Articles for ‘Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog’

Inspiration: Branches with Almond Blossoms by Van Gogh

Written on March 14, 2010


Art Bead Scene has a challenge every month. For March, a painting by Van Gogh was chosen. I LOVE this painting, and went to work right away making the glass beads. I didn’t have the exact color blue that I wanted, so I used a transparent blue I had on hand, and then rolled each bead in a deep blue enamel. That gave the base bead a nice painterly feeling. The branches are applied stringer, made with silvered ivory glass. And the blossoms from a mixture of white and very pale pink glass. Two flowers made from clear glass rolled in frit completed the glass beads.

The finished beads hung out on my bead board for a while until I found a little branch Jim cast in silver. Perfect! I pulled out some bits of antique chain, some links Jim made, and others, arranged and rearranged them all, and my “Branches with Almond Blossoms” burst into bloom. Ah, welcome spring.

Meanwhile, Saturday Beads for Sale slid by without a nod. We went to Houston on Friday (always a challenge for us, we are no longer city traffic friendly). However, we did our medical chores, and afterwards, I enjoyed shopping at Rings and Things. I buy a lot of my findings from them, and gemstones as well. I love to pick out the beads I purchase  in person, so I enjoy their once a year hotel show in Houston. Therefore, no torch work on Friday this week, nor Saturday either, as I spent most of yesterday re-painting all my booth displays for my first show of 2010, coming up in Dallas next week.

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Posted in Beads, Inspiration, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, art

What’s New and Saturday Beads on Sunday

Written on March 7, 2010


I’ve been busy as usual, this week I’ve made these with chain links. Some of the links are made by Jim in sterling silver – others copper and steel made by me. All glass beads by me. Enjoy.

  • one Comments

Cindy: Hi Lyn Oh what an incredible burst of creativity you had! I don't know where to start, they are all so stunning. First, your wire links are amazing. And I just love those colorful etched beads. And Jim's silver links!!...they're incredible too. And you might have saved my favorite for last, because that necklace with all of the discs is just over the top out of this world!!

Posted in Beads, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog
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Artscape 2010: A Fine Art Fair in the Garden

Written on March 1, 2010


  • 5 Comments

Ruthie: Good luck with the show :)

Lori Anderson: Hope you sell out of everything!

--> Lyn Foley: Wouldn't that be a kick! Hope that show you are getting ready for is good as well.

Cindy: Lyn, what a beautiful flyer for your upcoming show. Your necklace is a show-stopper! Best of luck getting ready for this event!

Patty Lakinsmith: I would love to come to this show - how lovely, springtime in Dallas in an arboretum. Looks like you've got lots of great shows planned for the spring, and are no doubt very busy getting ready. Knock 'em dead!

Posted in Art Festivals, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, art
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New Beads & Jewelry

Written on February 27, 2010


New Beads & Jewelry Listed Today

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Posted in Beads, Jewelry, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog
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Two New Beads For Saturday

Written on February 20, 2010


  • 2 Comments

Ruthie: I love, love, LOVE the top bead!

--> Lyn Foley: mmm! Glad you like it! Different, yes?

Posted in Beads, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, Uncategorized
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The Milky Way Necklace

Written on February 19, 2010


I have recently (you may have noticed) really been enjoying the internet beading world, meeting and making quite a few internet friends. Thanks to Lori Anderson and Cindy Wimmer, both jewelry designers, I met Erin, one of the 84 jewelry designers who participated in the Bead Soup Party. All three of these lades create wonderful jewelry – each in her own unique style. 

Meanwhile, thanks to my new interest in learning what they are up to, I discovered that Erin is sponsoring a beading challenge based on The Solar System. Erin’s posts  are all inspiring in different ways. Her Solar System challenge, however, inspired me to make a necklace. It is strange, since just a few days ago I listed some of my beads for sale, beads I hadn’t been inspired to use in my own jewelry.  I named one group “Starry Night.” Go look at the picture of the loose beads – you’ll see why I pulled them out of the “For Sale” bin, and proceeded use them to make a necklace for this challenge. 

The result: “Milky Way Necklace”

Milky Way Necklace Closeup

I added natural stick pearls, silver seed beads, howlite stars and some other goodies to create a Milky Way with my glass beads. Learn what inspired Erin, check out what other challengers have done, and enjoy my necklace, “Milky Way.”  Thank you Erin.

  • one Comments

Cindy: Oh my goodness, Lyn, this is literally out of this world!!! You sure met the challenge and then some. I am truly amazed at your work.... this is one of my new favorites!!

Posted in Beads, Inspiration, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog
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Now Selling My Loose Beads

Written on February 17, 2010


Lyn Foley Beads For Sale Now on the Net

I’ve finally got some of my beads listed for sale. Thank you to everyone who has requested this for so-0-0 long. I’ll keep posting new ones every weekend (Saturdays) that I’m not at a show. Happy Beading!

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Posted in Beads, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog
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Beginnings: Update

Written on February 14, 2010


I fnished my first sculptural piece, entitled: “Memories; Aegean Tideline”

Aegean Tideline

Memories: Aegean Tideline

I changed it a fair amount from the first photo I showed you here.  I totally cut apart the first crocheted “net” I made, and redid it using a smaller fishing line.  I learned alot about shadow boxes (I’ve never used one before) – and am sure my second piece will be even better. “Tideline’ will be for sale beginning March 6, 2010 at  The Gallery at Round Top. All proceeds will benefit ACT. Contact the Gallery if you would like to bid.

  • 2 Comments

Lori Anderson: That is amazing -- holy crow! I'm constantly amazed at what you do.

--> Lyn Foley: Thank you Lori - I'm having a lot of fun with this new direction and am in the process of making the beads for the second "sculpture."

Posted in Goals, Inspiration, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, art
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Inspiration: “Luna Park” by Vestie Davis

Written on February 12, 2010


Luna Park by Vestie Davis

I still haven’t finished looking at all the Bead Soup websites. Have you? My post and info about what I made  for the  Bead Soup Party is here.  Meanwhile, I have been working on yet another challenge – The Art Bead Scene challenge for February based on a painting entitled “Luna Park” by Vestie Davis. Read the ABS challenge blog  here.  Garnering inspiration from this painting really did challenge  me, since I don’t like the paintings’ colors, don’t like the paintings’ style of painting, in fact, just plain don’t like it. How negative is that?  Hey, that’s the challenge part of it, eh? So, scratching my head, I blinked at those pinwheel things in the center, and thought “Murrini.”

Yep, murrini, those little intricate jewels that we lampworkers make by combining lots of colors of glass together into patterns, then pull out into a smaller glass cane. Afterwards, we chop the cane into little bits, and melt the bits into a bead.  I forgot to take pictures of the murrini I made in Luna Park colors, however, here is a picture of other murrini I made  and is leftover from other projects. You’ll get the idea. So, anyway, I made murrini in  Luna Park colors, and was off and running.

Murrini

I made some hollow and flats beads, applied the murrini, and added decorations in other colors from the painting. Made some solid color beads.  After all the beads were annealed, cooled, and cleaned, I strung a long necklace using them.

 Bingo – a winner. All inspired by something I initally didn’t think was inspiring. How’s that for fun? ( and Luna Park does look like a fun place, I admit).

Here is the February Art Bead Scene challenge necklace I made -entitled, what else, “Luna Park Necklace.” Look closely and you’ll see the pinwheel murrinis. Enjoy!

Luna Park Necklace

Long Necklace Inspired by the painting "Luna Park"

  • 4 Comments

Cindy: OH!OH!OH! This is SOOOO beautiful!!! Just love your new murini beads... What a wonderful take on "Luna Park".. I'd wear this one with everything (all the time!)

--> Lyn Foley: Thank you Cindy - I was really happy to discover some new color combos - who knew?

diane cook: Beautiful work AND beads Lyn!

Lori Anderson: LOVE it! I'm trying to decide if I even have the energy to enter!

Posted in Inspiration, Jewelry, Lampworking, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, Uncategorized, art
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Bead Soup Party Reveal

Written on February 9, 2010


Necklace I made with copper links and focal from Cindy and my glass beads and hammered circle links

Beads Cindy Wimmer Made for Me
Click For Bead Soup Party Players

Remember the Bead Soup Party?  Each of us Party Players were given a partner by  hostess Lori Anderson. (Thanks Lori, for setting up the party – go on over and follow the links to see what we all created). We exchanged beads, and then made something out of the beads our partner sent us. I had a ball! 

See the  picture of the beads my partner Cindy Wimmer of Sweet Bead Studio, made for me out of copper. Aren’t they great? Cindy writes for several books and magazines about making wire beads. Check out her web site to see what she does, and learn how she makes them. (And find out what she did with the beads I sent her!). 

Look at the necklace I made with her beads! I love it. I decided early on to use some of my glass disks. I just didn’t know exactly how I would connect them with Cindy’s links. Eureka! I decided to let her intricate links stand out, and made some simple assorted sized circles out of brass wire, some of the copper wire she sent me, and some black steel wire. I used all sorts of jars and bottles to wrap the wire into circles, cut it, hammered it, and Jim taught me how to solder. I then slightly  oxidized the cicles, buffing off part of the oxidation by hand.  I think the three metals look great together with the glass disks. The copper focal bead sets everything off perfectly. I stepped way out of my usual design style thanks to Cindy, and I am thrilled with the result. Hope you like it!!

  • 42 Comments

Cindy: Hello Lyn...Of course I had to hop on over here, it's just after midnight and I couldn't wait to see what you made!!! I am speechless. WOW. You told me you really came up with something different, I had no idea! I am truly humbled that you created something so stunning with my wire links. The combination of your signature disks and the variety of metals made this in to a breath taking piece. I sure hope you like what I did with your gorgeous beads too.... Jim is a wonderful husband...he even taught you how to solder! This was so much fun...I'd love to collaborate again with you real soon! :-)

Rickie: Wow, that is one fabulous necklace you made with your bead soup goodies! Absolutely stunning!

lorelei eurto: WOW. your work is so amazing. The photography alone of your necklace has me speechless. This is truly a work of art. I am so enamored. Hope you plan on keeping this one! It's a beauty!

Kella: I am in awe of your collaborative piece, both of you have such enviable skills.

Marcie Abney: I love the combo of wire and glass in this necklace. It's awesome that you learned a new technique. This challenge was always about pushing yourself and your creativity. Great job!

heather: hands down, my favorite bead soup design! the links with your lampwork disks are utterly amazing. every part of the necklace is perfect.

Lisa Liddy: LOVE what you came up with. I am a huge fan of disk beads.

Lori Anderson: Absolutely gorgeous! I love (LOVE) your beads and adore (ADORE!) Cindy's wire work, so what a great combination! Thanks for being a part of the party — we’ll do it again soon!

Susan: Just gorgeous. I love the metal work!

Nicki: I want this ! It is absolutely fabulous, so simple and so nice. Go to mass production and make a fortune ;-)

Jen: Lyn - this is fabulous! You make me want to go out and try my hand at soldering...all that fire-potential can make all that pretty...nice job!

Maria Grimes: Love It! Very creative! You are welcome to stop by for a cup of “Spring” soup on my blog. http://www.mariagrimes.blogspot.com

Terri G.: so artsy! cool wire beads sent and a cool necklace created ... way to go! You did a terrific job.

lisa oram: WOW. That is a stunning piece of jewelry, bested only by Cindy's work with your beads! I'm very impressed. I am newbie lampworker and I'm so glad to have found your blog. I will come back often.

--> Lyn Foley: Thank you Lisa, and everyone else for your kind comments. I did have so much fun making this piece. I've been away from the computer for awhile, and itching to get back to looking at all the other great creations at our party!

Jayne: the wire work, glass discs & mixed metals work perfectly together

Cathryn: Extremely blown away! What creative juices went into each piece of this fabulous necklace! I love it!

Jeanette Blix Ryan: I love the necklace you designed with Cindy's copper components and your beautiful glass beads! Stunning!

Laurel: Wonderful! Love it!

Erin: This is a wonderful piece! Very creative and unique with those soldered links through your disc beads!

JBirds Garden: Really lovely. So creative and expressive! I love it

Emanda: What a great blending of your style and your partner's love it Hasn't this been fun?!? Emanda www.ArtemisiaStudio.blogspot.com

Shelby Foxwell: Love your design! Your discs are gorgeous and I like the mix of metals and of course the links from Cindy! Fabulous...

Loretta: Love the copper pieces. You did a great job on this.

Mary K: Wow what a combination, Cindy's wire work and your disks. An absolutely fabulous necklace

Judy: What a fabulous collaboration between you and Cindy! This piece is just perfection..everything about it I love!

Julie Nordine - Credit River Art Glass: This is just a beautiful piece, Lyn. You married your glasswork w/ Cindy's wirework perfectly. Well done!

mary harding: What a beautiful necklace. I love the color of your glass discs and they are even more beautiful with Cindy's copper components. You made magic with your soup ingredients.

Kate: What a perfect combination and match up! I love all aspects of it, it's just stunning! Hope you are enjoying the Party! Kate ~ Organic Odysseys #46 Bead Souper

--> Lyn Foley: Thank you! I'm loving the party and still have more links to click Yeah----

Janet McDonald: What an exciting pc not hum drum run of the mill!! I would be really happy to wear this its sooo lovely funky!!

Erin Prais-Hintz: Lyn- This is most certainly one of my absolute favorites. The combination of your beautiful disks and Cindy's amazing wire is phenomenal. You should collaborate again real soon! That is a great focal! I love how you got inventive and wired it together since you didn't have your tools with you. Very nice. Thanks for sharing this heaping serving of great soup! Be sure to stop by and taste some of mine. Enjoy the day! Erin

Katie Nelson: I love the necklace - the copper beads are so cool, and I love that you made your own chain...Super work!

Dee: Lyn, you've created another wonderful piece of wearable art! The metal beads you received are wonderful...I've booked marked Sweet beads by the way...and your glass beads are absolutely beautiful!! great job

sandra: love the dark mysterious feel! haunting and beautiful!

Patty Lakinsmith: Lyn, your soup is brilliant and delicious! Cindy's copper beads are fascinating, and your solution for incorporating your discs worked great. Nice job! Patty

Jo Tinley: Wow! I absoloutely love your necklace! I'm always stumped on how to use disc beads, and this is just perfect. Jo

Patti: Really fabulous! Love it! Patti

Regina: How very creative, love the way your necklace highlights the copper link beads, pendant and toggle and also your glass discs. Beautiful!

Posted in Inspiration, Jewelry, Lyn Foley Jewelry Blog, art
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