Vonna Maslanka

What to do when you have Creativity Block!

noreply@blogger.com (vonna) — Sun, 06 Mar 2022 15:09:00 +0000

Jewelry designers as well as bead-makers and crafters I have come to know talk of having a creative block this time of year. They grumble of having no inspiration nor motivation. Everyone has their own reasons why and I get it. The Fall and Spring seasons can be overwhelming, the pressure to make sales, the pressure to post on all platforms of social media will make your head spin. You're in running mode as if the world was flat and as you keep running to the end just before you get to the end, the breaks give hold and you are at a dead stop!

You're done with the season and now what?

This isn't creative block at least for me it isn't.

The rush is over, the collection is complete and has run the course. Frankly I'm just tired so... I take a step back and breathe and am grateful for the support of my craft from he public, my customers and friends have given me that season. I step into my family more start to purge and organize the supplies that have made an entire mess of my studio. Read a book, binge TV shows or even try a new recipe. I take a new direction within my life so that I can come back refreshed to go on to the next collection - whatever that maybe!

I read this a really long time ago and it stuck to me like glue!

"There is no such thing as a new idea. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of metal kaleidoscope" - Mark Twain

"To Learn, To Teach, To Share!" peace, vonna

"and just like that"

noreply@blogger.com (vonna) — Fri, 25 Feb 2022 22:24:00 +0000

Sometimes it take days, "and just like that this happens"

Such a joy when you have a vision.... it Works!

"To Learn, To Teach, To Share!" peace, vonna

Blu Mudd Design Challenge #5

noreply@blogger.com (vonna) — Tue, 02 Sep 2014 10:39:00 +0000

Blu Mudd Design Challenge #5 Leaves and Acorns, these wonderful ceramic components were created by Moriah Betterly. 30 designers entered this challenge incorporating the same ceramic leaf focal, acorn clasp and three beads.

Facebook

"To Learn, To Teach, To Share!" peace, vonna

Bead Soup 8 Reveal!

noreply@blogger.com (vonna) — Sat, 10 May 2014 05:00:00 +0000

hello there thanks for stopping by!

Ceramic Bird created by me, and Wander Polymer Clay link Tania made!
This is a necklace that is pretty darn cool but sadly I couldn't get a decent picture of it!

Lori paired me up this time around with Tania Spivey of Moobie Grace Designs. Our design styles are quite similar, she has a inspiring personality, she's fun to tease and it's been such a pleasure getting to know her these past few weeks. I have made another new cool and very talented friend thanks to this blog hop! Thank you Lori!

What a fabulous mixture of soup ingredients Tania sent me, some I had never used before! I had to just dig right in!! She sent so many focal components and so many clasps I was totally confused (but Tania soooo gets me!) so I just tried to use them all! I did end up with quite a few pieces created from the leftovers and some that I still haven't used yet! I will post pictures of those soon! Tania thank you so much for being a very giving and gracious partner for this blog party!

I have had this idea for a necklace for a very long time and never had the motivation to create it, so the first thing I had to do was order more of these yummy orange recycled glass beads and finally create it! The "believe" charm is from my special stash just waiting to shine!

I created this bracelet using the Tania made bird clasp with a little of this and a little of that from each bag in the package she sent me! O and the charms you see...that poly clay feather charm front and center, the hidden key charm and that bright shiny copper dangle were of course Tania made!

The focal is a ceramic heart I created, and I sent a similar one to Tania to use in her soup. The colorful Tania made barrel logs are polymer clay beads, the copper link Tania made as well, a Tania made link that I used as part of the clasp. The focal heart that I created, I've only made three of them and doubtful I'll make more just like this one. You see every since my son passed away a "heart" has had new meaning to me.. it comes and goes... it's broken...it's cracked...it has a huge hole, it's always something.. but this heart is a happy heart.. a heart blooming out of a spring flower bringing some sort of peace to my soul knowing that oh, just knowing!!! :)

I have added wood beads in two sizes and shapes, the brass leaf clasp, and a Vintaj finding that surrounds the Tania made "seek" poly clay bead.. the carnelian donut focal has a Vintaj finding too and that dangle from the donut an old vintage earring! This one sold like 4 times already but I couldn't give it up! ugh... I mean really what was I 'seeking'??

Now this bracelet! Well... AWESOME SAUCE!!! Don't you think???

The etched bar focal is what else Tania made! :)
The fab starfish ceramic charm was created by Nan Emmet.. (she's good.. really really good!)
I just had to take a ton of pictures from different angles!!

I almost forgot to mention the clasp (again Tania made) ... it matches my new glasses!! :)

These last two are born from leftover beads, trying new techniques and just playing around! The necklace is full of the triangle wood beads, some kyanite, bone, moonstone, faceted shell pearls and bling tied with waxed linen.

I wanted to create something special using the Tania made feather charm. I went to the art shop and created the ceramic lily so that all the components I used could dangle freely.

I encourage you all everyday to push yourself just a little, create something new... always believe in yourself.. You can do it! -- Thank you for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed your stay.. and if you have already visited my partner Tania to see her incredible work and what she made... Follow this link to the participant list! Enjoy your hopping!!

"To Learn, To Teach, To Share!" peace, vonna

Soup's On! -- Come and get it!

noreply@blogger.com (vonna) — Sat, 28 Jul 2012 04:30:00 +0000

I must admit this Bead Soup was a tad overwhelming for me, I hadn't a clue where to go with what I had received.. Don't get me wrong here but Jayne my partner sent me a fabulous mix! I just couldn't seem to wrap my head around design this time!

So I decided to just dump everything on my table.. mix it all together as see where the elements would take me! Still nothing!

I looked up... and there it was the copper coil, and a jar of mixed up copper parts I had been playing with and had put off to the side! Cutting a random length of copper wire, wrapping it free form around my wrist to form the base, then manipulating the sari silk into place.. I started my journey.

This is the first piece I completed...

I was so excited with how this came out I proceeded to make another! I used up the rest of the sari silk that Jayne sent and using the chess piece as the focal!

Creating the necklace took a little longer.

I had to walk away from it several times before I came with this!

The lovely floral focal along with the handmade bone and copper clasp Jayne created herself brings a dynamic pop of color effect to this necklace. The disk beads are from Africa, the large ovals are Chinese and I have no clue if they are right side up or upside down!

Thank you so much for stopping by, have a fabulous day!

My partner Jayne... to see what she created with the soup I sent her ------->

To visit all the participants for the July 28th reveal click here!

If your just strolling on through check out this awesome all in one link Tanya has created for all the soupers!

peace, vonna

5th Bead Soup Just Vonna Take 2

noreply@blogger.com (vonna) — Sat, 03 Mar 2012 04:19:00 +0000

Hello and Welcome party hoppers!
I thought I would call this necklace "My String Theory" I got out the string and strang the beads, or is it strung the beads? Oh, never mind, on with the show.

Yes, the inspiration for this necklace came from the bead soup I received from Stephanie, but the technique used to create this piece was inspired by the book Beaded Treasures by Robin Atkins.

Believe it or not creating this necklace was a challenge for me! It has been a long time since I have put together a design so thought out! I had forgotten how much I enjoyed this process.

The natural earth tone colors of the elements used are blended with a pop of crème from seed beads and charms I took from a vintage charm bracelet.

Here's a little fun story for you. I actually emailed Robin Atkins when I started this piece to inquire about the "hemp" used as the stringing material. Robin was so generous to answer my questions as well as give me a few clues so I would figure it out myself and learn.

How am I going to attach this clasp!

"Your necklace looks great!!! I like the colors and the balance it has without being perfectly symmetrical. I'm sure you'll work out the attachment of the clasp. From the picture it seems you already have a solution. My honest opinion is: Bravo!" -robin atkins

It took me a week to finish off this necklace because I thought to hard! Who would of thunk! - or is it think or thank! -- haha!

I have donated the necklace to be auctioned off on March 10th to benefit for the Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation is a 501(c) 3 national organization founded in 1992 by CEO/President, Kathleen A. Casey a High School friend of mine lost her son Barrett “Bear” Krupa, to pediatric cancer in 1993. I donated this will out of love! "The Bear Hugs Program, here in Chicago, offers patients comfort & courage through everyday acts of caring because we understand that the little things mean a lot." You can find them on FaceBook or visit their Website for more information.

So the second piece pictured I used the resin horn beads Stephanie sent to me as the two side focal beads. The front focal is a free formed honest to goodness traditional Raku Fired Ceramic piece I had made a year ago. Conditioned Deer Hide, a vintage cuff blank, freshwater pearls, seed beads, fiber and more seed beads! I still have to bead on the finishing touches, but for the most part this is as done as it's going to get for now.

I also made a series of bracelets with the left over soup that I will have listed in my Etsy Shop soon!

Venetian Glass Beads

Thank you for stopping by & have fun party hopping.
I know I will...

Oh, just in case you didn't know

you are here # 99. Vonna Maslanka

My blog partner Stephanie LaRosa hop on over to see what she has cooked up with her soup if you haven't already!

peace,vonna

Your Hostess for this partay! Lori Anderson

Here is the link to all the participants.

Vintage Beads from Europe.

noreply@blogger.com (vonna) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 23:36:00 +0000

Have you ever waited for something special to come in the mail and then go out of town only to find out that the day you leave the mailman finally delivers that special package you have been waiting for?

Much to my surprise when I came home this mix was awaiting me. After opening the package I thought - OH NO! Another Bead SOUP! I haven't finished my blog hopping yet!

A color wheel of beads, what to do??? Oh, that wonderful imagination of mine, I tell ya.
TREASURE BRACELET! Yup, that's what I am going to do. What a great project for those cold nights in front of the TV.

Below is the link to the bracelet created out of these beads 10 years after I received them! Well, it goes to show you... no bead will ever be forgotten! :)

https://www.instagram.com/p/CJraOqWnPdo/

Tip: You see those three purple beads??? When picking out the string for the treasure bracelet I always go with the least predominant color in the bead mix. I just don't always follow the rules by using a neutral base. Sometimes it doesn't make sense.

Her shop on Etsy NO SNOW SUPPLIES is filled with over 300 items of inventory and she been working really hard getting every product listed and available for all to purchase at her on-line store.
Vente is a one woman operation. Check her out at Vintage Beads you won't be disappointed.

Now if you have forgotten to scroll back up to click on the link to the soupers here is another one!
LINK TO BEAD SOUP REVEAL September 2011.

Have a great week everyone. Thanks for stopping by.
peace, vonna

Bead Soup Blog Party Hop Sept 17, 2011 The Reveal

noreply@blogger.com (vonna) — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 04:30:00 +0000

Hello and Welcome!

My instinct at first was to combine all the elements into one gigantic statement piece. Something I am familiar with. I started thinking about how I should challenge myself. Keep it simple, design more pieces, push my limits, learn new techniques and just have fun. I decided to do it all!

So here goes I hope you enjoy!

Using a majority of the beads Patty sent to me, this first piece incorporates the focal bee pendant. This necklace is strung on a single strand of Soft Flex heavy weight antique brass wire, the chain is just free flowing leaving it dangle on one side for even more movement. Originally I had planned on incorporating the blue suede cord that Patty sent me, but instead I used vintage brass coils that I had picked up at a bead show I attended last year.

This necklace is simple, asymmetrical and very balanced.

cooking time: less than 1 hour
This necklace is so easy to make, you can make it too!

The size of the clasp I recieved did not work with the scale of the necklace I designed above; and with so many elements left over I was literally stumped for a few days, until the light bulb went off in my head. What lie in front of me is just bead soup so why not get out the cookbooks and start looking for recipes! I found in my stash of books Semi Precious Salvage by Stephanie Lee. This is when I really started cooking.

This bracelet is my interpretation of the "Rooted Cuff". I knew when I saw this recipe that I had bee fabric. The fabric has 24K gold thread running through and was used as part of a bedroom makeover when I used to work at a Design Studio. I was always grabbing the end cuts of the fabric after the girls had cut out the pattern. Why not? Perfectly good expensive fabric shouldn't be tossed in the garbage bin. I just had to save it! Well, anyway.. I was able to use the clasp as well as the etched brass bee Patty made and sent me. I roughed the bee up a little as I was afraid to punch holes in it. The blue ceramic bead was created by Bonnie Polinsky a friend of mine, she just happened to stop by on her way out of town and I well, she gave it to me.. This bracelet turned out fabulous, light and fun to wear. In fact the a local store has ordered more! The honey dew drop is a serpentine quartz briolette. My first attempt at wire wrapping a briolette. I used antique bronze wire and boy was easy to work with!

cooking time: more than 1 hour

Coming up next you see another necklace which incorporates the book paper my soup was wrapped in. I thought that was so clever! I made my own sterling headpins for these charms too.

cooking time: less than 1 hour for assembly

Back to the recipe book. With my interpretation of the armlet recipe I made the following fun treasure bangles using up more of my soup. The button on the second bracelet is old and lost its luster, so I dremeled the snot out of it! It is now smooth and very rustic looking! The Jasper has the full attention in these. I even re-purposed ribbon from the packages!

cooking time: practice practice practice!

Now this next piece was easy to create. A really long length of that bee fabric, two squeeze on brass connectors and two beautiful serpentine wire wrapped chunk gemstone dangles. Bingo! You have one really long bookmark!

cooking time: less than 10 minutes

Now last but not least... I just finished this piece the night before last. What to do with that suede cord! Oh my... As I was doing some research I came across a flooding of wrapped silk bracelets, now trying to find a tutorial on the internet on how to close these bracelets was a monumental task. Seems you just tie them closed yourself. That did not compute with me. I finally gave up looking. I gave it the old school try and came up with this next and final piece. Is it a bracelet or can it be a necklace! Both.. I am so happy.. Maybe just maybe I'll make more of these!

cooking time: thought process went down to the wire on this piece..

My inspiration not only came from the color choices Patty picked for me but all the ingredients. From twisting, hammering, pounding, weaving, wrapping, stringing, crimping, beading, torching, waiting for the sun to come out, taking pictures, and even pickling! I found this whole challenge fascinating. I have to tell you I am full.

Thank you Lori for pulling this all together!
Good luck with your Bead Soup Book!

I can't wait to go look to see what Patty my partner did with my bead!

Visit Patty Gasparino on her blog!

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York
2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson
3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino
4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner
5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier
6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins
7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor
8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen
9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller
10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare
11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman
12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps
13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka
14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson
15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy
16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price
17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland
18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John
19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel
20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase
22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb
23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign
24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall
25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll
26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley
27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala
28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman
29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz
30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle
31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen
32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards
33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson
34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier
35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander
36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye
37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock
38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone
39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf
40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi
41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll
41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick
42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg
43. Chris White and Norma Turvey
44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer
45. Christie Murrow and Dana James
46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins
47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford
48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis
49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering
50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith
51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes
52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher
53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya
54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk
55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young
56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent
57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj
58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman
59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald
60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick
61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner
62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert
63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez
64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris
65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith
66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday
67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman
68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore
69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones
70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz
71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim
72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable
73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag
74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post
75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton
76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter
77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride
78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller
79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley
80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson
81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor
82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen
83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman
84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy
85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora
86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg
87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann
88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay
89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh
90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski
91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan
92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean
93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis
94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt
95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski
96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio
97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts
98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker
99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford
100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck
101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto
102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark
103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika
104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen
105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec
106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson
107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long
108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson
109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney
110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson
111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger
112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy
113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw
114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher
115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca
116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser
117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse
118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington
119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton
119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter
120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson
121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir
122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank
123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks
124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron
125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe
126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon
127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore
128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller
129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke
130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson
131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum
132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr
133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp
134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara
135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James
136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz
137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi
138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman
139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper
140. Mary McGraw and Laurel Steven
141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner
142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners
143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy
144. Missy Rappaport and Mags Sarri
145. Molly Alexander and Poranna
146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell
147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry
148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson
149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna
150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers
151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and Mary Shannon Hicks

MY PARTNER 155. Patty Gasparino
and (me) Vonna Maslanka

156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya
161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley
171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

362 people making jewelry!
Amazing!

The next Bead Soup Blog Party will take place around February, 2012.

Rest in Peace My Son

noreply@blogger.com (vonna) — Fri, 30 Nov 2007 15:56:00 +0000

Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

~Rest in Peace my Son~

Jonathan McEachern

December 26, 1986 ~ Novemeber 30, 2007