LadyBrook Designs Studio Happenings

December...

2010-12-02T16:10:00.000-05:00

Ladybrook hand-carved Porcelain focal bead with Sterling Silver Bali beads, Czech glass beads, handmade Sterling Silver wire hook & initialed Solid Brass heart dangle.

November has bid us farewell and here we are into December! Time has taken wings!

Hope your Thanksgiving was filled with blessings & cheers & lots of turkey with all the fixins' !! So much rain came down yesterday our big rock in the basement has a channel where when heavy rains come, the water makes a little stream ( a little Ladybrook ❤) right into the floor drain to outside. Wish I was in my new studio...sigh...but will be soon, so in the meantime I had to bring all my clay & stuff back to the basement (arghhhhh! no room!!) and dealing with it!LOL!! "it won't be long" "it won't be long"!!! I did manage to make some new snowflakes & pendants, which are over by the woodstove drying. Will photo some pieces later & show. There's so much going on with Beads of Clay!! and I was thrilled that my Empowered pendant was chosen along with sister clay Artisans for the Black Friday Giveaway!
http://beads-of-clay.blogspot.com/search/label/giveaway

The winner is Kristie Bowman!!! Big Happy Congrats Kristie!!! Enjoy your treats!!!❤
check out her awesome jewelry designs here http://www.etsy.com/shop/dreamsome
Will be exciting what she designs with her new winnings!!

Well, I have to get busy... much to do!!

ℒ⋰❤cs
Christine

New Move!

2010-11-04T11:24:00.000-04:00

My Love of Fairies! This one in Porcelain with Sterling Silver, Black Onyx, Crystals

New announcement!! ladybrookdesigns.com has moved from Etsy and is now at Big Cartel. Recently I have created some new one-of-a-kind designs with my beads & pendants! Let me know what ya think! Going to get some new clays & glazes today! So much better than the mall or shoe store!LOL!!
Check out Beads of Clay
and see all what's going on with my clay buddies!
Wishing you light & happiness today & everyday....

Tape & Spackle!

2010-11-03T10:16:00.000-04:00

Studio update! Thanks Bob (hubby) on your beautiful sheetrocking! We now have John, doing an excellent Tape & Spackle job....

So, it's coming along! I am quite a bit out of sorts with my clay work since doing the studio project! I can't wait to get in and let my creativity flourish with ROOM & LIGHT! I did purchase on Craigs List a slab roller (older one) that I think will be great to work with... needs a new canvas, but for the great price.. no complaints! :D Hope you all enjoyed a Happy Halloween!! Wow! we are in November already!! Got to get in holiday making!! I thought I would get my Halloween jewelry & charms done... but still glazing them...sigh....well then I have an early start for next year!!LOL!! Ok studio be done! In due time my dear... in due time!!!

Beads & fun at FIT, NYC

2010-10-24T08:52:00.004-04:00

There's my dear friend & beading artist Lynn Redner , me (with my lime green ceramic hoops I made & love) & of course our Lisa Peters...finally met in person at her booth with her fabulous designs Lisa Peters Art !!! We chatted, shared & laughed. It is so wonderful to meet in person our clay sisters & brothers! Warm heartfull thanks for the charm Lisa! It was not a huge show, some creative artists & the usual. I did get some Softflex wire & some nice stones! :D!! Lynn & I enjoyed a sunny but blustery windy day in NY. We took the train down & used the subways..it's always an adventure!
Studio update...the sheet-rocking is just about done, a pile of pine wainscoting boards are waiting to be prepped for staining after the sheet-rocking. so, it is moving along...would love to be a genie in a bottle right now and have it all done!!!LOL!! I am so excited!!
With so much going on here, I am not able to participate in the BoC Open Studio Sale going on today, but look forward to when I'm in & organized here. So, today go to the BoC Blog and shop! shop! shop! Great clay items offered & specials...don't miss out!! Have fun! Meantime....I'm designing some of my jewelry & glazing! Will post sometime soon what I created! I hear our Daisy beagle ringing the bell to go out... have a fabulous day!!

Flight

2010-10-02T14:02:00.001-04:00

Flight
Originally uploaded by LadyBrook

Welcome Autumn! Summer's heat to lots of rain! Still working on studio, sheet rock is almost done! then there's wainscoting boards to prepare for 2 walls.... so it's getting there!( will post pics soon).
In the meantime, with my projects all over and everything unsettled...I did manage to create this necklace, feels so wonderful to be creating jewelry with some of the new clay pieces I have been making. I know soon we will hear the honks and wings of the geese going south leaving us to await the coming cold and long winter.
The new American Craftsman Gallery in New Paltz is busy and hearing great feedback on my jewelry & whimsy! In the future, I will be teaching a small class on making Porcelain beads. Lisa Martinez, owner is now forming jewelry making classes on Thursday nights! What better way to spend an evening sharing & creating with like minds! Beads of Clay is growing and expanding, check out what's going there! I have much to catch up on, but my true priority is to get my studio done and organized... living a bit crazy here until...

I send light, love & good thoughts! Do what makes you happy & share!

Hugs

New Gallery!

2010-07-28T08:44:00.006-04:00

Happy Summer!
I am so excited & thrilled my Ladybrook Designs Jewelry & Whimsy are showcased in a new gallery 'American Craftsman Gallery' in New Paltz, NY along with many Hudson Valley studio artisans....it's up on facebook for starters, check out some unique American made Art!
To celebrate, there will be a wine & cheese reception on August 14th from 4-7PM Everyone is invited! So, keep the date! and come share & celebrate American Artists!

Hope you are all keeping comfortable & enjoying your summer! This has been a real HOT one so far! It has been awhile since I last posted...I know, been busy with studio plans inside & out, creating new jewelry pieces for the gallery.
After years of doing Fine Art & Craft Shows, I have decided to get off the road, build my dream studio (it's coming...), be shown in galleries & special shops with other Artisans & eventually teach small fun classes in my studio, along with more involvement in BoC group & local Art avenues. Sounds more like an affirmation! but I guess it really is!lol
Still much to learn & explore! Garden needs tending to, so I shall return.
Have a splendid day & find room for a little play!
Hugs

Getting Wired!

2010-04-14T08:58:00.018-04:00

I am so into wire right now... of the electrical kind ! Our local friendly, patient, professional, courteous and innovative Electrician, Robert Hamm owner, High Falls Electric & son Rob Hamm are gems & a great team...not only expert Electricians, but so patiently working with me, sharing their expertise, answering all my questions & mostly making sure I am comfortable with the whole layout electrically where things will go...the kilns, vent fan, outlets (everywhere!), track lighting, spot lights, switches & all the details... & offered great ideas I did not even think of! They are not done yet, but it's great to see such progress! So, I just wanted to share where I am so far in the process! Even hubby Bob helped! In the Hudson Valley, Ulster County and in need of an experienced & professional Electrician, e-mail Robert Hamm rlhamm24@yahoo.com
we are so pleased with the neat work they do! So, as the studio progresses....

Daisy has become a Bead Dog! These are some of the beads bought at the bead show in NYC.
I love making jewelry with my Ladybrook beads & pendants and fashion them with natural stones, vintage glass & new Czech glass, crystals, Sterling Silver & solid Brass chains, beads & charms! Will post new work soon, I know, I keep saying that! So much is going on here studio wise, but also work, and the outside yard is need of attention and the rake keeps calling me!
Will be back soon... much to do!!
Bead Happy ~Create ~ Love~ Laugh~ Share
Sending light on your path with a touch of fairy dust!
Hugs ~

March Bead Madness

2010-03-26T10:37:00.013-04:00

Had a great day in NYC at the Whole Bead Show recently with my dear friends Lynn, Patty & Lynn, all love beading(and do beautiful work! ). We took the train down then onto the subway & into the energy of NYC! It has been years since I have been to NYC!
The weather was blissful warm, and at the show, I found some great natural stones, crystals & Sterling Silver to design with my Ladybrook Beads! Photos left to right Patty, me, Lynn & Lynn. Artistic, creative beaders! From our faces, you know it was a beautiful, bead-filled sharing day! With our lives so busy & diverse, it was such a pleasure to take a day to share in friendship & our passion of beads & creating!
Now to get busy with these new treasures & my clay! Dear hubby Bob, do get that studio done soon!! :)
Live ~ Laugh ~ Love & BEAD!
Hugs,
Christine

2010 Greetings!

2010-02-06T10:21:00.009-05:00

It is now February... hearts & love! Pictured, is a porcelain clay heart glazed in a light lavender, one of my Fairy Dance collection.

Yes, I know it has been some time since I last blogged...yikes! time goes so fast, so to catch up a bit here, holidays came, spent time in New Hampshire and Mass. with family, had a great time, missed other family members too.Taking long walks in the woods refreshes, and Daisy loves them too! My clay has been calling at me and since busy planning the studio, working & life happening these past months it's been on the back burner.

Recently, I have been adding to my bead store ladyrookbeads.com and jewelry to ladybrookdesigns.com with so much more to come (one of my New Year's resolutions!!), and invited friends to be fans of page and would always welcome new fans!! It gives me incentive to keep going with my art, even in my tiny busting at the seams work area, until the new studio is done and I can move in and go clay crazy..... yes, it is coming!!

I have some orders to get done pronto. Mainly my goal is to get in the studio this year so I can really grow in the art of clay & it's many avenues!
With our Beads-of-Clay group, we just did a swap & I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of my swap beads! Such talent & artistry!

Wishing you Peace & beads! :)

Wishes do come true...

2009-10-15T11:45:00.027-04:00

Skylights and beams

This is the view looking left out the studio door, part of the back yard.

This is the studio entrance doorway

Been awhile since I have posted or added anything... apologies for that, have been very busy planning & building my studio! Here's some photos and the builders making my dream come true hubby Bob Smith (in blue shirt) & his long time construction partner David Schoonmaker (with hat on)... have a ways to go yet but it is happening! Under the green tarp is an old display case I found on Craigslist, it needs some TLC but is perfect for the studio ( can't wait to fill it)!! photo shows David in studio and Bob in doorway. Photo of the building, roof all done skylights & beams in, utility closet framed in, many to do's yet before I get in but it's happening!! So exciting to see Bob & David published in the new issue of Hudson Valley Magazine http://www.hvmag.com/Hudson-Valley-Magazine/Hudson-Valley-Home/Fall-2009/Saving-the-Farm/ So happy and proud for them and the house is beautiful!! Great job Bob & David! The home owners are lovely people and a joy to know.

So, that's what's been going here building the LadyBrook Studio ..... I am still working on the inside planning ( I keep changing it!!) after being in a cramped space in the basement for so long, it's like too amazing, a real studio!! Pinch me!! Is this real??!! Dreams do come true! BELIEVE!! Now we are into fall and it will be so great to get those windows and door on before the snow flies...wait! it did the other day....too early! We had a hard frost last night and all the Impatience are done and the Catalpa leaves are falling gracefully ( I hear the rake calling!).

And sadly this past spring, we had to put our beloved Gracie to sleep, her kidney's were shutting down and did not want here to suffer anymore, so she is laid to rest by our other beagle girl Katie in our yard. Even during the time of pain & mourning, I knew we would adopt another beagle (just love them!!!) and so here is Daisy! adopted at 6 mos. and just a sweetie!! Her energy is amazing!! We never had a puppy before! What joy she brings! and keeps us on our toes as she gets into everything!! We just love her!

And in the clay world, so much is happening! Many of my clay buddies are published and growing by leaps and bounds!Lisa Peters is like a non stop creative machine!!LOL! branching out and growing fast!! Check out http://www.lisapetersart.com and Marla James has taken off with her own bead supply store http://www.bisquebeadsupply.com she has great stuff in bisque & supplies!! Go Marla!!
As for me? I did a Bead Fiesta Show back in August had a blast! great vendors and artisans and my dear friend Lynn came with me, she's also a jewelry designer ..... oh how we love BEADS!!! (having trouble loading the pix) also, I have been making beads & pendants got them in the kiln and now I have much bisque to glaze!

Wishing you happiness! & beading bliss!

APRIL SHOWERS!

2009-04-06T15:08:00.004-04:00

Happy rainy Monday here! Spring yes!! Love looking around at all the new growth happening on the shrubs, trees and Daffodils! Living with clay ground has it's challenges!! Can you believe Easter is next week?? Time is flying for me here! Had to get a pix of our sunshine, Gracie, a beagle (I LOVE Beagles) She was a rescue in bad shape when we got her and has been living like a queen ever since and now that she's about 15 years old a diva queen! She is my constant companion most of the time, except when hubby is around then she's all him!LOL! Been going through a creative slump for awhile, but with planning the studio...and yes soon the trusses will be up YEAH!!

(hmmm... I think I said that earlier) ...being married to a contractor also has it's challenges!LOL!

Etsy is an amazing community! There is so much to learn about how it all works! I have been adding some new pendants recently....I am so excited I had a sale!! I'll be working on my store, fine tuning it as I go along. Here is a new pendant to be added, a women's energy, strong yet gentle with guiding moon & butterfly...and hand written on the back ' I Am'.

I love the way clay lets me be expressive! I want to do it all!LOL

Sorry that my website is quiet at the moment....since I have been concentrating on Etsy, but will soon have my unique jewelry designs up for sale. My LadyBrook Designs jewelry & suncatchers are available at the stores on my web site's Blog & Links page.

Hope your day has been going well for you. I need to get back to paperwork! Happy Beading & creating!

Up & running on ETSY!

2009-03-18T13:54:00.003-04:00

Think Spring!!! I finally have my ETSY store filled with some goodies for beaders and designers!

Take advantage of the FREE SHIPPING FOR MARCH!!!! ...and do let me know if you have any questions or comments!! I started with Etsy quite a while back and was not very active on it, going in too many directions at the time....but now I am there and will continue to add new and fun LadyBrook beads, pendants & dangles for your designing dreams!

Wow! Spring is just a few days away! We survived the winter so far and the daffodils are up about 3 inches already! Yes, I know, we not totally out of winter's cold arms yet...but we are very near the end of it's grasp!

After many years of participating in juried Fine Art & Craft Shows in the NY & New England areas, I feel a time to make more room to create...here's where the new studio comes in, and to try out different venues for my work. A feeling of re-awakening to explore and let my creativity fly.... so come along as I share this walk. My original LadyBrook Designs Jewelry will be featured on my website soon. Will keep you posted!

Happy Happy Spring!!

Create ~Love ~ Share

FREE SHIPPING!!!

2009-03-03T14:20:00.006-05:00

Greetings! In the midst of exciting change! All my LadyBrook Beads, pendants & dangles are moved ( well mostly moved) from my website to my Etsy site http://www.ladybrook.etsy.com/ which I am offering FREE SHIPPING month of March!! I have added fun & fashionable new pieces and will be adding more as I go along! As for my website....that is for my Original LadyBrook Designs Jewelry and Whimsy....and the Gallery Page of customers Jewelry and Designs that were made from my beads & pendants, it's another great way to show off your handmade jewelry with LadyBrook Beads. New Jewelry designs will soon be up on the site for sale, and not just my clay designs...you will see :)

I cannot thank Marla of Marla's Mud http://www.marlasmud.com/ enough for her helping me get my feet off the ground with my website and her amazing energy, knowledge, persistence, caring & friendship! Fired Clay Artists...a en voyage of talented clay artists and Marla the Captain!

Besides making her beautiful and fun pendants....Marla has branched off and has another website http://www.bisquebeadsupply.com/index.php? a=viewDoc&docId=2 _with a complete assortment of low-fire ceramic bisque to hi-fire porcelain bisque and much in between including supplies. Great site for your clay needs!

Not only that...but Marla started Ceramic Arts Forum along with well known talented & published porcelain bead Artist Joan Miller. See her fabulous work at http://www.joanmiller.com/!

It's a great friendly place for clay artists to share, learn & grow from each other. The CAF is really growing fast from newbies to those Artists in the clay world a long time.

So, I am going along here getting my two sites geared up and looking forward to my above ground studio....the walls are up, now waiting for the roof trusses to go up! Hubby says very soon! I am so excited!

Much is going on and I just want to let you all know about the changes happening....so take advantage of the FREE SHIPPING this month on my etsy! More clay to come...

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Peace ~Love~Hugs~Create~Play~Laugh~Share

Christine

2009-02-08T14:49:00.011-05:00

Happy February!! FREE SHIPPING THIS MONTH!!! http://www.ladybrookdesigns.com/

I will be adding new LadyBrook pendants, beads & charms in the coming days and weeks to my website (I know, finally!!).

Beadability created these beautiful necklaces with LadyBrook pendants...and they are available for purchase! E-mail beadability@aol.com for more info!

It so awsome when you see what other folks do with your clay pieces and how they create with them! Thanks so much Beadability for sharing these lovely pieces! and yes! they are for sale...each is one-of-a-kind! They can also be seen (along with their clasps) at my website above, click on the Customers GalleryPage on the bottom!

Enjoy the FREE SHIPPING this month!!
Bead Happy!

2008-10-31T12:27:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween to all....and wow! It has been a long time! I have been busy behind the scenes, planning and working on my new studio..Yes! it is really reality and not just a dream!! Most of my energy has been doing the studio and working....not much time for creating yet! Looking forward to getting the studio finished and in....it will be awhile yet, and I will keep posting here as we continue on...

In the meantime enjoy all the clay creations being made by my fellow and sister artisans! Check out http://www.boc.com/ http://www.firedclayartists.com/

Take care...keep beading ~ creating ~ playing

Spring?

2008-03-27T11:39:00.003-04:00

A very happy Spring to everyone!! Hmmmm...still having snow and cold yet but the daffodils are slowly coming up and buds on bushes and trees are growing....mother nature knows!! :)

Besides quite an ordeal medically since fall, I am thankfully on the mends!! and back into my clay!! YEAH!

Been busy planning out my new future studio!!....dream come true!!! I am sooo excited!! Will keep you posted on that! (wish this snow and cold would hurry away!!) Will bw built this spring/summer!! I am way too excited for words!!

While healing I kept in touch with my clay community and their fabulous creations!! Check out Jessica Sharrah's very cool clay rings http://www.jessicasharrah.firedclayartists.com/ and all her new work. Also, the fine clay artisans at http://www.firedclayartists.com/ we have ads in Simply Beads, Beadwork and Step by Step beads magazines... so check them out!!

Shortly I will...Yes, I promise...to be posting new pieces on my website & Etsy! Looking forward to sharing some new work with you that you can create your unique jewelry!

Have a fabulous day and enjoy!

Thrilled to be back in clay!!!

Warmly,

Christine

A New Year.....

2008-01-29T13:44:00.000-05:00

Wow!! Where does the time go?? Hope everyone is well...enjoyed your holidays and here we are into a new year...a very Happy New Year to all...I know this is going to be a year of exciting new things especially in our clay world! FCA will be a year this spring! and I know Marla has plans coming up!

Apologies for not keeping up with my blogging, my website or Etsy.....was dealing with a medical issue since before Thanksgiving ....that had complications...hospitalization (before Christmas!) and recouping....I am happy to say I feel so much better and been busy with clay, glazes and designs...will have some new stuff in the next week or so....keep watching!! I am so excited to be back working again.....I am in absolute joy & happiness to have my hands in the clay again....ahhh! Had been working on some unique Christmas things....but now I'll put them away and introduce them and more for next holiday season! I'm working on some hearts and pretty things at present and anxious to show them when they are done!!

I just figured out how to do a slide show!!! Hope you enjoy! Will be adding more things as I go along! I have so much to catch up on!!

Our group of clay artists is growing and expanding ....such talents!

Clay is on a fabulous roll this year do check out my fellow clay artists and friends on BOC, Etsy Mud Team, Fired Clay Artists! It's wonderful to be part of such a great community!

Well, I hear my clay calling me back to work! LOL! Have a wonderful day!~ I wish peace and happiness to you!

Warmly,

Christine

Taking the Pledge...

2007-11-21T10:06:00.000-05:00

Least expect....

2007-09-29T19:09:00.000-04:00

What happens when your all ready and excited to do a show you enjoy and look forward to doing....well, a sudden illness!! so I will not be at the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival this year! Very sorry!! and will miss getting my fill of fresh grown garlic ...seeing old & new friends, customers and their families and many shared hugs!!! So, I do apologize again, and will up and at it soon! The weather couldn't be better...sunny! Great festival with many wonderful artisans & music along with all the garlic!! It's a wonderful time if you get a chance to go! http://www.hvgf.org/

Meantime..busy making beads & pendants...and working on new designs of jewelry! Sign up on my website http://www.ladybrookdesigns.com/ and register ...it's free!! I will be offering some great deals and cool stuff soon but you must be registered at my website! The season is now turning to warm colors....thoughts of pumpkins, colored leaves, warm sweaters....hmmm sounds like fall to me!! I hope your summer brought you wonderful happy times! It was great being the featured artist on http://www.firedclayartists.com/ this month of September... and every month you'll meet a member of our group and get to know who we are as we share our love and passion for clay with you with our beads, pendants and clay products!

Fairy dust, blessings, happiness, good health & BEADS,

Christine

September Artist on FCA!!

2007-09-13T11:55:00.001-04:00

How exciting!!! I was chosen for Artist of the month for September on Fired Clay Artists!! You can check out my interview at www.firedclayartists.c om click on September Featured Artist .....and because of this I am celebrating with a $5.00 off coupon with purchase over $50.00 at my store www.ladybrookdesigns.com for the month of September! Well, where did the summer go?? Always too fast for me!! Enjoyed and still enjoying the many birds and flowers in my gardens, the bears that treated themselves now and then to my feeders, I am sure the 4 cubs we had here earlier are getting big! Had another bear visit while we were having dinner outside....just 20 feet from us!! and he sauntered off to the woods....the deer are still feeding along the yard and the young ones are getting big also! You can tell summer is winding down, the ripening of the golden rod, flowers on last blooms...and the air! Ok, I do get lost in all the lovely nature around me...
Getting ready for the famous Hudson Valley Garlic Festival!! I have been hand creating ceramic garlic earrings for this show along with my other jewelry & whimsy! This is a fun show where garlic lovers come from all over! I'll be there the 29th & 30th of September www.hvgf.org
So many exciting things are going on in the world of clay beads!! Bead & Button had left fired clay beads and many other media out of their "Bead Dreams 2008" contest.... so our community of fired clay beaders came out in force to the B&B forum to question why we were left out....and BRAVO to all who wrote.....they have redone their rules for entering and now we can participate but must send in 4 samples of our work! Being that last year our own Joan Miller of Joan Miller Porcelain won!! with Lisa Peters raku in the finals too!!! So we are all excited about this turn of events for us!!
Busy glazing and making new pieces!! Love having my hands in the clay!! Added some new work on my website and Etsy....http://www.ladybrook.etsy.com
Hope everyone is well and back in the swing of school, winding down from the heat of summer and looking forward to the vibrant colors of fall....I am still looking forward to having a studio built....but I am married to the carpenter and he is very busy!! Does the shoemaker's wife have shoes? But I know it's going to happen soon!! Well, back to my below ground studio for now...I send you sparkly fairy dust, hugs, and may you be healthy and follow your dreams!!
Warmly,
Christine

Family ways...

2007-07-16T08:09:00.000-04:00

Hi everyone!!
Lately, much of my energy has been shifted to family...my wonderful mother has just closed on a house that has the panoramic sky of sunrise & sunset that she has been looking for quite some time...and is needing much help with the move! Anyone who has moved a loved one with many possessions, keepsakes and garden lover ( of course her special plants!) takes time.....so, I have been going back and forth when I can (4 1/2 hr. round trip), and having had a medical issue that I am also getting through ( thank heavens for CLAY!!! I do believe it is my sanity!! LOL) I am busy glazing porcelain beads at present....need to get some finished work on my website!! Apologies for delayed presentation of new beads, pendants and jewelry!! I promise I will get them up!!!
Also, living in the country with nature we were visited by a mother black bear and we couldn't believe it....and 4 small cubs!!!!! Wow! we were amazed and she wouldn't leave! (focused on our bird feeders)...well after a time..she and her 4 cubs romped up the bank and were gone ( so we thought...and this is in early afternoon on a hot summer day!) well, I returned back down to my work painting my beads, hubby left for errend....and about 45min. later I came up and the bird feeders were down!! The Finch feeder busted in many pieces and the metal bird feeder yanked from the tree and wires bent (has happened before...so we take them in at night). ..so that mamma was determined to get those feeders!!! It has now been almost a week and no sign or sight of her and her babes...but, as nature goes....she'll sure check back sometime!! It was truly an awsome sight to watch..especially the cubs!! Anyone have Woodpeckers drinking from your Humming bird feeders?? Well, we have a few that must think they are Hummingbirds!!
Just sharing a bit of nature around here...I know the fairies are busy playing around the flowers!

Fired Clay Artists..FCA...is growing leaps & bounds!!! Jessica Sharrah & Marla of Marlas Mud have taken it and it is blossoming with many of the groups input!! I am proud of all the members work and sharing as on BoC! I have much to catch up on and need to plow more focus on the clay and my site....I feel as if I haven't been giving it my all in recent months...with much going on personally! But fear not as they say!!! The artist shall prevail!!! I bloom at a slower rate so I can absorb what is happening!! I love what I do, the groups of clay I am with and sharing this passion!! I recently got a few special orders I am also working on...
OK, I shall stop now and get to work!! The internet is a great tool for getting out there...and marketing with it has endless possibilities!! I am learning!!! So, thanks for stopping by! My roundtuit is big....so I best get going on ....
See you on FCA & BoC!!!
Wishing you blissings, laughter & of course beads & fairy dust!

Christine

Back On Track!

2007-07-03T15:26:00.000-04:00

Here we are ...it's summer!! Happy Summer everyone!!

Been away from blogging & posting on BoC but getting it together!! ...much going on in life!!

Our clay bead world is on an incredible journey especially lately!! A busy sister member Jessica Sharrah, has been grabbing ETSY treasures like crazy!!! and what a joy to see so many members join & share!! Keep going Jessica!!

I'll be back again at the Hudson Valley Garlic Festival in September (largest on the east coast!) with my handmade ceramic garlic earrings!! Fun!! I have a pile of porcelain beads I am in the process of glazing....I know..I am hurrying to get them in the kiln !!!! and then to you!!

Fired Clay Artists first ever contest....just design something from any of our members ...too cool huh??!! so go to our website and check out the details!!! http://www.firedclayartists.com/ !! Looking forward to seeing your designs!! Have fun!!

Traveling this 4th? I pray for safe journey to all. The photo is of little ceramic dangles I created.

Getting new stuff on my site....I promise!! :)

Branching out....

2007-06-17T08:44:00.000-04:00

As I am busy working on creating my LadyBrook beads & pendants in porcelain for the next kiln load...the Beads-of-Clay group is also now on divantArt!! and members are showing their beads & work & blogging there too! I am there too (so exciting!! it's an amazing site...so much to navigate and see!!!) my site there is LadyBrook Beads in the Beads-of-Clay site. It's all very new to us..but is taking off, thanks to enthusiastic members!! And...on the FCA (Fired Clay Artists) site where my website is....that is growing too!! Marla, has created an auction site for us too!! Well, these are new things going on in our bead world!! Meanwhile...the Impatience plants I planted are growing...the Hummingbirds are busy at the feeder as the birds, squirrels, chipmunks & an occasional black bear feed at the feeders! Enjoying the chorus of singing birds..and watching spring ripen to summer...and now it's back to work and getting these beads done! I am so excited with so much happening in our world of clay beads!! I am also blogging on Beads-of-Clay too!! Yes, we are growing & branching out...and I am so happy to joined with such a warm & wonderful group of clay bead artists!!
Feeling happy,
Christine

The Kiln is Fired Up!!

2007-05-31T15:40:00.000-04:00

Well a new creative batch of my handmade LadyBrook beads, pendants & many styles of dangles..(including quite a garden of my teeny tiny flower dangles!!) With this kiln load I experimented with some new glazes...so, looking forward to see them when they are ready and to get them up on my website for your creative designs! Meanwhile, I have been busy making porcelain beads, pendants & dangles...soon for these to be in the kiln!
This month has flew by! With so much of my energy creating beads, pendants & dangles....I have not been able to put forth the time to create my own jewelry designs!! This is truly a first for me! So, I see a transition going on here....hhmmm, but I am in clay bliss making the beads!! What a joy to share this passion with my fellow members of Beads of Clay & Fired Clay Artists!! There is so much energy & exciting things happening in our clay world....hard to keep up!! LOL!!!
Will post pictures of opening the kiln from this batch on the Beads of Clay Pool when they are done!! So, while I am excitedly waiting for them I am going to try my hands at creating a toggle clasp from the porcelain clay for our new challenge!!

Link to May's Prize of beads for Ophelias Garden!

2007-05-27T14:18:00.000-04:00

Here is the link to the donated prize beads, pendants & dangles to the winner of the Ophelias Garden challenge from Art Bead Scene! Gets ideas & creativity going!! Check out all the beautiful beads ....and have fun on the Art Bead Scene site too! Enjoy.

http://artbeadscene.blogspot.com/2007/05/dig-into-ophelias-garden-detail-of-mays.html

Catching up!!

2007-05-27T06:48:00.000-04:00

Warm greetings to all!! It has been quite awhile since I last posted....much has been going on! Excited I made some sales from my website to wonderful & creative jewelry artists...what a joy!! Will be great to see their designs!!
Before this month is done (where does the time go??!!) ....Art Bead Scene had a contest for jewelry designers "Ophelia's Garden" theme, and I was very happy to donate some of my tiny flower dangles, leaves & flower bead, along with other clay artists & members of Fired Clay Artists...Thanks Melanie!! ...and what beautiful pieces were created! Also, on Art Bead Scene Blog, my tiny flower & leaf dangles were featured with a good close up of detail and lovely comment...thank you again Melanie of Earthenwood!!
Meanwhile......as spring is blossoming with green, colors & song...so beautifully I take moments to take it all in & enjoy! and in between...life happens...my dear brother had his back operated on was there for him & family...recouping well right now ...working the plans for my new studio!!!! Will be getting out of the basement & into the light!! Oh how I have dreamed of this!! and yes, I have been making new items with clay, both in ceramic & porcelain almost have enough for a kiln load...and glazing bisque beads, pendants & dangles soon to be also kiln fired! Excited to get all this done and posted on my website!!! It's not like just making the jewelry designs with everything right there for you....I am making the parts!! which I enjoy so much and picture all that can be designed with them as I am creating the pieces in clay...on these lovely days I bring the clay outside along with 3 draws of objects, stamps, buttons, tools, rolling pin, and create LadyBrook beads, pendants & dangles ...while nature abounds around me! I feel so blessed as you are too, dear reader! Been spending most of my time creating with the clay....that I have not been as focused on making my jewelry designs!! Yikes!! and I have a craft show next weekend!!! ...and life goes on!!! Hope your day is wonderful and you feel good!

Hands in earth...

2007-04-26T08:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Spring everyone! I know it's been awhile since I last posted (need to work on that!). Well, the snows have melted...the rains have come... the sun is warmer....and earth's beauty of greens & flowers are emerging along with all the bugs & insects...looking forward to the humming birds to come...we feed birds all year long...and the singing in spring is a most amazing orchestra and evenings bring the chorus of peepers!...so my hands have been a bit busy both with our mostly clay gardens...where the fairies will dance & play, and the clays of my designs....soon to have a kiln load of glazed new pieces to place on my website with fired clay artists! Some of my LadyBrook pendants have found new homes and excited to see how they will be embellished!
Looking forward to having a page on my site under the bead fairy just for your creations with my LadyBrook beads & pendants....your designs...your gallery!! Create with joy! Will post again...have a happy day!
Well, back to glazing! I took this photo after a storm last year...never let go of your dreams!
Warmly,
Christine

Website about ready...

2007-04-05T11:33:00.000-04:00

Whew! Much of my new LadyBrook Designs website is done! ...and happy & excited to have it done with Fired Clay Artists!!! Thanks so much to Marla James of Marla's Mud...our fearless leader!!!...as a group we are being launched in Beads 2007 next week!! I think the site looks fabulous and so many amazing clay bead & pottery artists!!! Anyway, much of my time has been devoted to this project!...and I am looking forward to getting my hands back busy in the clay...I have some great ideas I am excited to try...and will gladly post here & on my site as I go along..but do check my site for some of the new pendants that are from the kiln load below!
A touch of winter has come but will not be long....the daffodils are coming up, crocus blooming, such singing of birds!! I wish you blissings & a happy day!

Kiln lid open...

2007-03-26T20:09:00.000-04:00

Top shelf........ Bottom shelf...

Yes, the work is worth it. These will soon be available on my website at fired clay artists. Well, back to work.

Waiting for kiln to cool!....

2007-03-26T10:49:00.000-04:00

Greetings from the LadyBrook Studio! After the glazing and critical tedious time consuming job of loading the kiln & carefully closing the lid...Whew!!! fingers crossed!!LOL!! Now I am waiting for the kiln to cool down so I can open the lid!! Anyone remember the song from Carly Simon...Anticipation????!! Excitement, anxiety, and the thrill to see & handle a new batch of pendants & beads...and hope they all come out great! I will post a picture when the lid is open....a few hours from now!!! sing it Carly!!! LOL!!

2007-03-18T20:57:00.000-04:00

Handmade ceramic Kaleidoscope bead...large & different designs painted all around using detail brushes...steady hand...magnifier (a must!!)lol and underglazes with clear glaze. I love design & color and I find myself lost to the bead when the brushes & glazes are in my hands...and the bead design takes on a life of it's own! I have this bead pictured larger to show detail. I am new at this show and tell blogging but I see I am not alone and very happy to share as you other beadmakers are too!! I am sooo happy to have found clay to create with ....the whole process is a joy! Calling it a night...our beagle Gracie needs her night walk.

Website & Glazing....

2007-03-15T21:34:00.000-04:00

Seems I am working on my website all the time...and yet it seems still so much to go!!! but I feel very good about this new journey with Fired Clay Artists!! the launch is in about 4 weeks!! so I have much to do!!!

Got downstairs and glazed pendants I have created a while ago...the website got most of me this winter and all this new planning!! so I am very psyched and getting ready for an exciting Spring and beginning!! We are due for more snow...and I see the daffodils coming out of the earth...nature knows!! I am excited using some new glazes I got on my pendants!! will post pix when they are loaded and done!! I am thinking of new customers for my work and the designs they will create with my beads and pendants!! Being a jewelry artisan for many years this is new and exciting to be making pieces for other jewelry artists to create with!! March is flying by, and I wish happy beading to all!!

Christine

Spring is almost here...

2007-03-12T13:07:00.000-04:00

Welcome to LadyBrook Designs Studio Blog! With encouragement from BoC (Beads of Clay) members, I am going to share with you my journey with making my LadyBrook Beads & Jewelry designs... somewhere the road forked and I chose this path...more like it chose me! At present, my studio is & has been the basement, now it is time I get it out in the light...an old garage we had (how it lasted this long is mystery!) has been taken down by my wonderful husband Bob, and my new studio will be in its place!!! I am so excited!! I will be happy to post photos as we go along making my dream ...reality!!! So much is happening in the bead clay world...a new website for Clay Artists has been launched but will have more artists up and running by April 1st....Yes, including me!! the side is Fired Clay Artists! It is a great group of dedicated clay artisans...and I am so very happy to be part of it! Well, I need to go and glaze pendants & beads....
Christine