Clinkscales Arts

Almost two years ago, I found Nervousness.org.  I started joining swaps and it really built my confidence in my art making.  The site crashed later that year and for a while, there was nothing.  Then, the powers that be got the forums back up.  I have roamed through them from time to time, but they felt so stark and cold.  A couple of weeks ago, I was looking in the forums and came across Carol Dellinger’s thread for the 3rd Prayer Bead Swap.  I remembered looking at the old pictures from the first two swaps and wishing I could have joined.  I immediately added my name to the list.

We are asked to contribute one bead for each person signed up and three extras for the hostess to use as she sees fit.  As of today, I have 27 beads to make.  I know me, and I had better get busy or I’ll be drying them with a hairdryer the night before they have to be mailed!  I decided to make clay goddess beads, but I haven’t decided on the finishes yet. 

 We also have to include copies of a page about our bead that will be bound into books and returned to us with the group of beads.  I think I’ll do a sketch of the beads and then write about them, but I haven’t made up my mind yet. 

 Here are pictures of Carol’s beads from the previous two swaps (click for larger views).  I really like the bottom one:

I can’t believe it’s almost December.  Time does fly when you’re having fun…and getting older too!  On the homefront, we are making holiday plans and on the business front, my earrings have done well on Etsy.  I’ve already received two custom orders and have two more waiting in the wings.  I am working on those and on some bead-woven necklaces.  They are going to be stunners.

 Etsy is starting a new advertising venue called Showcase.  It will showcase 25 items every 24 hours and will link to some major traffic sites.  I will be featured on December 20th and 21st.  I do hope Etsy has the view counters turned back on by then so we can see how effective the advertising is.  I think these dates are too late in the shopping season to provide many sales, but I’m interested in the traffic, nonetheless.  I will post a link to the actual Showcase once it gets started on December 1st.

Well, Etsy launched the new website fondly dubbed V2.  Let me say it was not without it’s glitches, but they’re working to correct everything.  I really didn’t have too much of a problem, but that’s because I’ve stayed away from it all week!  One problem I do have is that it seems the flash stuff (sampler, treasury, etc.) doesn’t like my AT&T Yahoo browser.  Grrrrrrr.  I LIKE my browser and don’t want to use the new IE.  I’ve downloaded it and I guess I’ll just use it for Etsy.  Grrrrrr again.  Etsy’s new look is really sharp.  Take a look and while you’re at it, visit my store and buy something.

Speaking of buying something, here are two pair of crocheted earrings I’ve finished.  The two-toned ones were listed yesterday and I’m about to list the red ones today.

Click on the pics for larger views:

Well, I finished my first woven seed bead bracelet.  It’s done in a herringbone pattern with gold filled closure and gold plated beads down the center.  I didn’t realize how hefty it would be.  It really feels good across your skin - very cool (as in temperature, not as in “cooool”.) 

I’m having a terrible time getting a good picture of it, though.  It’s been raining all day, so I could’t do the picture outside.  It’s either too dull or too sparkly.  Argh!

Edit - I got some pictures today using natural light.  This has been listed in my etsy shop.  Go buy it!    

Click to make the picture HUGE!

I worked a little on my website today updating the colors (I still don’t think they’re quite right) and adding items to my Beaded Doll page to include all of the dolls I’ve made to sell on Etsy.  I plan to change the layout a bit, reduce the number of links on the banner across the page and add a page for crocheted items to highlight those precious kitties!  I’m also going to add a page for beaded items other than dolls…maybe.  I’ve been working on a beaded herringbone ribbon bracelet that is gorgeous, if I do say so myself.  I would post a picture of it in progress, but J has made off with his camera again.  The nerve!