Holiday Bling

There's no better time than the holidays to add a little bling to your wardrobe. Baltimore Etsy Team can help you out-- check these beautiful options lovingly handmade from local sellers-

sweet bangle from All Wired Up that's sure to become a favorite.

Festive Red Swarovski Crystal Ring from Trinkets N Whatnots.

Gorgeous Labradorite studs from Jill Popowich Designs...dressy enough for New Years, versatile enough for every day.

Classic and sexy crystal dangles from Heavens to Bessie.

Swarovski Crystal Snowflake Necklace from Jersey Girl Design

Don't forget your hair! This feather hair clip from Design by Night will help you make a Gatsby worthy entrance.

Submitted by Clare Hayes, Fiorella Jewelry

What I'm Working On - Block Party Press

I've making lots of new goodies this summer.  Here are some of my newest jewelry pieces.  Nature has definitely been an inspiration and things are turning more rustic as we head towards Fall:

There are much different things cropping up in my print shop. Animals, cuteness and love are prime themes and the colors are bright and fun.
 

I'm currently running "Back to School" Sales in both shops! 20% off in the jewelry shop (use code: B2S2012 at checkout) and Buy One Get One Free in the Print Shop. See the shop announcements in each shop for the details of each sale.

Favorite Etsy Shop - Uncorked Jewelry

Uncorked Jewelry sells very cool, unique jewelry and cork boards made from wine bottle corks. If your looking for a great gift that no one else will have, this is definitely the place to shop.

British Flag Necklace - Upcycled Cork in Test Tube - 

London Invasion by Uncorked Jewelry  

Octopus Ring - Upcycled Wood - Silver Hammered Band - 

Adjustable by Uncorked Jewelry

Wine Cork Necklace - Bluebirds - Upcycled Silver 

by Uncorked Jewelry

Wine Cork Board - It's a Cupcake War - upcycled by 

Uncorked Jewelry

Written by Abby Bohn from Abigail Leigh Handbags

Ten Question Tuesday - Stonehouse Studio

Hello! Who are you? Give us the 411 about yourself!

My name is Betsy Baker. I've lived in Boston for the last 30 years or so. But I was born and raised in Latin America. I also traveled all over the world when I worked in the travel biz in my previous life. So I'm very much a citizen of the world.

When/how did you start your business?

About 5 years ago the travel department at the large advertising agency where I worked was centralized to another city. I opted to take a buyout package and devote myself full time to creating polymer jewelry. Best decision I ever made!

Apart from creating things, what do you do?

I find it hard to tear myself away from the studio, but I make time to meet with other crafty friends, do lots of shows and try to get to the MFA (Museum of Fine Arts) at least once a month. And, yeah, there's the dreaded gym...

What first made you want to become an artist?

I've been handy all my life, but never thought I had an artistic streak until I started fooling around with polymer clay one day. Talk about an artistic epiphany!

What inspires you?

Color, texture, dimension. One thing I've learned since devoting myself to my art is to really look at things. I might start at a twig for 5 minutes - my neighbors think I'm connecting with nature, but I'm really looking at all the shades of brown and gray!

What's your favorite thing about your craft?

The versatility of polymer clay. Is there anything you can't do with this stuff?

Where would we most likely find you working?

In my in-home studio. I live in a 160 year old row house in Charlestown, one of Boston's historic neighborhoods. It's a great place to work and create.

What's your favorite music to listen to while you work?

Classic rock. The louder the better.

What's your favorite thing right now?

Doing indie shows. I love the vibe and fellow vendors. And there's nothing like getting instant validation of your work. It's physically hard, though. That's why I go to the gym - to train for shows.

If you could have one wish granted for the craft community, what would it be?

To never again be asked "Did you make all this?" and "How long did it take you to make this?"

You can check more of Betsy's work in her etsy shop http://stonehousestudio.etsy.com

Shop Local-Terra Firma

Many jewelry artist in the Baltimore area already know about Bill and his shop Terra Firma but for those of you that don't, he is like Baltimore's own treasure! His shop may not be fancy and not the easiest to find but he sure has the best selection of jewelry supplies this side of the Rio Grande. Not only can you find a great selection of beads and findings but he carries raw silver materials (including chain by the inch, wire and sheet) and a great selection of tools. Everything and everything from simple hammers and pliers to torches and flex shafts. Bill is my first 'go to' for supplies. You can't beat the experience of hand selecting your tools and materials. Plus, Bill and his staff are super nice and a wealth of information.

You can find them in Pikesville, check out their website for directions. www.tfeinc.biz

What I'm Working On -Tigerlillyshop

Last week I really put a ton of time "down in the hole" -a term of endearment which I use for spending time in my studio. In my electroforming corner, I was getting things set up for my plating bath. I have been prepping non-stop to restock my supply of nature jewelry.

My family and friends have been so incredibly helpful finding organic things for me to work with. I have a stockpile of various acorns, seedpods, shells, etc. waiting for me to encase them in copper. It's a slow and arduous process that takes a lot of patience, but so far I have liked the results I have gotten with this batch. I'll have more acorns and super cute new sea shells just in time for summer! I might even try silver plating some of them this year!!!