Jill MacKay's BLOG

My New BEZELS!!!!

2009-11-01T20:15:45-05:00

Hi All! Happy to let you know that my new bezels (produced by Darice Inc.) are now in production and for sale. I thought I would show you some pictures and get you interested. Please tell anyone who might be interested and please help me spread the word! Especially the polymer clay artists. I am thinking about offering them for sale on my web site. Should I? What do you think? Presently I do not sell anything but my sterling silver on my website. But I really like the bezels...though wait till you see my next line through Darice. It's two tone (gold and silver) it's presently in packaging stage. More on that soon.

So what makes my bezels different then all the other bezels hitting the market for this hot & happening trend? Well I made them very deep so we could really have fun filling them. The walls are 3mm deep. There is no bezels that I know of on the market place this deep...that I know of. If you know of some cool bezels please feel free to add a link to this post. As I would love to know more about what's available. It is so much fun using all kinds of other craft materials to fill these little babies up!One of the other things that makes my bezels different is that I added a pattern in the background. This is especially nice for those of you that like playing with resin. The decorative pattern in back can be left to show or covered partially or entirely up to you but now you have these choices.

Check them out!

Fancy shape deep bezel (above) and matching earrings (below)

Bezel bracelets!!

and matching EARRINGS !

MORE PENDANTS...though these have fancy edges!

I gave them each places to hang dangles from at the bottom and nice large bails!

Check out this fabulous piece that Marie Browning did (my dear friend and resin queen!) I wish Sherri Haab would play with them too!

If you are a designer that publishes and would like some bezels to work with, please email me and I will see that you get some! Look for info on the Designer Endorsement program for designers that Darice is sponsering!

Thank you so much for looking and letting me share!

xoxo

Jill

Trend Spotting Columnist!

2009-10-29T14:45:18-04:00

Well I am excited to tell you that I am now an online columnist, writing for Kalmbach Publishing on jewelry trends! You can see my first article online at the Beadstyle Magazine home page. You may have to sign up to view the article...(I did!) Try this link and see if it works.

Click here: TREND SPOTTING.

Author and editor Cathy Jakicic and I worked out this lovely arrangement when we met at Bead & Button this past summer. Though I must thank Kalmbach editor extraordinaire Mary Wohlgemuth for putting Cathy and I together! Thank you Mary! It was surely my pleasure meeting you both. Very impressive, talented intelligent women!

I've been incredibly busy with tending to my parents and trying to get my work done both...that I have neglected my blog. There are so many new products I am designing I cannot begin to tell you but a picture is worth a thousand words and I will show you some soon! I promise.

xoxo

Jill

Art Defined!

2009-09-02T09:21:46-04:00

There is a lot of movement and action taking place as remodeling has begun to bring my elder parents to live next door to me. In the process of clearing and moving things about the following definition was found in some old book in the garage. It was written by the woman whose house I am living in. She was a two time Guggenheim Fellow, a professional sculptor and lived in this house from the age of five (1914) until her death. She also built the huge sculpture studio on the property which we are now bringing back to life. Yes there is a lot going on here on the property. Much creativity underway.

So sit down as I believe this is the very BEST definition of what ART is that I have ever heard! Enjoy:

"All men are concerned with the communication of the issues of their inner being. From the endless movement of the spiritual and intellectual, they seek to choose and immobilize some fragment of innate discovered self-truth, to render it visible to others. Only thus do they feel the bond of immortality with God and man which perpetuates the spirit and reiterates the great rhythm of truth.

Art is this fragmentary vision of truth made articulate through the labor and guidance of hand and eye. Taking root outside ourselves, it grows and blooms in the new soil of another's understanding.

Thus is established this miraculous language which speaks to man from man, renewing his contact with God, clarifying his concepts, and giving voice to his own nostalgic soul."

Janet De Coux

WOW!
xoxo
Jill

Martin

2009-08-27T10:16:33-04:00

You brought such blessings with each smile. Your gentle and frail hugs will so be missed. You enlightened me with your delight. We will miss your singing and laughter and you will live on in our hearts, memories and thoughts. Now you are back with your own kind...the angels.

Martin Wigginton

Janaury 22, 1954 - August 27, 2009

REST IN PEACE

CHA Super Craft Show

2009-08-17T06:22:00-04:00

Right now is tough for me to keep my mind focused on jewelry and trends. There is much hardship abreast with my parent's health and their on-going health crisis. I just returned from being at the hospital and at their home in Ohio with them for 10 days. I think this is the most uninterrupted time I have spent with them straight since I was 12 years old! It was a precious time for me and a time I will always be glad I took to be with them and there for them, especially after they are gone. Love you Momma & Poppa.

While in Florida to do make a couple of appearances at the CHA Super Craft Show...which was absolutely jammed packed, hoppin full of people by the way! (wow) I received a call about an hour before I had to go on camera with Jo Pearson to tape a webisode on jewelry making that Pop was in critical condition in ICU. It was terrible ( to be more correct...I was terrible!) While trying to work on camera my hands were shaking and I was seriously distracted. I do not like going on camera these days. Didn't used to mind...but this is now and I had just received alarming news.

Being on camera is a natural thing for some... for instance I finally got to meet the wonderful Pattie Donhamand her great hubby Scott at the Duncan booth! Talk about natural, here's a creative power duo that is in front and behind the camera at the same time! Gotta love them! They are super nice and make it all look so easy! I want more of what they have!!! They have so much fun together and are so professional! Congrats to them both and their move to Duncan. They must be pretty smart over there at Duncan to have snatched up these two!

Team Pattiewack in the Duncan booth (and Carin H.A. on left!)

I was introduced to the website and good people at www.ScrapBlog.com . Their work is so exciting and going like gangbusters. They have a winning idea with their website and their team. If you don't know about scrapblog you should check it out! You can even have a book made of your scrapblogging!

L-2-R Nick Branstator and CEO & Co-founder of ScrapBlog Carlos Garcia

While in Orlando I stayed at the Peabody Hotel. I got a great rate on Travelocity and I actually picked this hotel because they had a duck in their logo (I have a "thing" about ducks) when I drove up to the front door and stepped out who should I run into? My dearest old friend Marie Browning! I never see her enough! We went inside for drinks to my surprise this hotel has ducks that live in the hotel and have a black marble palace complete with red carpet entrances and exits daily to and from the fountain in the heart of the hotel. Was so fun!

I Love Marie she is one of my best friends! A creative powerhouse...Check out her many many books at her website: www.mariebrowning.com

The Peabody Ducks!!!! So fun.

After the show was over I headed to the beach for a day and a night. (I tried to change my flight but it would have been big $$$ so I continued to my day off at the shore) It was relaxing even though I was so distracted. I got drunk on moonshine (while walking in it down the shore at night) and burnt by sunshine while floating out beyond the breakers. Had not been to Florida in a long time. Loved looking for seashells...just walking along the shore in the waves....all the while my heart was in Toledo with Dad.

(My sandy toes)

Life is messy, life is hard, life is wonderful, life is creative, life is loving. Life is all of these things and more all at the same time!

Until next time...be safe and enjoy!

xoxo

Jill

JCK, B&B Trade Show Trip Report

2009-06-19T11:05:08-04:00

Hi All,

Doing back to back trade shows starting in Las Vegas for the Couture Show / JCK Show and then going directly to Bead & Button is a most fascinating trip each year. LOTS of information! Going from the high end world of finished jewelry to the best of the jewelry making world has to offer spotting trends so I can try to be a trend setter!

Spotting and then interpreting trends from fashion & luxury finished jewelry into the jewelry making arena can certainly be challenging, but is also quite fun. I feel I am getting better at it (I should be I have been at it long enough!)

How does one do this? After pinpointing emerging trends focus on choice of material options and choose the best ones to interpret emerging trends from fashion jewelry; join them to current trends in jewelry making design by technique.

I saw a lot of continuing jewelry trends in Las Vegas still going strong...nature, tons of ornate frilly flourishes, paisley and floral to name a few themes. Gold with blackened silver was plentiful as well as the use of diamond studded gemstone components and rings.

One of the interesting emerging trends at JCK is the combination of hard and soft materials and the combination of high end components with low end materials. Such as a diamond studded bead on hemp or leather cord bracelet. Bow tie closures with chain, fabric with gemstone beads.

At JCK my favorite pavilion by far was the Turkey! Unbelievable talent and a style that I saw no where else. Very organic, yet decadent. Lots of gold with blackened silver and pave champagne diamonds...wowie zowie! Drool. Going from section to section (country to country) I found it fascinating how each country had something distinct and recognizable about a technique or certain style. It is certainly more evident when you see them all together like that. One of the things I love about JCK.

My FAVORITE Jewelry Designer Sevan Bicakc known as Lord of the rings (from Turkey) was in attendance at the Couture Show! He is a master and amazing! Check out the detail and the scenery within technique and amazing craftsmanship! The man's a genius!

Brilliant micro mosaic with precious gems!

There was so much talent and amazing quality that it was almost overwhelming at times. I found my psyche feeling completely saturated! But then along would come some comic relief!

My favorite BOOTH NAME at JCK: (sorry cannot resist!)

Can you believe that?! Cracked me up! I think it must have been intentional!

Some other favorite visuals from Las Vegas:

Flourishes are still HOT in a BIG way! This one was between the elevators at the Wynn were I stayed...just gorgeous! Probably 10 feet tall!

Other decorative elements at the Wynn...

Sorbet at the Venetian! Yum!

Tao Restaurantfor dinner love this massive Buddha!

Great way to end a trade show marathon walking day! The spa at the Wynn...ahhhh...

Back to biz...Hot colors continue to be rose colored pinks, purples backed with darker colors to make them pop and more dramatic.

Over to the jewelry making end of things the Bead & Button Show was enjoyable as it is every year. From my end of things attendance was a little lower than last year but actually still all right (meaning still turned a profit). Though when I spoke to other exhibitors the elusive "great show" kept being offered up. Not sure if this was to keep up appearances or not. Even Betcey from Beyond Beadery noticed her line wasn't quite as long as usual! (Love those folks! :o)

Trend wise seems to me that Steampunk is on it's way out, but nature themes are still in. Bezels are hot and selling, as well as kinetic jewelry; pieces that incorporate movement. Some on-going trends...obviously the cuff and tons-o-bangles, bib necklaces, huge chandelier earrings with lots of dangles, and multi-strand beaded necklaces. One of the coolest things I saw while out and about was this what I am calling the "morphed culture look". As more and more jewelry designers go directly to the individual jewelry makers (often working out of their homes) in other countries and give them their own contemporary designs this hybrid develops. For instance, you can always tell Hill Tribe Silver and or something that has been made in Bali... mix these recognizable materials and or techniques with contemporary American design sense and you get the morphed culture look. Very cool!

I saw a lot of carved gemstones and teardrop shapes, sphere shapes but less on the geometrics and more on the softer feminine curvilinear shapes. (Curvilinear is one of my favorite words)

At Bead & Button...was it just me or was there more booths with bead weaving kits this year than ever before? What exactly does this mean? Hey and did you know B&B offered 580 classes in the educational component of B&B this year?!!! Holy classroom Batman!

Here's my booth in my new spot on the corner in 1008!

and me in it...

QUESTION: If anyone knows the name of the lovely young woman who was walking around wearing the chainmaille garments could you please give me her contact info? Like a dummy I did not get it from her directly the two different times we spoke. I would like to contact her. Not sure if she was exhibiting or what. I would like to contact her.

Trade show brain damage: Which of these things doesn't belong? One of these things is not like the other!

End of show...all done! Until next year!

Gotta get to work...more soon!

xoxo

Jill

Thanks For Responding!

2009-05-22T10:50:00-04:00

A BIG thank you to all of you who took the time to respond here on the blog or to me in person, for letting me know what you think and feel. The overwhelming majority took the common sense stance that if I write out some of my non-jewelry related lessons directly on the blog (so the go out over the RSS feed) it would be easier for those few who are NOT interested in reading them to simply delete. Rather than for those who are interested having to go hunting to try and find it on a separate page. Besides out of all the responses only two said put it on a separate page. Majority rules.

So I will be posting my "Pearls of Wisdom" directly on the blog. I will try to remember to post as much or more about jewelry too! Though jewelry is always a main work focus in my life...(and I do work A LOT) truth be told is that people, relationships, truth, love and growing will always take precedence. Will always come first in my heart and mind.

Right now I am working furiously to finish the factory spec drawings for my next line with Darice for Michael's Stores. I love doing the design drawings but dislike doing the factory drawings, as it involves a lot of thinking. When I am designing new pieces and drawing my mind is quiet...love this. When I am doing the factory specs and drawing I am forced to think due to trying to explain all the nuances of a design, have to show how it is made and how thick I want it here and there...plus I have to draw each design from other angles. This is a skill in itself! I am getting better but still makes my little brain freeze! I do not make "originals" for every new design as this in itself would take a lifetime! I crank out 80-90 designs with each new line I create. Not complaining...I hopefully just sound more like I am explaining my process and letting you know openly what for me is hard and why. I actually get many inquiries about the process of manufacturing.

Yesterday had to stop and shift gears and take time to ship off the contents of my booth for the 2009 Bead & Button Show. I'm also starting to get very excited to head for the JCK shows in Vegas with my dear friend dichroic glass artist and businesswoman Paula Radke. We became good friends when I was relocated across from her booth at 2008 Bead & Button. She is a peach that one!

Unlike most, besides the food and shows I actually cannot stand Las Vegas but this is where many of the shows are held. Looking forward in particular to the Couture Show. Click here to go to the thumb nail gallery of the designers who will be showing at Couture, along with thier websites ( a resource in itself!)

I cannot wait to see what the top international designers will be showing in their latest lines! Always a great place to trend watch not to mention become inspired by! We might just be doing some cutting up and having fun while we are there as well! Paula and I laugh a lot when in each other's company. Love how that works.

So I had better get back to the factory drawings. These have to be finished before I go anywhere!

Have a fun weekend and thank a Veteran for their service!

xoxo

Jill

PEARLS of Wisdom

2009-05-17T10:50:11-04:00

Hi All,

I know it has been a long time since I last posted, when I could not remember the password I use to log into my blogging site.

This is because I have been very busy working and my personal life is also keeping me hopping emotionally speaking. In order to do what I do (design a lot!) I have to keep myself emotionally clear. This takes time; though I have learned to process very quickly (had to) to be able to survive (at first) and then to succeed and continue to grow (second). But it does take time and there are only so many hours in the day. Sometimes something has to give...

Let me try to explain hopefully without sounding too corny ... As an artist (how it works for me) is the work simply moves through me. Often shows up complete, and intact. I even work in my sleep regularly. Wake up and have to get up to draw what I have just seen in my dreams. For me creating is like stepping into a river that is already flowing...I just to get to be a part of it when I step in it. But I have to be clear enough to let it move through me or I just get knocked down by the current and it rolls over me instead of through me. When it moves through me I get to add a bit to it, shape it with my hands and eyes somewhat... but all in all it shows up intact. So I spend a fairly large amount of time processing and clearing any emotional content that may keep me stuck and off center each and every day.

When life becomes emotionally challenging, which it often likes to be...this means taking the time to clear myself. For if I am upset about something I get blocked and then I am unable to work and nothing is moving through. Life not to mention survival come to a screeching halt! And believe you me I like to eat!

Often times the process I use to clear after reflecting on the situations and circumstances is to write it out.

Many close friends over the years have encouraged me to share what I have written (read learned) so I think I will give it a try. Though here is the question...I am not sure if I should do it in post form on this blog...as this blog was intended as a marketing tool...or if I will just start a PAGE on this blog dedicated to these little bits of insight (pearls of wisdom) that I am able to glean. Posts get sent out to all those who have subscribed to my blog. Whereas if I file it under a PAGE on the blog it will not be sent out to all. Pages are static and have to be intentionally clicked on. They are not on the home page but filed away and have to be sought out.

Would love to hear from any of you on which you think I should do. Post it or file on the side under a page, so that those who care to read it can... and those that do not want to do not have to receive it. If I blog it yes the email is easy to delete...though many who have signed up for this blog signed on for jewelry related topics. Not pearls of wisdom!

What say ye? Would love to hear your input please!

Thanks so much.

xoxo

Jill

My Trip to Dallas

2009-03-24T15:45:34-04:00

In order to help launch my newest line at all Michael's stores everywhere, this past weekend I had the pleasure of flying down to Dallas to do a couple of in-store events there. We had a great time, met some nice, nice people, made some jewelry and enjoyed some laughter together...not to mention the warmth and sunshine! NICE!

FYI...I have quite a few jewelry projects utilizing my new line on the Michael's web site complete with project instructions.

For project instructions on this piece click here . Enjoy!

Don't know about you but I have daffodils up in my yard!! Yes!
xoxo
Jill

Tucson Post (finally!)

2009-02-15T15:21:37-05:00

Leaving the Tucson Gem Show is always hard for me to do, as it is one of the highlights of my year, every year. This year was no exception. My stay was far to short and went by all too quickly. I couldn't make it to all the shows and didn't get to visit with all the great people that travel here every year to exhibit and attend. Though here's a few shots of the wonderful people, places and flavors from the 2009 Tucson Gem Show...enjoy!

Walking back from this year's hottest show (the Holidome) passing Lucky Gems where I get those cool velvet purses every year! Something new this year, attendance was so low that there was a guy in a truck pulling a huge banner for the JOGGS show up and down the side of the road at the Holidome!! I've never seen anything like that before!!

A feasts for the eyes! The largest Chevron beads I've ever seen in my whole life!!!

This picture is so jewelry juicy with gems! Love it!

True to the trends I saw lots of big bangles and encrusted cuffs.

The ever brilliant Candice Wakumoto and her wonderful husband Paul putting up with me asking for photos! These are two of the nicest people, they have between them a great sense of humor and I can't get enough of laughing and being silly with them. So nice, so fun! I love talking to them and as always seeing her work....it's AMAZING!! Holy Heck...talk about talented....wow!

One of Candice's new pieces... love the skulls and the snails Candice!!!(NOTE* I stole this photo from the wonderful Andrew Thornton cuz his picture came out better than mine!!! Thank you Andrew...and here he is now...)

Ahhh wonderful Andrew... Don't you just LOVE people that always make you feel welcome and cared about? I sure do and Andrew is always welcoming....and believe me Andrew...it does not go unnoticed and your kindness is not wasted on me! Hey in last year's photo I caught you looking like a magical elf, this year the picture behind you almost looks like you have a on a crown!! Such Royalty! Check out his blog by clicking HERE!

The Swarovski lair was at great new location this year and as always party night was a great place to find many favorite people in one location having fun in Tucson...

Here's the wonderful Katie Hacker who just had yet another wonderful book come out which she co-authored with friends and colleagues Margot Potter and Fernando DaSilva! Congratulations All! Katie was also just asked to be one of a select few designers to act as an ambassador for Swarovski! Kudos Katie!!! You deserve all the fabulous success! Check out Katie's wonderful beading blog by clicking HERE!

Bead & Wire Jewelry Exposed by Fernando DaSilva, Katie Hacker & Margot Potter!

This photo does not do these handsome gentlemen justice as it is blurry, but they are fast becoming two of my favorite people, not to mention admired designers, inventors and industry experts! The ever popular Wyatt White and the aforementioned Fernando DaSilva. I will never get over the ingenuity and imagination that continues to pour out of these two! More importantly...they are WAY FUN!

She who never takes a bad photo the fabulous Margot Potter! Congratulations to her as well for the wonderful new book! Check out her fabulous necklace! This photo does not do it justice, trust me it rocked! Absolutely beautiful! Check Margot out by clicking HERE!

Now if those aren't happy smiles I don't know what is. This is the wonderful, genuine, Betcey from Beyond Beadery. Wonderful woman, exceptionally talented designer not to mention astute business woman. Congratulations on returning to the beauty of the Rocky mountains and for your 25th year of successful business Betcey! You Rock! She is also my neighbor at the Bead and Button Show!

Incredible, hard working, talented, crazy woman and editor of Bead Unique Magazine and my friend Pam Hawkins doing business when she should be partying!!! Okay well partying and doing business...hey having all those designers in one place is a real time saver no doubt!

The dichroic glass queen and my very dear friend Paula Radke. This is one talented , wonderful woman. Love this lady! Looking forward to doing some projects together!

Here's a great shot of Vin (Vincent Scalera) of Swarovski. Who was my and several other women's dance partner as he was the only man dancing...at least when I was dancing! Love a man who dances! Vin is very gracious as well... I was late and completely missed a meeting with him and he was very kind to me and gracious about it! I felt terrible! Thank you Vin!

Here are a couple of more show shots just to make you drool!

Emeralds, Rubies and Sapphires!

Gemstone strands galore at rock bottom prices! I nearly bought some London Blue Topaz but I resisted! I did shop trust me, but I managed to stay away from the truly expensive!!!

This shot cracks me up! One day on the way back to the hotel from a day of show hopping my navigator (who shall remain nameless) wanted to nap on the way home and couldn't deal with the bright afternoon Arizona sun. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE!!! Hahaha!

Enjoy, Spring is near!

xoxo

Jill