pendants were made by Scott.

My Jewelry Portfolio Slide Show

2008-03-19T10:46:00.000-07:00

Sit back and enjoy some eye candy. Let me know what you think if you have time in the Comments section below.

Mo’s Jewelry Portfolio

Clasps

2008-03-17T12:30:00.000-07:00

This photo shows one way that I like to do my clasps. First I make sure the crimp bead has a larger bead next to it so the crimp won't lay against your skin. Sometimes those crimp ends can feel sharp. I also use wirework to ensure that the soft-flex wire won't slip out. I like a lobster clasp as it has a low profile. The chain enables you to wear your piece longer or shorter depending on what shirt or dress you are wearing or just to find the length you prefer. I will be adding a piece of jewelry for sale to our site most likely on Friday. I need to recover from the weekend child tornado that hit our house. If I had a clean house on Monday, it means I didn't play with my kids over the weekend. I choose to stay connected instead of clutter free. However, I do need to stop tripping on things, so I better go clean up now.

Up and Running....

2008-03-11T15:16:00.001-07:00

My jewelry store is now officially open on our website. It was a lot of work to get it all up on the web, but from now on I will only need to add a few at at time instead of all of them at once. Scott has taken amazing photos for me that really show the pieces well. I love to create jewelry. It feels like I am not working when I do it. I'm glad to have the site ready so I can now feel free to make a few pieces each week and not have them just sit here. You can subscribe for free to this blog at the top left of this page. If you choose to do this, you will be e-mailed each time I update this blog. That way you will be sure to know when I have added new pieces to the website, if I have a show coming up, or other information I feel is worthy of mention. Thanks for looking and I would love to receive my first comments so I know that I am not just talking to myself.

To my online Jewelry Store.

To my online Jewlery Portfolio.

My first jewelry blog entry

2008-03-01T22:18:00.000-08:00

It is late and I am so excited about this that I can't sleep, so I am testing features and loving the possibilities of using this blog.