Wire Benders!

I am constantly in awe of artisans who can manipulate silver and copper wire into artistic masterpieces.  Here are some great examples from Jewelry Creators Unite in Numbers.

Raspberry Iris Brooch 

Just look at the detailing in this beautiful brooch from MDavisDesigns!

Angelica's Floating Heart Bracelet

This bracelet from TheasCherryBlossomBoutique is woven from wire! How clever is that?

Emerald Chalcedony Briolette

This is from TallonJewelry's studio. How does she make that look so elegant? Mine just looks untidy! I'm still practicing that skill.

Blue Green Wire Wrapped Ring

I'm still practicing this as well! JiltedRose has already perfected it, methinks!

Wire Woven Copper Hoops

I love these earrings by Spiral! Such precision! Such skill! Such patience!

Blue and White Porcelain SS Earrings

Me, I can do this! This, and variations on it. I'm still learning. These are in my Bluetinatoo studio on Artfire.

Gorgeous photos - How do they do it?

I've been working on my photography this last week or so.  No, you can't see the results yet because I haven't managed to reach the desired standard.  I have investigated the inner workings of my elderly digital camera, experimented with backgrounds and props but, it seems, my main downfall is not enough light!  You wouldn't think that would be a huge problem here in sunny Spain but, unfortunately, sunshine is notoriously unreliable and hard to control.

I ditched my home made light box a while ago because it was too small to set up a good shot in.   I thought I would be able to take decent pictures with my two halogen spotlights but they weren't man enough for the job.  While my husband busies himself in the workshop, mounting on a stand the huge 500W lamp he brought home for me yesterday (overkill maybe? I just said I wanted more light!), I shall content myself with a stroll through the Artfire studios of various members of Jewelry Creators Unite in Numbers Guild.  Perhaps I'll pick up a few tips!

Linda Landig's pics are always well lit. The subject matter is pretty cool too!

Tali'sCreations photos are always artistically staged. Love that bit of driftwood!

Mixed Metals really gets in close!  Love those earrings too!

Gaelic Forge - the photos are well lit, staged nicely and the colours come out beautifully! These earrings are gorgeous!

This delicate necklace from aMagpiesDream is shown off really well on one of a jewellery seller's best props, a bust!

Whereas, the latest listing in my Bluetina studio only shows how far I have to go!  I am sure I can take a better photograph of this bracelet.  Let's see, shall we? My dear husband has just delivered my 500W lamp, ready for use!

Mothers Day is coming up soon!

With this in mind I have trawled through the studios of the Handmade in Europe Guild and come up with some eminently suitable gifts for your Mama!

Blue note book from Ignis Fatuus

This little blue note book with a heart motif from the studio of Ignis Fatuus would certainly please a Mum or two!

Mothers Day card from Butterfly Crafts

Of course, you'll need a pretty card and this one from Butterfly Crafts fits the bill perfectly!

A beautiful bracelet from gr8jewellery

If your Mother is into jewellery, this pretty bracelet in gr8jewellery's Artfire studio should be sure to please her!

Hot water bottle cover from Noton

If her feet get cold at night, she'll really appreciate this lovely knitted hot water bottle cover from Noton by Raquel!

A garden for you wall from GreenWallNL

If she's got green fingers but not much garden, this could be ideal! It's a wall mounted planter from GreenWallNL.

A shawl from MadelinesWardrobe

How about a delicious lime green shawl from MadelinesWardrobe? Gorgeous, eh?











These should keep you going for now! I'll be searching for some more to post here so keep a look out!

A Collection for Handmade in Europe

I love doing these collection thingies! I pick a theme, go through the guild roster and choose the goodies, arrange them artistically and then press the button! Easy, peasy! This one has an animal theme -

European Animal Magic!

  Curated By: bluetina

ArtFire.com

Handmade Soap

Bluetina has a new workshop!

My work space had become a bit messy, to say the least. I mentioned this fact to my dear husband a few days ago and now I have a new workshop! My husband is not a bit like me - he actually gets things done!

This was the space I had to work in - not very big, eh?

Everything was spread around the room which is also our spare bedroom

resulting in lots of messy corners

and too much getting up and down and walking. Mind you, that was probably the only exercise I got!







We hopped in the car on Friday, went down to the local wood shop and bought a length of kitchen work top and the bits needed to fit same.  Came home, had just one cup of coffee and then Bryn set to!

First we cleared the room and moved my desks.

And, what seemed like moments later, the work top had been fitted on top of two pieces of furniture that were already in the room but not efficiently used.

Now, this is MUCH better! Everything I need within reach and plenty of light coming through that window.

All my beads and findings in their little drawers, close to hand!

This desk is now my photography and packing station with my stock box sitting on top.

And this is my computer set up.

And, last but not least, the piece de resistance - the new tool racks my dear hubby made to help keep me organized!







Bluetina is a very happy bunny!