The beginning of my Halloween Series

Yesterday was my first batch of Halloween beads and I thought I would share. I had so much fun making these, I can't wait to make more!  Please remember that this was my first attempt at any of these. The first of my alien abduction series was fun, I cant wait to make more.  Elvira hair on fire was inspired my another artists pic that I found while trying to find some insperation. I wish I could find it again to give her/him the credit for the idea, I loved her and just had to make one of my own. Any ideas or suggestions or wants please let me know.

Thanks for looking, Kari

Opportunities are a blessing

Last week was fantastic! I have been so blessed to live in a city that sees the benefits in supporting their local artists. CAFE  http://cafehuntington.com/articles/fourth-presenter-kari-newman/ is a community based group that hosts a dinner once a month and donates the funds raised to the artist of choice. I was the chosen one and I am so thankful for the opportunities they have given me! I met so many people with valuable feedback, connections and ideas. I cannot wait to get more involved in the artist community in Huntington...not to mention spend my well needed award on proper ventilation, art organizations and additional classes. I truly appreciate this and it couldn't have came at a better time!



It's going to be busy around here for awhile... finishing my studio, sending items for the gallery at Brazee Street in Cincy, getting jury pieces ready for a few organizations, taking classes, not to mention the family and life itself.  I will do my best to post, but most important I'm going to get things done first!

Brazee Street Studios in Cincinatti

We are just now returning from our family vacation of camping, canoeing, museum and amusement park visiting. We had a great time even though this was our budget vacation. The last day of vacation we had an opportunity to visit a new school of glass in Cincinnati for their open studio night. This was a great family night and I met so many wonderful and inviting people. The downtown area of Oakley has special events going on for the entire family on the last Friday of every month. Chris took the kids to an awesome toy store, they saw stilt walkers, a magician and street performers. I missed most of it because I was asked by the owner of the SOG to torch! I felt so privileged to be able to work in such a great place and to be able to demonstrate to others the art of lampworking. I can't wait to visit again! I can only dream that one day Huntington will have an area and events like this.

A horse of course...and a few other notes

For my first horse lampwork bead, I am pleased! It's funny, sometimes the first is the best, I guess that is why I try to keep things original. I turned him into purse jewelry for a special gift for the avid horse lover.

I am working on pricing and trying to increase my inventory so that I can set up shop at the Heritage Village Farmers Market next Friday morning. More notes to come on that.

I also want to give a special thanks to my friend Jodi! She designed this wonderful new logo and has so generously agreed to work on my marketing and all the things I dread! Very nice to have a professional look at things from someone that understands me and my art and all that I put into it. More from Jodi soon!
If you see something you like just send me an email. I have nothing on etsy right now as custom orders have taken over my life! If your local, just give me a ring!
Thanks for looking, Kari

Purse Jewelry

 
What girl doesn't love jewelry and purses? These seem to be a favorite! Custom orders accepted, just send me a picture and I'll make one up to match your favorite purse. The beads are easily removable and can be moved to your bracelet or necklace when your purse (or you) need a change. I get a lot of my insperations from fabric, so this has become a favorite of mine to create.

A little touch of nature

These funky mushrooms and beads were so much fun to make! I think the big shroom might go into a jury piece, it is definitely meant for up-close looking as it is full of little surprises. The picture does not show its full beauty and color range and I will admit, even if I did create it, I love it!

Mix and match beads

I have heard customers say I don't know what to do with your beads or how to wear them. I'm on a mission to fix this! My main jewelry componet and final way I want my line to look is a slow work in progress. I have been listening to those that buy and wear my jewlery and trying to find a happy medium between creating beautiful jewelry that is affordable and versatile. My goal is to create a system where you can interchange your beads from bracelet, necklace, earrings and rings that is unique from the rest of the jewelry lines. After a few test runs and remakes I hope to launch this by the end of the summer. Till then I will sell my handcrafted lampwork beads seperately or by sets. I do have bracelets and necklaces that are interchangable with the popular charm bracelet lines. They are affordable, durable and pretty. I have traded in my Troll bracelet for my own chain and I love the way it feels and lays on my wrist.

Mix and match lesson #1: My opinion...your bracelet does NOT have to totally match your clothes! Most of us prefer one color. Look in your closet, what color do you see most of? For me its blues, greens and browns. I start with a favorite bead in the middle and then work off of it. As long as the one next to it has a little of the main color go for it.

Any suggestions for the final take on Newman Designs would be wonderful! We want to have a line that makes people happy! My glass beads will always be the main componet of our jewelry, but so much more to come in the future. Patience is the word I must learn during this process. Thanks for visiting my blog and checking out my creations! ~Kari~