Repurposing Bangles into Earrings

Well, there's only so many pendant necklaces you can make with these colourful bangles, and they're such a great find!  You may (or may not) remember me talking about a quirky inspiration that had more to do with colour than functionality - a bagful of glass, metal and acrylic traditional Indian bangles in every colour of the rainbow.  The pendants turned out beautifully, and there a couple more ideas I have rattling about, but I had another idea in mind.  These bangles are incredibly lightweight and easy to wear, I thought I'd try an alternative to a hoop earring!  Take a look at these latest creations.

 Bangle earrings, no. 1

Find Your Lucky Charms At Artbeads.com!

Artbeads.com has a pot o' gold worth of charms, beads, pendants and findings to celebrate the Celtic tradition of St. Patrick's Day!  You can save more 10% off more than 2,500 items and create your own lucky charm, and don't delay - the sale ends Thursday, March 4th at 9 am.  Check out some of my favourites, and be sure to visit Artbeads.com and grab your favourites today!

Celtic Triangle Pendant in Cherry Wood

Lemon Chrysophase Chips

Green Tourmaline Faceted Barrel Beads

Light Orange Capiz Round Shell Pendant, Vine Leaves

Puffy Round Olivine Jade

Natural Carnelian Roundelle

Orange Adventurine Rectangles

Rectangle Celtic Knot Pendant

Visit Artbeads.com to get your lucky charms today!

Would You Like To Be Reviewed?

As you all must know, I enjoy finding new artists on Etsy and exposing them to my little piece of the world.  Did I miss any of your favourites?  Do you think you're my next favourite?  Post a comment here or email me at designbycassandra@hotmail.com with a link to your shop and what makes your shop so unique from the rest.  (We are all like snowflakes, oui?)  I look forward to hearing from you!

'Man Overboard' Makes Gig Debut At Tracks!

For those who may not know, my boyfriend Nick is an incredibly talented multi-instrumentalist.  He'll be the first to admit that he had no social life in high school because he was playing guitar all the time, but that time has paid off into an incredible talent he's been able to hone and perfect.  He has taken numerous students under his wing in guitar and continues to teach today, which has become a very fulfilling path.

Currently, Nick has a few private students who come to the apartment studio, but does most of his teaching out of the Music Education Centre (MEC) at Long & McQuade Musical Instruments in Brampton, which has a Jam Band Program for its younger students.  Teachers are matched up with a group of students and learn how to flesh out songs together, whether they're originals or their radio favourites.  Tracks Pub, where the MEC hosts a Wednesday Night Jam every week, welcomed students, parents, teachers and music fans alike to enjoy an afternoon of live music.  Nick's band, whos drummer was a no-show, consisted of Stephanie and Tracy on guitar, Kyle on bass and Nick on drums.  Perfoming a Rush medley of Working Man and Bastille Day, In My Life by the Beatles, and a blues and latin jam, they brought the house down, demanding an encore with You Shook Me All Night Long by AC/DC.  Check out the pictures!

Congrats on a great performance!

"John Scott Was Here" & Other Neighbourhood TV Shoots

Walking home from work the other night, we happened across a night television shoot for Discovery Channel's F2: Forensic Factor.  We're not entirely sure what the plot of this episode was, but we know the crew was trying to turn snow-dumped Brampton, Ontario into summery Georgia, Atlanta.  Going as far as removing every trace of snow from hedges, trees, bushes, sidewalks and lawns and working in tight shots, it was a pretty cold night to work outdoors.  We watched as they shot a suspicious young man coming out of a car, looking around, and reaching back into his car for a gun, which he placed in the pocket of his large coat.  Nick had a chance to chat with the special effects supervisor, who told us to expect some gunfire to go off a little later, as they were applying bullet holes to the side of a car.  We didn't stick around for the gunfight, it was too cold, but we'll be sure to look out for this episode!

Late Night Friday Covets, Issue #8: Spring Is In The Air ...

It's another Late Night Friday Covets!  Boy, has it been a while!

I'm looking forward to the green grass and green trees and warm, breezy sweater weather.  All this talk of trees and sun makes me want spring even more.  So, I turn to Etsy to settle my craving for bountiful colours of warmer days to come.

Enjoy!

 Nuno Felt Ruffle Scarf - Daffodil, fullenstar.etsy.com

Set Hope Free: Over the Rainbow V-Neck Bib necklace, rosebudlips.etsy.com

Helen drawstring dress, cocoricooo.etsy.com

Oversized Wool Wrap in Charcoal Grey, no. 4, artlab.etsy.com

Interlude: a Photographic Art Pendant, cameraSHYphotography.etsy.com

Springtime Sparrow earrings, emilysattic.etsy.com

Mod Orange handbag, jensbags.etsy.com

Chocolate Pearl Twig bracelet, sweetfindings4you.etsy.com

Add to your own covet list and visit designbycassandra.etsy.com!

High Fashion Thursday, Issue #6: Alexander McQueen, 1969-2010

I am still reeling over the death of fashion's most expressive, experimental, sensual and provocative designers, Alexander McQueen.  His work as head designer at Givenchy for five years lead him to the founding of his own forward-thinking designs known to be "unconventional" and full of "shock tactic".  Despite the unconvention of his clothing, he has been worn by many iconic women such as Bjork, Rihanna, and most recently Lady Gaga in her recent music video, Bad Romance.  He had won the prestigious British Designer of the Year four times, whilst leading one of the most successful and recognizable brands of couture fashion.

We can look forward to Paris Fashion Week with the unveiling of the latest Alexander McQueen collection, which will continue in the spirit of its founder and his vision.  Take a look at these pieces from some of his most memorable collections, and watch the runway shows by clicking below the pictures.  Content of most Alexander McQueen runway shows display mature content and may not be safe for work or appropriate for some younger viewers.  Viewer discretion is advised.

Plato's Atlantis, Spring/Summer 2010.  Click here to watch the runway show.

Inspirations: Mr. Binns Goes To Wonderland

Tom Binns, a favourite jewelry designer of Michelle Obama, will be releasing a Disney Couture Collection for the anticipated release of Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland.  Hearts and keyholes, teacups and flowers, mushrooms and rabbits abound, you'll be begging the Queen of Hearts just to keep your head for a chance to wear these jewels! 

Lookit What I Sold!

Happy day!  Check out these lovely pieces that got snatched up from my Etsy shop!

 Armand bracelet and necklace, no. 1

The LOST Collection: The Island necklace

I've got a few more Armand picks I'll try to make some fun stuff with, and I've got a few more Lost themed necklaces in my Etsy shop, with a few more ideas up my sleeve. 

One shipped, one to go!

Photography credit: Cassandra Watsham

Guitar Pick Accessories!

Do you have a guitar player living with you?  Do you find guitar picks in every nook and cranny of the house?  Do you reach into your pocket and wish you could pay for your coffee with them, because you have more guitar picks than change?  Fear not, DIYers!  There's something you can do with those!

Guitar picks are incredibly versatile, since they come in a huge selection of colours, designs and illustrations.  They're iconic and immediately recognizable for their shape, which makes your piece that much cooler.  With the wide variety still yet to be discovered, you can 'riff' it all you like when you include these into your piece!  Take a look at some examples from my own stash!

Woodstock earrings, no. 1

 

Jack vs. John: The Words They Spoke

Probably the best media art I've ever seen for this show, or any show.  Artwork by Juan Osbourne, this is every line they've spoken to each other.  Click on the picture to take a better look.

 

Bravo, Mr. Osbourne.  Bravo.

Inspirations: Harry Potter, Fawkes the Phoenix

 I've finally used up the rest of the Swarovski crystals from the Artbeads.com Crystallized Swarovski Elements project!  A few small red crystal rondelles left, I found some new inspiration with recycling a pair of earrings and turned it into a something worth a tribute.

The HARRY POTTER Collection - Fawkes the Phoenix earrings

 

I had purchased earrings with these phoenix birds emblazoned in these cabochons.  I had lost one a long time ago, and had unexpectedly found it again just last week!  In spirit of the phoenix, I decided to transform these earrings into something new, inspired by the loyal familiar of Hogwart's Professor Dumbledore of the Harry Potter series, Fawkes.  The lucite yellow and red crystals make up the Gryffendor House colours, which Harry is a member of.   You can purchase these one-of-a-kind earrings in my Etsy shop!

I'm very choosy when doing 'tribute' pieces because I want to make sure they're done with respect.  I've so many ideas floating around, especially with Lost in its sixth and final season, and the loads of reading I've been doing lately.

Take a look at the other 'tribute' pieces I've done!

• Alice in Wonderland
• Carnivale 
• Dead Like Me
• Frank Miller's 300
• Fringe
• The Harry Potter Series 
• Lost
• The Twilight Saga

*Disclaimer: I had received these products free of charge from Artbeads.com and I am making an honest review of the products and have not been paid for this endorsement as it pertains to the products received.

Photography credit: Cassandra Watsham

Design Insight: The Necklace That "Changed It All", Thanks To BeadStyle

I had recently unleashed all the jewelry I had made and plastered these pieces all over bulletin boards of assorted shapes and sizes.  Boy, I've made a lot over the past few years!  Some pieces had been 'recycled' into new pieces, some have been tossed in a box for a future project in mind.  Looking at all of these pieces and how I've matured over the years as a jewelry designer and maker, I'm quite certain I know the moment where I found my maturing point and my 'signature', in the pages of BeadStyle Magazine, November 2008.

The cover piece struck my eye.  I've always loved asymmetry in my designs; you can see it in some of my earrings!  I thought this was a beautiful incorporation of this idea and sent my imagination racing!  I purchased the issue, raced home and poured over the pages and sketched out some ideas.  I can honestly tell you this was the first time I had sketched anything!  I'd always found myself inspired by the beads that I see, and when I actually touch them, I have a better idea of how I would want them to be presented in the piece.

Of course, I can't find the sketches now!  The inspiration naturally came from the presentation of the necklace on the cover of the magazine, since I am biased about my love of amber.  Being cost efficient, the dollar store beside my work sells stone chip beads for a dollar a package, as supposed to local bead and craft stores selling amber chip strands for anywhere from $6 to $10.  Certain splurges were necessary, all in the name of 'art' and 'vision'.  Some things just can't be compromised, you know.

Haiti: A Nation In Need, A Nation Of Miracles

The earthquake that had hit this impoverished nation about a month ago had changed the lives of these people forever, with a society in ruins, death at every corner, missing family and loved ones yet to be found.  Food is scarce, water is depleted, shelter questionable, with the country still threatened with powerful aftershocks.  No matter how much help is sent, it doesn't seem to get to them fast enough, with nearly 3 million people displaced and in need of the most basic qualities of life.

We hear of devastation and death, we hear of panic and despair, but we also hear of miracles.  Survivors are still being found among the ruins, singing praises to the heavens, smiling happily at their rescuers.  Nations from all over the world toss rubble aside in hopes to find more survivors; the sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, husbands and wives of those who still hope.

Haiti is still in need, and the rebuilding efforts will be colossal.  Backed with a global effort made up of charitable organizations and international governments, it is a combined goal that Haiti will become a nation that will be able to restore its envisioned glory, its culture and society intact and stronger than ever.

Below are a collection of images that have marked poignant emotional and public moments of the tragedy and triumphs of the Haitian people.  If you would like to help, donate now to World Vision Canada, and the Canadian government will match your donation.

I'm Goin' Medieval!

My assistant manager at work had asked me to help make part of his study unit for Medieval England in school.  He is dressing up as a monk, will make a presentation and conduct an interview!  All he needs is a rosary that looked medieval-y enough.  I hadn't seen the costume itself, but he assured me to think of 'a Jedi robe'.  Either way, I think I had some success.  Take a look!

What you're seeing is hemp twine knotted with dried bean and wood beads with a small wooden cross.  There's a simple loop that can be slipped over a bean to keep the necklace safely on the neck.

Can't wait to see the finished result of the full costume!

Every Day Is Valentines Day!

I was a little late this year with my Valentine picks on Etsy, but why is the celebration of the display of affection limited to one day?  Every day is Valentine's Day!  Diamonds, flowers and the iconic heart-shaped box o' chocolates can get a man out of the doghouse any day of the year, but what about that unique way to say 'I love you'?  Say it with handmade!  I've scoured Etsy for some awesome handmade stuff that'll show some true, thoughtful love!

Secret Decoder Valentine card, crankbunny.etsy.com

vintage copy of Joan of Arc by Mark Twain, elitas.etsy.com

Candy Bird Peppermint, socharmed.etsy.com 

The Art Of 'Lost'

If you've previously tuned in, I was trying to keep up with the reveal process of the commemorative art to introduce the final season of Lost.  Many things fell by the wayside, as well as the politics of availability of these prints.  (Nick and I had found a chat forum full of 'art snobs', declaring how these posters had 'no artistic merit' and how they couldn't understand why their favourite artists would participate in something so base.)

That being said, all 16 prints have been revealed, and here's a full spread of the 'watercooler moments' that made up some of the most fondest memories of our favourite castaways.

Tim Doyle, The Numbers

Olly Moss, Locke's Secret

Methane Studios, The Dharma Van