YazBerry Jewelry Collection: Magpie for Mother Nature

The Magpie for Mother Nature Collection...I can't tell you weather I am naming myself or a design set of jewelry...I gravitate towards semi-precious stones, corals, polished nuts and seeds. In fact I just invested in quite a few more semi-precious stones to design with in the New Year. My semi-precious stone palate now includes Labradorite, Quartz crystal points, Prehnite, Jade, Garnet, Obsidian, Onyx, Serpentine, Peridot and many many more treasures. I finally have found a system I think I like for organizing my jewelry supplies...a little peek; the tiny drawers are filled with semi-precious stones, the larger drawers contain the rest of the loot and the organizer cases mostly house beads and findings:

So far I have focused my efforts on earrings as I enjoy making tiny sculptures to wear. I plan to expand my stone work into necklaces. Here are some of the earrings I have made in the Magpie collection. Some have found happy homes. Many are available on my facebook page or in my Etsy shop. Do you have a favorite semi-precious stone and you are inspired by something I have made and what a custom piece? Let me know, I would be thrilled to work with you to create something special.

ArtScraps; Recycling, Thrifting & Art Supplies. Heaven!

I spent the afternoon at a true St. Paul, MN treasure (which having grown up in MN I am shocked, appalled and totally bummed and I hadn't heard of before this month). ArtScraps is a self described "reuse store". It stocks industrial seconds, scrap, samples, donated supplies, bits and bobbles intended to inspire and supply the artist. Part brilliant recycling plan, part treasure hunters paradise, entirely great, economical place to find unique art supplies. I am in love!

If you live anywhere in driving distance from the Twin Cities, and like to make things, ArtScraps is not to be missed. The prices can't be beat. For someone like myself that scours antique shops, junk shops, flea markets and other dusty confines, this is a great place to shop because chances are most of what they stock may be what I'm looking for.

ArtScraps is run by ArtStart an arts education organization. Here are some pics of my loot. Thrilled and looking forward to creating.

Upholstery samples. Leather samples. Vintage buttons. Jewelry making bits.

A Secret Garden for Bead Lovers in Northfield

This is a must read: I rarely to never give out my favorite supply places, I guard these trade secrets like the recipe for the pizza dough & sauce at your favorite pizza place. But, I am just so pleased, and because they are big I know they won't run out, with the great selection at Glass Garden Beads in Northfield, MN.

I've been slowly exploring the retail in downtown Northfield as it has changed a lot since I lived here in high school. A few of my old standby favorites are still here but so many new faces (and by new they could've been here for 10 years and I never made it in ;) ) have popped up all over town. Plus, the stores are constantly offering new curiosities. If you are having a hard time finding the right gifts for your favorite people, I highly recommend a stroll down Division St. in Northfield. I am certain you will find that certain something you are looking for.

Glass Garden Beads is a store that I remember being there for several years, but when I would come home on visits, I was not an avid jewelry maker and thus never ventured in. If I had sooner, I am certain I would've started making a lot more jewelry. Firstly, compared to the compact store fronts I had grown accustomed to in NY and MA, Northfield's retail spaces are in general, quite large. Glass Garden Beads is no exception, they're huge! and in the most delightful ways.

I was impressed right away to see they were offering findings that are right on trend with the steampunk aesthetic that is sweeping artist marketplaces such as Etsy.com. Right up front they have over flowing bins of vintage keys (so much more convenient than scouring junk shops like I have in the past for desirable aged keys), deconstructed watch components and these oh so sweet 'tarts', shapes punched from vintage metal containers. LOVE.

As you meander through the store the walls are filled with beautiful beads and the tables too. Sorted by color...DOUBLE LOVE, and within reach so us tactile shoppers can get our fix.

I will let you in on yet another secret: you don't have to be in Minnesota to shop at Glass Garden Beads; they offer online shopping too! Here is their web shop.

Again, this is one of the first and only leaks I'm putting out there on best available supply places. Feast your creative minds folks!

Image found on: http://blog.glassgardenbeads.com/ 12/17/10 Copyright Glass Garden Beads.