New Singular OOAK Piece

I love this time of year where the ground is covered in a smattering of autumnal hues after the leaves have danced from their limbs and the morning dew so prominent, everything around us appears to twinkle.  The garden is slowing down as we head into the early part of winter and the brisk mornings make getting out of bed that little bit harder.  We're having to start a fire as soon as we get home as the daylight promptly turns to night with the chill seeping in through the large amount of glass windows.  This time of year, my most favourite part of the evening is when all around us quietens and all is finally done for the night.  We sit down for a brief time before bed in front of the fire, winding down with our cat at my feet whilst I weave.  I've slowly been working on some weaving - a project I had started before we moved house which will be a year ago in a couple of weeks.  I look forward to sharing it with you once the fabric is complete.  I find weaving to be something which allows me to shut off my busy mind once the loom has been warped and each thread is deliberately pulled and beaten in place to create straps, which are then hand sewn together, emitting the true essence of handmade.  It's an enormous task, but one which I enjoy immensely all cosy mosy in front of the fire.  

Studio time has been quite limited as we've been getting home quite late over the past few weeks.  I've very slowly been able to work on a piece, again embodying my love of nature in my artistic statement type style.  I made the callistemon flower bead awhile back.  Creating the cup part where the stamens normally grow from was a lesson of supreme patience as I would tend to squish a few.  It was inspired by the Australian native callistemon for its silky stamens in deep, rich and vibrant colours, for its nectar-filled cups attracting Wattle birds and New Hollands to feed upon, for the beauty of its seed pods and ever changing foliage.  This bead in turn inspired this piece "Nature's Way - 2".  

I used my handpainted focal bead to represent the Callistemon flower pod; handmade beaded leaves to represent the ever changing leaf colour in Autumn; a Tagua nut, wood and ceramics as earth elements; and Dupioni silk to represent the fact that the plant looks rough from afar, but the foliage and flowers are silken to the touch.  All components are bound together by my favourite vintage bronze wire and measures 52cms around the neck, with the pendant being a further 15cms.  

Wishing you a great week ahead!

New Singular OOAK Piece

Wow, what a wonderfully productive weekend!  I love the weekends where stuff gets done, with time to play and socialise, and great quality sleep thrown into the mix.  It gives me that energised jumpstart to the new week ahead.

On Saturday, after getting all the household and business to-dos out of the way, I spent the afternoon cleaning the studio whilst figuring out what to work on next.  I was feeling spritely so I put on the Bob Marley "One Love" tour and an hour and a half later, this is what happened:

New swing tags for pieces I've recently completed using my handcarved stamps ...

... unpacked and hung all my pieces ....

... and finished this new lovely - yet to be named:

This piece features my handpainted polymer clay stick and wire pendant, my cocoon connector using a gorgeous Vintage Rose coloured lace, Czech Glass, Mykonos ceramics, silk ribbon, The Spacer Queen lampwork and a beautifully flashy labradorite.  

Am not sure what I'm going to work on next.  I'm itching to get my paints out and also finish off a piece of wall art I've been working on so I may have something different to share in my next post.  I hope you're enjoying seeing what I'm working on, as much as I am creating them.

Have a wonderful week!

New Singular OOAK Piece

You know Murphy's Law when you don't have time to create but the muse decides to go bananas and throw a bunch of ideas at you?  Well such is the case with this new piece.  Last year, during our busiest time for work, my muse decided that enough was enough and send me into a tail spin.  I sketched furiously out my designs and set it aside. Then I pulled out beads I wished to use, made notes and bagged it all up for a "free" day.  

Um ... so 11 months later, whilst in the process of forcing myself to work through my piles of unfinished projects, I set about working on this new piece.  Let me tell you ... I have ummed and ahhed my way through the whole 9 days it took me to complete it.  It certainly didn't come together as easily as my last two :(

Here's a snapshot of the pendant:

Top to bottom - altered brass bullet casing, my own enamelled round, my handmade faux wooden polymer clay connector and a delicious array of dangles including Scorched Earth's intoxicating "Galaxy" porcelain drop, fibre, brass, stone, bone, wood, and kyanite. 

I was loving the vibe and I knew what it meant for me, but I was stumped as to what to call it.  It didn't fit within my other series and I knew it was to be a stand alone piece.  So I put out a post on my Instagram and Facebook pages asking for some help.  I had a few wonderful responses that sounded like they would suit, but still didn't fit with my initial "vibe" of the piece.  I'm so grateful for those comments as they steered me in the right direction.

After chatting with a friend about my stumpedness, and putting the suggested names passed him, he asked me what the piece meant for me, specifically the bullet casing as I've never used this type of material before.  I couldn't answer him directly as I was unsure why I was drawn to it as guns and bullets make me terribly uncomfortable.  Through our conversation, I discussed with him my longing for how it used to be.  Meaning the importance of handmade and how we, as a society, these days, have a "right now" mindset.  Let me explain ...

Whatever we want is at our fingertips.  For example, you've plans on a Saturday night and, as life is so busy, you only decide Friday night what to wear.  You don't have that piece of jewellery that's just right so you go down to the likes of Diva and pick yourself up a cheap, mass produced piece that suits ... for right now. Our need is satisfied instantly.  Now there's absolutely nothing wrong with that.  It's convenient.  And often gets you out of a spot.  But ... for me ... I find this sad.  My old soul yearns for times where the jeweller would spend many months making a piece using his/her own hands and simple tools and that piece would be handed down through generations and still hold meaning. And still be important.  Not just junk.

So ... we arrived at "The Death of Handmade".  It sounds depressing but the intention isn't so but to just raise the awareness of how important it is to support handmade.  It's more than just the tangible item you're buying.  You're also getting the love the artist has for what they do; their energy and something of meaning which, in my opinion, is priceless.

Here she is hanging:

... and a completed view:

Enjoy your week :)

Available - Singular One of a Kind Pieces

These pieces are ones that had their own story and which weren't styled for a particular series.  New pieces will be added from time to time.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  Combined shipping is also available.

AUTUMN BREEZE

Length: 36 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Clasp

Materials Used: Moonstone, Yellow and Poppy Jasper, Vintaj leaf charm, Irish waxed linen, Czech and Toho seed beads, Czech glass, lampwork, animal bone, brass findings

Price: $AUD30

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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NATURE'S WAY

Length: 41 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade beaded leaves and enamelled bead, Raintree wood bead, Czech glass, Czech and Toho seed beads, Vintage Bronze wire, brass findings

Price: $AUD40

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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SUNGAZING SOFTLY

Length: 34 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade polymer clay connector and cocoon beads, Czech, Toho and peanut seed beads, Mykonos Greek ceramics and castings, Czech glass, animal bone, Vintage Bronze wire, brass findings

Price: $AUD35

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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Please PM me on my Facebook page or send me an email to highlystrung0@gmail.com should you wish to make an enquiry or an order :)

Available Pieces - Sling-On Series

Here are the current pieces available for purchase at the moment in this series.  New pieces will be added to the collection from time to time.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  Combined shipping is also available.

SLING-ON: TWO

Length: 52 cms from base of neck to bottom of longest dangle

Style: Over the head, no clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Scorched Earth porcelain spike, Irish waxed linen, Moonstone, Botswana Agate, Bronzite, Mali clay, Mykonos Greek ceramics, Czech glass, shell, animal bone, copper seed beads, Vintage Bronze wire, brass components

Price: $AUD35

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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SLING-ON: THREE

Length: 43 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Over the head, no clasp 

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade polymer clay pendant, Irish waxed linen, Mykonos Greek ceramics, Toho seed beads, Vintage Bronze wire

Price: $AUD50

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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SLING-ON: FOUR

Length: 43.5 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Over the head, no clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade polymer clay pendant, Irish waxed linen, Apatite, Kyanite, Mykonos Greek ceramics, Toho and Czech seed beads, Vintage Bronze wire 

Now Sold

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SLING-ON: FIVE

Length: 41 cms from base of neck to bottom of dangle

Style: Over the head, no clasp

Materials Used: Irish waxed linen, Mykonos Greek ceramics, Carnelian, Kyanite, Moonstone, Smoky Quartz, Voluta shell, Czech and Modern-Pacific glass

Price: $AUD35

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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Please PM me on my Facebook page or send me an email via this blog should you wish to make an enquiry or an order.

Stay tuned for more items coming soon :)

Available Pieces - Hint of Tribal Series

Here are the current pieces available for purchase at the moment in this series.  New pieces will be added to the collection from time to time.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  Combined shipping is also available.

HINT OF TRIBAL: TWO

Length: 41 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade polymer clay donut and totem, Artisan Jamn Silk silk cording, Irish waxed linen, Moonstone, Mookaite, Mykonos Greek ceramics, recycled glass, copper seed beads, wood beads, animal bone, Vintage Bronze wire and brass components

Price: $AUD45

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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HINT OF TRIBAL: THREE

Length: 39 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Scorched Earth porcelain tip, Artisan Alisha White lampwork, Artisan Jamn Silk silk cording, Irish waxed linen, Impression Jasper, Mykonos Greek ceramics, leather, Toho and metal seed beads, Vintage Bronze wire, brass components

Price: $AUD35

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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HINT OF TRIBAL: FOUR

Length: 36 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade polymer clay connector and pod beads, Artisan Starry Road Studios batik ribbon, Artisan Painting With Fire recycled sari silk, Artisan Jamn Silk silk cording, Artisan Scorched Earth porcelain tip, Labradorite, animal bone, Mykonos Greek castings, Greywood, porcelain, copper and brass heishis, Czech seed beads, Vintage Bronze wire, brass findings 

Price: $AUD55

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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Please PM me on my Facebook page (link on right hand side of blog) or send me an email via this blog should you wish to make an enquiry or an order.

Stay tuned for more items coming soon :)

Available Pieces - Elements Series: "Fire" and "Air"

Here are the current pieces available for purchase at the moment in this series.  New pieces will be added to the collection from time to time.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  Combined shipping is also available.

FIRE: ONE

Now sold

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FIRE: TWO

Now sold

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FIRE: THREE

Length: 45.5 cms from base of neck to bottom of talisman pouch

Style: Over the head, no clasp 

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handwoven talisman pouch and strap, Wood Jasper, Mykonos Greek ceramics, Toho seed beads, Vintage Bronze wire, brass findings

Price: $AUD55

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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FIRE: FOUR

Length: 37 cms from base of neck to bottom of longest dangle

Style: Clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Jamn Silk silk cording, Mykonos Greek ceramics, Irish waxed linen, Bronzite, Red Garnet, Mookaite, Carnelian, Mali clay, shell, Czech and Indian glass, brass findings

Price: $AUD25

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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AIR: ONE

Length: 45 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Over the head, no clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade polymer clay pendant and handwoven strap, lava rock, Mykonos Greek casting, Czech glass, copper and Vintage Bronze wire and spacers, Miyuki and Delica seed beads

Price: $AUD55

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Please PM me on my Facebook page or send me an email via this blog should you wish to make an enquiry or an order.

Stay tuned for more items coming soon :)

Available Pieces - Elements Series: Earth

  

Here are the current pieces available for purchase at the moment in this series.  New pieces will be added to the collection from time to time.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions.  Combined shipping is also available.

EARTH: ONE

Length: 36 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Painting With Fire recycled sari silk, Irish waxed linen, Czech glass, wood beads, brass findings, animal bone, Czech seed and peanut beads

Price: $AUD35

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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EARTH: THREE & FOUR (2x available)

Length: 44 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Over the head, no clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade polymer clay pendant and enamelled head pins, leather, porcelain, Czech seed beads, wood beads, fibre, animal bone, brass findings

Price: $AUD25

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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EARTH: FIVE

Length: 31.5 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade polymer clay pendant, Artisan Clay River porcelain, Artisan Jamn Silk silk cording, Superlon cord, Green Garnet, Amethyst, Czech glass, wood beads, Toho seed beads, brass findings

Price: $AUD40

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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EARTH: SIX

Length: 42 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Over the head, no clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handmade polymer clay donut and charm, and handwoven strap, Irish waxed linen, Buri Buri nut, lampwork, Toho and metal seed beads, brass findings

Price: $AUD45

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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EARTH: SEVEN 

Length: 42 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Over the head, no clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handwoven strap, Irish waxed linen, Bronzite, Brown Sardonyx, Forest Path Agate, Green Aventurine, Mykonos Greek ceramics, porcelain, Czech and Indonesian glass, wood, seed and nut beads, Vintage Bronze wire, brass findings

Price: $AUD40

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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EARTH: EIGHT 

Length: 41.5 cms from base of neck to bottom of pendant

Style: Over the head, no clasp

Materials Used: Artisan Highly Strung handwoven strap, Irish waxed linen, Bronzite, Chocolate Jasper, Moonstone, Brown Sardonyx, Forest Path Agate, Mykonos Greek ceramics, Czech glass, wood beads, Toho and Czech seed beads, Vintage Bronze wire, brass findings

Price: $AUD40

Postage: 

Within Australia (up to 500 grams) -

Standard: $8.25

Express Post: $10.55

International -

Postage is calculated based on location.  Please PM me for a quote.

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Stayed tuned for more this coming Sunday :)