Diana Norman Designs

Random Things About Me

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 12:16:00 +0000

Pearl over at The Beading Gems Journal tagged me with the Random Things About You post.

I build computers in my spare time. - It's like building a puzzle you can plug in and use when your done. You can also control the quality of parts, which is important depending on what you plan to do with your computer.
I have only found 2 creative activities that I didn't like, or really don't seem to agree with me... cooking and making bobbin lace. Why?? I'm not sure, I would think lack of patience... yet I can work with seed beads for hours at a time.
I love to learn foreign languages. Right now, I'm working on Esperanto, Spanish, French, and German, and a tiny bit of Korean and American Sign.
My favorite time to create is 3am. It's absolutely quiet, and I have a small work light at my desk. At night the rest of the house is black and nothing can be seen except for my work table.
If I only have a few spare moments, I like to play at www.freerice.com. You can build your vocabulary and donate rice 40 grains at a time.
I secretly adore zoomorphic and anthropomorphic food... but will tell you otherwise. (Some examples here.)

Leather, Aluminum, and Fractals -- Oh My!

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 01:02:00 +0000

This piece is totally different from every other piece I've ever made.

I love the different textures: soft, supple leather/suede, glass-like resin, fiery fractal photo with bubbly accents, sleek, shiny aluminum-- this bracelet has it all. It was an exercise in concept and technique and just pure fun.

My new favorite buttons! for the browser!!

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 02:17:00 +0000

I'm in the process of putting together a jewelry making fantasy wishlist, for a possible grant or business loan. It's not all fun and games, there is lots of research and paperwork involved. Who knew a wishlist could be so stressful! I have quite a pile of dusty yellow sticky notes with scribbled web addresses and prices, and just about screamed in delight when I found out that there is a great website that can keep track of all your wants for you!!

Kaboodle.com is an awesome wishlist keeper! You can separate them by category, there is a downloadable tool bar and browser buttons that help you add items with just a little more than a single click! I'm glad to have a single place to visit, instead of my old system of bookmarking the individual pages. I can't wait to clean out all those old bookmarks and get rid of those Post-Its!

Use kaboodle with StumbleUpon and you might not ever leave your computer.

Raindrops

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Thu, 17 Jul 2008 16:13:00 +0000

Finally, after 2 months of no jewelry making, I'm able to sit up and sit still long enough to wield my trusty pliers! Whilst on the floor for a month prior to my surgery, I had quite a bit of time to hand saw a sizable pile of jump rings.

This necklace is made up of 8mm jumprings with amethyst colored teardrop beads in: glossy, matte, and iridized finishes. If the shiny blue is a little too flashy, the necklace can be worn with the blue side towards the wearer - the coating is only on 1 side, and makes those purple drops really pop without being too overstated. The remainder of the chain is comprised of 4mm jump rings.

Emergency Spinal Surgery

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:01:00 +0000

On June 21, I was supposed to be celebrating a friend's wonderful wedding, but instead of cake and dancing I was having emergency surgery to save the nerves in my lower spine. Recovery is moving along as expected, but I'll be away from the computer for a while.

Feminizing Chainmaille with Beads

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Fri, 11 Apr 2008 16:44:00 +0000

Sometimes the look of chainmaille can be a little harsh, adding small beads to the jump rings can create a more light and feminine look. 4mm lead-free acrylic beads adorn the larger jump rings of this summer necklace.

Since it is so lightweight and sparkly, I'm going to complete this set with an anklet. Bright Aluminum rings weigh next to nothing, paired with the almost weightless beads make this combination great and won't make you feel lopsided.

New Tutorial - Twinkle Twinkle Bicone Star

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Sat, 05 Apr 2008 00:59:00 +0000

It's been a long week, and this tutorial was quite finicky to produce, but it's done, and might I add... fantastic!! It better be - after the long hours of finding problems, tweaking fonts, remaking diagrams and it was all pour vous!!

What you get:
Learn how to create a simple basic building block cluster made from bicone beads which can be combined into any number of possible shapes including my favorite, the 5 pointed star. Also learn to create custom hand-turned ear wires along the way.

The tutorial is packed with step by step color photographs of the beaded shape in progress plus 2 printer friendly pages full of easy to follow diagrams to get you through these stars, one cluster at a time!

The beads pictured are 5mm Jet Czech bicone crystals with rainbow blue finish (a purchase from one of my favorite destash suppliers -- HeartworksByLori.etsy.com), but any uniform double coned beads will work just as nicely.

Since Czech, Chinese and Austrian (Swarovski) crystal beads usually contain lead (which enhances sparkle, but can also be heavy and is toxic), I have some inexpensive bead kits available in high quality lightweight lead-free acrylic in a rainbow of popular transparent colors with metallic kits coming soon.

The tutorial and 300 pc bicone bead kits are available at my etsy shop

On Hiatus!

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:46:00 +0000

See you all April 3!!

Dual Jewelry Deuling Armor - Just what the doctor ordered

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:14:00 +0000

Yesterday, I was prescribed bilateral carpal tunnel wrist stabilizers, and I was totally shocked! Apparently, slight numbness, tingling and cold hands, are signs of over use and repetitive strain, I had always thought it was a shooting pain that I had to look out for... so I wasn't expecting to have to ever use splints, needless to say for both arms!! I was totally bummed. :(

Taking them out of the boxes and putting them on was quite a lot to handle. I went from tiny 6 inch wrists to robotic looking 9 inch thick monster things!! But after getting more used to them, and wearing them for the last 15 hours I've got feeling in my wrists and the tingling is almost gone! Yay! It also helped that my boyfriend said my new arms reminded him of one of his favorite video game characters- Tifa from Final Fantasy 7! (Which is a pretty huge deal! She is probably his most favorite of all time!)

So I see the doc in a month, and I am supposed to wear these for almost 24 hours a day until I see her, exceptions being showers and hand washing or splint washing, I even get to wear them to bed! So I'm brainstorming about all the cool things I could accessorize with, like anklet length bracelets or just embellishing my straps with Swarovski crystals... Might as well make them part of my outfits, no need for my new arms to make me look shabby!

So I now consider them my Jewelry Making Armor. Not to mention how super advertising these seem to be!!! It's almost like wearing a uniform that people are pretty curious about. "What happened to your arms?" Then they are begging to see your work and take a business card, instead of thinking oh she just makes jewelry :) I could do that.

So I'll be taking a few days of rest, and I'll also be away from my work computer from March 20 - 30 visiting family, advertising and other non-hand heavy work and celebrating quite a few birthdays, including my Mom's on the 20th and my own on the 27th!!

I'll still be able to answer questions and send out tutorials, just a little longer of a delay than usual! Oh, and the little earring is from my 3d bicone star tutorial, I'll be finalizing it over my little hiatus.

Have fun everyone, I'm sure I'll have tons of post-birthday news to share! Take care of those wrists!!

One Fish Two Fish Loose Knots Tutorial!!

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 18:50:00 +0000

A lot of work, but a lot of fun! The cover art shows 2 totally different looks, but both pieces are made using my one fish two fish knotting method. Just changing the materials or the number of strands will give endless options for style.

The tutorial is available through my etsy shop or you can contact me via email directly @ DianaNorman@gmail.com

The Price: $9.00.

What you get:
The tutorial is packed with 41 color photographs plus a printer-friendly page full of easy to follow diagrams to get you through these bracelets, one fish at a time!

If you run into trouble, I'll be glad to walk you through the steps,you can email me anytime if you have any questions!

The techniques from this tutorial can be translated into a variety of styles with almost any kind of material that can be knotted. The end product is adjustable when made with flexible materials like fibers or bead strands, but quite sturdy and rigid when made in wire.

If you can tie shoelaces, you can learn this technique. If you've had trouble in the past with following knotting techniques, you'll find this one easy to learn and fast to master but with endless possibilities.

On the horizon -- Jewelry School!

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 00:14:00 +0000

I'm in the final stages of production for 5 tutorials! Sure it would have been easier to produce just 1 at a time, but once the muse starts calling and says it's time to make this, this and this... I can't say wait a minute let me write this up!

Kits may be on their way as well, as more than a few have been asking about those famous flower pendants!

Tutorials in the next installment:

Woven Swarovski Star
Golden Helix Stitch
Editing photos like a pro for FREE
2 Tutorials-in-1 --Knotted Bracelets --- Both Beaded and Wired!!
Knotted Copper Charms

Work in Progress? Or is it finished?

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:07:00 +0000

I've had this piece looking at me for a while. Technically, it's finished, but even though I know less is more, things still feel missing.

Plus, I can't decide if this is a front clasp piece that needs something like a pendant, or if it wants to have loops and drops added across the entire bottom row... or...

Any ideas?

Pink Flower Pendant with Peyote Frame

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 16:29:00 +0000

I am going to have to brush up on my flower names! Somehow Pink Flower just doesn't seem to do this pendant justice. ^_^ This pretty twisted pink nylon didn't want to stay still for complex Chinese knotting techniques but the pendant is detailed enough that a simple knotted cord was just right.

This necklace is currently listed in my etsy shop.

Orange Knots Real Flower Necklace

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Wed, 27 Feb 2008 02:12:00 +0000

I've always struggled with knot work, but finally a friend suggested the best knot book I've ever read. No more what-did-they-do tutorials! Now, I think I could tie a sliding button knot without much of a struggle, the other one is going to take a little more time to master ^_^ I'm very happy with how this necklace turned out. I've listed it at my etsy shop, stop by to see some more views!

Good Luck is Smiling On Me

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 12:01:00 +0000

I can't really say I'm not superstitious... I do think twice before walking underneath a ladder, but that's just common sense! I don't really mind opening umbrellas indoors, and I cringe when I drop a mirror.

But 4 leaf clovers have always been an elusive charm that I search for when I go outdoors (I also look for butterflies... but we have a lot more clover). I did find one last summer, by accident, and was so ecstatic and excited I could barely speak!

I've been working with a lot of lucky leaf pendants, and lately

my photos have been slightly easier to take and edit
I had my first jewelry sale to a far away "stranger" (not a personal acquaintance or family friend)
there has been a jump in new requests for web design and custom templates

Maybe it's just because spring is starting, or maybe it's tax return time... but I have a feeling I'll keep at least one lucky leaf pendant around, you know, since I just really like nature ^_^

The Long RAW (Right Angle Weave)

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 10:59:00 +0000

I had a total revelation at 5:58 this morning about Right Angle Weave. It's funny how you learn something one way and you stick to that way of thinking until something comes up. I love how necessity becomes the mother of invention.

I've been wanting to make the length of a necklace using RAW, I was thinking of making a tube but thought it would take way too long. Then it hit me this morning in a dream, make a long length and fold it in half and sew up the sides. At 3:30 this makes me too excited to stay in bed. I come to the computer and find way too many emails and become distracted for a few hours... I start making the long length at 5:50.

Four beads joined in a circle, then 2 needles, and subsequent loops of 3 beads. After a few minutes, I am getting nowhere! Then I really start to consider the thread path. Understanding the construction and mechanics of the pattern allows you to figure out an easier alternative. What if one needle picked up a long strand of beads? and the other sort of sewed up the loops to finish! Adding 1 bead at a time, skip one on the prestrung strand and go "down" in the opposite direction with the needle with the single bead to finish off the loop. This cuts my time down immensely! And I can finish the necklace the way I desire and not have to charge enormous amounts for labor time! Hope this helps!

Golden Double Helix

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 17:12:00 +0000

This necklace just sort of happened while playing with bugle beads. The twists are adjustable and the length of the necklace is customizable just by adding or subtracting a few twists. A tutorial my be in the works!

Lucky Leaf with Braided Copper

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 22:20:00 +0000

Braided copper plus a lively green lucky four leafed clover is my new favorite combination!

I had a lot of fun incorporating the four leaf theme into the clasp. The green beads came from a stash of a good friend, so this piece is bursting with good luck and happiness!

Burst of creativity + New Supplies!!!

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 21:20:00 +0000

Too many emotions today... but that often means bursts of creativity. I've been in a winter slump of all around ick but today the sun decided to shine gloriously and I remembered a little purple crocus family peeking out from the snow. I love the contrast of purple and orange against bright winter white and it makes me wonder what makes them decide to come so early with inches of snow to either side... I have a feeling it's to keep the Seasonal Affectives from getting too dismal and remember that more glories are on their way.

Also some supplies I ordered some time ago were scheduled to arrive today. Anticipation and deadlines always seem to spark new ideas, like all the materials I have lying around decide that they don't want to hide in storage when the new pieces come. Where was the inspiration before my latest shopping spree??? No complaints... happiness abounds. This is just a little something I put together after the mail arrived. It's a golden beadwoven bracelet in one of my favorite patterns!

I also have some lucky leaf jewelry but those will have to wait until tomorrow!

Happy Valentine's Day

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:26:00 +0000

Share the love! ^_^

If I didn't know about the 2+ feet of snow outside, I would tell you spring is in the air. I'm not fond of the traditional lovey dovey Valentines with scribbled in cards and flowers that wilt and leave your table covered in pollen.

That's why I like preserved flowers so much, for less than a dozen roses you can have a permanent reminder of a special day or anniversary or simply just because.

Happy Love Day!

The Long and Short of Two Needle Weaving

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 12:38:00 +0000

Two needle weaving is a beading technique, that surprise-- uses two needles!

So, it's sort of like burning a candle from both ends, the ending comes much faster than a candle just burning from one side.

I've tried this beaded star in the past, without the stamina to finish, all because I refused to use that second needle. Two needle projects can be converted into one needle jobs there is just more thread backtracking, and a lot more time needed to finish.

I learned to crochet (one hook) first, and I found two handed, hookless knitting to be a chore. Actually, to make things a little easier I knit with crochet hooks until I got a little more coordinated and a little less left-handed clumsy.

I happened to have a box of beads and started thinking of what I wanted to do next. This box just happened to have an old discarded project and a long needle inside. I had also placed a short needle in the box as an attempt to tidy up. Two needles in a box of seed beads, it was just asking for a two needle project.

I'm so excited that they just happened to be different lengths as it made it a lot easier to know if I was turning in the right direction. Also, since I'm not quite ambidextrous, the long needle made it easier for my left hand to pick up beads. And in the tighter areas it was nice to have the short needle. I did notice that using the long needle in the "wrong" hand made things go a lot slower, and the same was true for the short needle. But the combination of long and short turned out to be quite a serendipitous mistake that I'm glad I've happened upon.

You can modify long needles with a nail clipper and file the end to create your own set of long and short needles for two needle weaving. It's also a good idea to blunt the end of your needle if you are using nymo as you would have less chance of splitting your thread. Just remember eye protection and the possibility of pointy hard to find shrapnel as you clip. I did try just filing the end, but found the point seemed to get a little more sharp!

On the horizon: More Copper Goodies

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 15:12:00 +0000

I've stayed away from copper in the past because I am one of the unlucky who turn green upon prolonged contact.

Upon reading all the good effects of copper, I've decided to give it a second chance. Maybe the green effect came from my poor (wait, I mean non-existent) jewelry care techniques.

Copper is a wonder metal. It is anti-bacterial and anti-microbial and has been considered for surfaces that receive a lot of contact such as door handles, etc. It plays a beneficial role in many systems of the body: cardiovascular, skeletal and nervous systems. It is even said to protect against cancer. One of the main uses for copper jewelry is to help relieve pain and soreness caused by arthritis. Of course these are popular belief, but worth a try, considering some of the other alternatives.

Raw copper is has an orangey metallic glow. As it comes in contact with moisture and air it will oxidize and turn to a chocolatey brown, then after a long time or after chemicals are applied it will change to a mint green.

I use raw copper in my creations, as coated copper (sometimes advertised as non-tarnish, or tarnish resistant) will not be able to impart the supposed good effects. It's the prolonged exposure to moist skin and certain body chemistries that are most likely to turn green. It isn't harmful, it should come off the next time you shower. To prevent your skin from changing color, be sure to clean copper jewelry regularly, and store in an air tight container when not in use.

To keep the orangey brand new copper look, try cleaning the piece in a mixture of warm water, lemon juice and salt. To obtain the rich chocolate brown just leave the piece out in the open and allow air to circulate around it. For the patinaed look, exposure to ammonia-based household cleaners should do the trick and the color can range from mint green to a tealy blue. There are some other finishes that can be achieved as well, when copper is heated it changes colors and iridescent effects can be created. Now, If I could only get over my torch fear!

I'm so happy to be able to work with such a versatile metal. It's added a whole new dimension to the pieces I am able to create. Hopefully, you enjoy them as well.

Busy Busy

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:18:00 +0000

I can't wait until spring... It's been so icky with 8 inches of new snow this morning. I've been running all over town and it's an obstacle course of slippery roads, plowed street signs and pot holes.

It doesn't help that I seem to have more and more doctor's appointments and I'm hopelessly addicted to the library and there isn't nice parking. At 8 inches there is no real chance of not having snow in your boots. So they turn out to be uncomfortable outings at best.

All this cold and ick has led to lots of creativity time, but not so near a computer. It is actually waiting time, having to leave extra early to get to appointments, waiting in lines etc. After all that, creating in a cozy chair takes up the rest of my evening, computer related activities have been on the backburner. But I have a few goodies to share: Above is from a new line of goodies called Lucky Charm. Below are 2 bracelet techniques I've been playing with:

I've been learning new fabrication techniques, it's been lots of fun. I definitely love working with copper. The pretty resin pendants ended up in a somewhat sticky mess... I have a feeling it has something to do with the cold... Oh well... off to do some more work!

Modern Day Alchemy?

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 15:58:00 +0000

The dream of converting lead into gold has been a constant through the ages. Sometimes it's because of it's perceived value, sometimes just for the color.

Painted, patinaed and plated metals are not optimal as these wear away and can sometimes leave a wearer a little green. But according to a NY Times article there is a Professor at the University of Rochester that has completed a feat of "optical alchemy" that can change the appearance of inexpensive aluminum to have the rich yellow hue of gold. His process uses lasers, that leave the metal smooth to the touch and cause it to reflect almost any color. That leaves a rainbow of possibilities, plus a new darker than dark black, which reportedly absorbs all light that is impinged on it.

Thinking INSIDE the box

DianaNorman@gmail.com (Diana Norman) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:14:00 +0000

Jewelry storage, for finished and unfinished pieces, what a nightmare! No matter how hard I try, I can't organize and keep things in their "proper" place. My current system is clear plastic for everything. Zip Bags are my best friend. For stackability and portability I use, entree size clear disposable food containers. They are great for storing semi-completed projects and great for trying to corral similar beads and components together. Then those containers are stored in larger containers, it's like those little wooden Matroyshka dolls.

So sometimes I have a million containers opened and I have access to everything, but that leaves me with a very large "mess" and makes me seem disorganized. Then, in an attempt to tidy up, I close some of the larger boxes and have a terrible time getting the smaller ones back into their compartments.

I'm currently in the process of making room for shelves for the smaller boxes so it is easier to put them away. It's too bad that when you purchase supplies they don't include the displays as well, like a gift with purchase ^_^ But I may switch out the boxes and containers completely and go for a hanging display... How do you store your supplies?