just vonna

Updates!

2013-03-13T11:10:00.003-06:00

I'm just about to start listing beads again on EBay! Hey it's totally worth the try!!

I'm still on Etsy!!

I'm teaching at an Art Shop in Libertyville! Check out the Calendar

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

Beading Journal Project 2013

2012-12-08T07:10:00.000-06:00

This project is the brain child of Robin Atkins and is all about creating a journal with beads!

Documenting your emotions and/or experiences on fabric not paper and with beads! I will be able to use any medium any technique, but it has to include some beading. (I have no problem with that!)
I am also free to structure the bead journal pages to my liking, as long as all 12 of the pages are the same size. (I don't think I'll have a problem with that!)

The project is in it's 6th year and I am happy to have been excepted to join in.
To find out more about this project please feel free to visit the blog Bead Journal Project 2013

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

Artisan Cyber Sale Just Vonna on Etsy!

2012-11-19T16:54:00.001-06:00

Artisan Cyber Sale
Rumored to be the largest EVER!!

I'll be offering a 20% Discount on Everything in my Etsy Store!
Shop JustVonna
Use coupon code - BLACKFRIDAY2012 at checkout..

I'll also be giving away this Sterling Silver Square Locket
$50.00 retail Value!

If you leave a comment you will be entered to win..
Drawing will be December 1st, 2012

YAY!!! WINNER!!!!!!!!! Jean Wells
So without further adieu...

Shop the finest Jewelry Designers For the 2012 Holiday Season

Many of our artists have published work & sell their beautiful pieces nationally and internationally.

See something you like?
Please click on the picture to browse their giveaway and view all their
Fabulous Handmade Jewelry Pieces.

All participating jewelry designers will be offering a unique discount in their stores
& each will be promoting a GIVEAWAY!

(who doesn't love a giveaway??)

Our group will be offering over $700 combined in prizes!!
Winners will be chosen individually by the blog owners.

We will be hiding
Three Exciting Giveaways
throughout our participants blogs.
When you find them, follow the directions to be entered!
Thanks for shopping HANDMADE!

Justvonna on Etsy!

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

Crafters Devotional Blog

2012-11-16T22:47:00.001-06:00

Good Morning!

Doughnut anyone????

I stumbled upon this little guy wandering around the internet yesterday on this awesome blog called Twisted Sifter, don't ask me what I was googling for as I immediately thought about our friend Patti and cute adorable Tessa... and completely forgot was I was suppose to blog about today! HAHA

But then again...
As I do strive for perfection with most anything I do..
Nobody's perfect!
So I never ever bead myself up over it......

You shouldn't either!

This blog Twisted Sifter has the most inspirational, funny and wonderful pictures! I highly recommend checking it out -------> (((link)))

Please visit these wonderful ladies who have joined in today for The Crafter's Devotional!
Sally - The Studio Sublime
Sandi - Sandi Volpe Handcrafted Jewelry
Jeannie - JKDJewelry
Elisabeth - Beads for Busy Gals

PS! This is my 100th blog post... took me long enough!! :)
"To Learn, To Teach, To Share!"
peace, vonna

Kalmbach's Bead Soup Party

2012-10-21T12:02:00.001-05:00

In honor of Lori Anderson's new book Bead Soup, Kalmbach decided to have a party of their own. This is sort of similar to the theme behind Lori's book (bead exchanges), but a little different. I was paired with South Pass Beads in Southern Illinois. Designers signed up hoping to get a chance to win prizes and were paired with bead stores from around the country and asked to create a necklace. No one knew what they were going to receive until it arrived on their doorstep. I received the mix above, and believe it or not all photographs pictured here were taken on my front doorstep! If you would like to purchase the mix I received, just hop on over to LouAnn's shop on Etsy!

Instead of going all out on this design, I stepped back and took a look at the components that I received, what I already had in my stash and what I had picked up at the Naperville Bead Show this past September from Bella Venetian Beads.

I kept these designs fairly simple. I drew color inspiration from the dragonfly focal Lou Ann sent along with the mix.

I pulled color from the painted dots and brought it into the adult necklace using the red to create the pop with the dyed red turquoise stones. I remembered purchasing years ago a sterling silver dragonfly clasp. It was the AhHa moment that brought both together..
"A Mother & Child Necklace Set"

If you can see in the picture I also used a few faceted gemmie beads from mom’s necklace and incorporated them into the child’s necklace.. What child doesn’t want to feel special with a few gemmies! Seriously it won’t cost you too much to give up a few gemmies, after all they are only beads!

Find all the soup on Kalmbach's Pinterest board!

To Learn to Teach to Share!!
peace, vonna

What is Me Time?

2012-09-07T23:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Crafter's Devotional Blog Hop!
A brilliant idea for a hop by: Elizabeth of Beads For Busy Gals!

of which she has based this idea from the book (of which I haven't had the chance to purchase yet!) by Barbara R. Call that has "365 days of tips, tricks, and techniques for unlocking your creative spirit."

We all have creative spirit right??
We just have to find it.. that is if we think we have lost it!

Elizabeth asked us to answer a question!

My Question?

What activity has inspired you the most?

My Answer?

Finding Me Time!!!

My inspiration comes from being able to find, allot & "ALLOW" me, myself, & I time to create!

Take a minute, re-arrange a few things in your schedule and make it a must each and everyday to find a little bit of me time!

peace, vonna

Be sure to check out these great ladies and see what they have to say today! Thanks for stopping on by! Have the most wonderful day!

Beth
http://storiesbyindigoheart.blogspot.com/

Elisabeth ( She started this! )
http://www.beadsforbusygals.com/

Holly
http://silverrosedesigns.blogspot.com/

Hope
http://craftyhope.blogspot.com/2012/08/crafters-devotional-first-hop.html

Jeannie
http://site.jkdjewelry.com/blog/2012/08/18/crafters-devotional-blop-hop

Jen
http://jenjuddrocks.blogspot.com/

Kristin
http://kristen-beadjourney.blogspot.com/

Patty
http://www.mylifeunderthebus.typepad.com/

Sally
http://thestudiosublime.com

Sandi
http://sandivolpe.com/

Vonna (you are here) :)
http://www.justvonna.blogspot.com/

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

2012-07-27T23:30:00.000-05:00

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

Soup, Salad and Dessert!

2012-07-05T22:12:00.003-05:00

I received my soup from Jayne Capps today and am very excited to get to work mixing these courses together! --Thank you Jayne!!!!!

The clasp is made up of wood and copper and the pendant focal is leather!
The beads are a wonderful mix of organic colors.

This salad could possibly wind up swimming in the soup! The richer colors match the underlying colors of the soup mix above!

I do believe I have a chess piece pendant in this dessert!

Along with a set lampwork beads created by Juls Beads!

I'll see, maybe I'll create a few things or one dynamic piece! I have a few weeks, our reveal date is July 28th. Hope to see you then!peace, vonna

Free Beads for Blogging!

2012-07-01T05:58:00.004-05:00

Yes it does say FREE!

Follow the link below for a no strings attached way to get some free beads!

Free Beads for Blogging

If you just can't wait to get your free beads pop on over to Tayna's Etsy store!

Have a fabulous day! peace, Vonna

Feature today AdobeSol Designs

2012-06-25T15:20:00.001-05:00

You see I have this most wonderful friend Rebecca Bogan and she creates the most beautiful fine silver jewelry!

we met on line way back when... in a jewelry group on Ebay ( I think ???) haha! It's been that long........

You can purchase this beautiful necklace here!

I was very fortunate last year to be able to travel to New Mexico to meet (face to face) Rebecca along with other friends I have know like forever! I won't tell you she treated me to a heavy metal concert... but it was AWESOME! Who would of thunk??

I also met a few of Rebecca's friends that I have come to know better on Facebook! David Lloyd Steward, OMG he creates the most incredible fabricated art! I had the honor of watching David create one of his castle's! Like this one here!!!! You have to check it out!!!!!!!!

I can't wait to David, Letitia, Robin, Barb and Lewis again! I am leaving right before the 6th bead soup reveal on July 28th! I'll try and remember to take pictures!

peace, vonna

Peace is the Key to Ones Heart

2012-03-30T12:08:00.001-06:00

“Peace is the Key to one’s Heart.”
"Find comfort in your heart and your days will be forever peaceful." jonathan mceachern

The inspiration for this bracelet surprisingly came from words my son Jonathan wrote in a story I read after he died. Words that have been following me in my art and life as I continue to travel this new path I am on surviving life without him.
While creating this bracelet for the mother's of whom I call my sister's now, I realized the symbolism is universal. With a loss of any kind you must live moment to moment some days. I have lost my mother, my father, family members, friends, my job, my first cat, my first dog, and have even lost my keys! Finding comfort with loss isn't always an easy task, offering this bracelet for sale makes sense, sharing with you gives me peace!

The Series... look for more designs coming soon.

peace, vonna

5th Bead Soup Just Vonna Take 2

2012-03-02T22:19:00.000-06:00

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.

What am I going to do with my Bead Soup?

2012-02-01T14:10:00.000-06:00

I received my soup mix from Stephanie LaRosa, a wonderful mix of organic colors, colors I love to work with! Stephanie's designs have been published in many magazines like Stringing, Bead Trends, BeadStyle, Creative Jewelry, Beadwork and Jewelry Affaire; her blog "Confessions of a Bead Hoarder" what a clever clever clever name!

The two round beads in the center of the picture with the flowers were created by Beadymonkey on Etsy they are made from horn, then decorated in paper and coated in resin! Pretty cool huh!

The Ceramic pendant that you see peaking from the left side was created by Starry Road Studio on Etsy.

You have to admit it ..... aren't we all bead hoarders of some sort?

I am so glad she likes to hoard beads!

Well, I guess you're all going to have to wait to see what I come up with.. heck ... I can't wait to see what I come up with!

Have a great rest of your day!
peace, vonna

I am comfortable with my grief!

2011-11-30T06:42:00.000-06:00

I share my thoughts and feelings with you today with hopes that an understanding can be met. An understanding of grief felt by a mother, a wife, a friend, a fellow artisan.

Please know that I am okay...

When I share my thoughts just as when I create my ART; I heal just a little bit more. I am Vonna, the same person in the same body as I was before my son died; I just have a different pair of shoes now, shoes that wouldn't fit you! I pray you never have to wear my shoes!

I am comfortable with my grief ~ why aren't you?

You can talk to me, you can joke with me, you can be my friend. I swear I won't bite you or get you sick. You can mention Jonathan's name in front of me. I may cry or I may not. So what you may learn something new! I have emotions just like you and sometimes I just need to be heard, just like you. Please don't judge me. I would never judge you.

I am not afraid of me, so why are you afraid of me?

It's been four long hard years today since my son passed away. Four years isn't that long as I have a lifetime to miss him. I go to the park each year and light a candle in honor of my son. Skateboarding is what Jonathan loved to do. I go with good memories that fill my head with joy!

I share this video with you in hopes that Jon's friend does not mind, know that I shall be forever grateful to him for sharing this with me! What a treasure to be able to have. I shall go to the park and light a candle in his memory and shall pray for all the others

He's coming down the stairs in the video at .19 seconds in...

FwR minitage

"Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose." ~From the television show The Wonder Years

peace,

vonna

Save on Christmas Shopping Dollars $$$

2011-11-26T10:23:00.001-06:00

Visit Lori's Blog for 7 Days as 70 Artists are GIVING AWAY 70 things!

Coupons, Giveaways & More to save you dollars on your Christmas Shopping this year!

Just a Sample of what's happening with the Craft Show Today!

Metal Me This!

Sampler pack of etched copper, brass, and nickel bead caps, including some with colored patina. Bead caps measure ½” and have either a 1.25mm or 1.8mm hole suitable for stringing or wiring. Sampler pack will include 6 sets of 4 bead caps in various patterns including my popular Circles style, as well as Crazy Dots, Old Lace and several others.

A total of 24 bead caps in this giveaway. Value: $36

I thought about blogging about Lisa's to die for big hole bead caps here!
But it's Christmas! LOL ;)

peace, vonna

May I suggest?

2011-11-08T13:59:00.000-06:00

Rock Candy Earrings!
Swarvoski Flat Briolette Gorgeous Sparkly Earrings!
I'll make them custom for you!
Special Pricing in my Etsy shop!

Large $17.00
Small $15.00

Swarovski, custom coating Color Choices!

1. Vitrail Light
2. Electra II
3. Peacock Eye
4. Purple Haze
5. Heliotrope
6. Volcano

Your choice of Gold and Silver findings at no extra charge!

So whether it's your girlfriend, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, Grandma, or other significant other family or friend, skip the chocolate and buy a pair or two of earrings for any holiday season!

peace, vonna

Free Advertising, it's worth a look see

2011-11-04T14:24:00.001-06:00

Websites/Blogs of Jewelry/Accessories : Just choose a color fill out some information and done! Free is good!

peace, vonna

Ware do I buy my beads and things.

2011-10-27T16:54:00.001-05:00

BeadwareIL on Etsy and on Ebay - or I just drive to her house! Like I went to today and yesterday! I had a blast, as it is always fun to fondle beads!

Olivine Cathedral

IDK it has been one of those weeks, you know (well maybe you don't ) when you get so many ideas in your head and you just want to create but can't afford to! Well, being at my friends store with all that inspiration surrounding me, those beads she has from all around the world, the CRYSTALIZED™ Swarovski Elements OH YUMMY, the Bali, the Czech glass, the vintage lucite and she has so so much more! It would of broke my bank, so with all of that I could or couldn't buy these past two days, I went home to shop in my own store in the basement!

Sometimes you can just turn an old style around and give it some fresh new life.

PS:! If you get the chance check out my friends shop on Etsy and or Ebay, she has quality goods and fabulous customer service - She also needs like maybe 3 more customers or whoever and that could be you to sign up for her newsletter on Ebay. She would crack 1000 then! (you have to sign in go to her store scroll down to the bottom left side and you will see her sign up form) -- thanks in advance.

Now go have yourself a great evening and thanks for stopping by!

peace, vonna

If I could I would...

2011-10-15T13:59:00.000-05:00

If I could I would but I can't!

What I can tell you is that this has to do with jewelry, a necklace in particular, a camera, a tree and me!
I know don't tease right?? Sorry, you will just have to wait... for now...

Just so you don't think you have wasted your time at this moment as you stumbled upon my blog here is a pretty piece of eye candy 'just 4 u'...

After many months off on a much needed sabbatical, traveling for my sanity, fiddling and rearranging my house and my studio; and finally getting used to the empty nest syndrome, and I don't mean the "Ozzie and Harriet" way. I decided last night to return to what really motivates me best.

creating and designing bracelets from artisan lampwork beads and things!

I hope you like it.. thanks for stopping by!

peace,
vonna

Copper Swings Singles 4 Sale Soon!

2011-10-06T20:03:00.001-05:00

I graduated high school in Mid 1970’s and my biggest memory was that I could finally wear Blue Jeans to school, no more dresses! Bell-bottoms morphed into hip hugging tight flared jeans, then hot pants and tube tops made the scene!

My interpretation for the Etsy Metal Project Runway 70’s challenge came from a decision to start creating these tube findings ~ "Swings for Beads & Things" ~ I finished this new one today to share with you.

Look for more soon in my Etsy shop individually for sale just for you.

The Etsy Metal blog has a wealth of information that seriously helped me get through some of the rough spots lately and I can't forget Rebecca a major player in this heavy metal journey I am on!

Visit the Fabulous Artists on the Etsy Metal Blog &
Check out their next Challenge Entries for Project Runway!

Project Runway Etsy Metal

empr 9.10
peace, vonna

Copper Swings for Beads and Things

2011-10-03T10:24:00.000-05:00

Copper Swings for Beads and Things!

The inspiration for this finding came during my summer travels I was fortunate to visit several artisan friends of very diverse mediums. We had the chance to play and share our talents with each other. My imagination ran wild when I returned home with a wealth of information and techniques that I had learned. Then having set my sites on re-purposing found objects and supplies from around my house gave me a goal to bring something new and different.

This collection of jewelry would not have come to fruition without the love and friendship of my friends that have walked beside me on this new journey that started almost four years ago.

I shed a tear of gratefulness and gratitude to them.
Thank you for always being there for me.

Just listed on Etsy.

peace, vonna

Bead Soup Party Necklace Listed On Etsy

2011-10-02T09:12:00.001-05:00

This necklace is one of many creations I designed as a participant of the Bead Soup Blog Party Hop during the month of September 2011 hosted by Lori Anderson.

Dangled from the unique antique brass chain is a hand painted handmade ceramic art lentil made by Bonnie Polinski, a vintage striped Czech glass bead I had found in my stash of supplies which hangs from a paper bead I made especially for this challenge. Two faceted topaz rounds, one left over Picasso Czech roundell and one beautiful honey drop of sun Swarovski.

Dangles are wrapped in sterling head-pins that I made myself and brass head pins.

Brass Chain measures 24”” long with a substantial brass toggle.

Just Listed on Etsy

Thank you for stopping by! Have a great day....
peace, vonna

Jewelry Making Daily on the blog!

2011-09-26T20:05:00.001-05:00

LINK TO BEAD SOUP REVEAL September 2011.

I had such a busy day, between the housework, the cooking, the beading, reading, surfing, writing this post, as well as trying to keep up with my visits to all the participants of Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Party.

I am dog tired!

Meet Ripley he is Cindy's pooch! I just love this picture don't you! She just gets up close and personal.
See, I spent to much time looking for lot of time searching for free pictures on the internet to use in some of my non-jewelry posts. You know that attribution license, where you have to credit the photographer. I totally respect that! You can go to IStockPhoto to purchase credits or buzz around the creative commons part of Flickr.

Tip:

Why not ask a friend for a photo? It's a win win situation! You get a photo you are comfortable with, and your friend gets the credit!

You can visit Cindy Etsy shop here!

First stop one of Cindy's Balloonimal's!

Oh my goodness! I have almost forgotten why I came in here.
Thank you Tammy for featuring my bracelet today on
your blog for Jewelry Making Daily

peace, vonna

Vintage Beads from Europe.

2011-09-25T18:36:00.002-05:00

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!

Scroll back up when you finished reading to click on this LINK to check out myself and all the other bead soupers!

Back to the mix in observance below.

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.

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

Homegrown: Deerfield's Local Etsy Crafters

2011-09-23T19:04:00.000-05:00

I am still blog hopping, making comments day by day, with over 300 participants it can make you dizzy! So make sure you check out all the entries from this wonderful party.

Bead Soup Blog Party Reveal

A little less than a month ago myself and 2 other Deerfield artist's were featured as your Local Etsy Sellers on Patch.com.

What is Patch?

Simply put, Patch is a new way to find out about, and participate in, what’s going on near you.
They are a community-specific news and information platform dedicated to providing comprehensive and trusted local coverage for individual towns and communities.

They want to make your life better by giving you quick access to the information that’s most relevant to you. Patch makes it easy to:

Keep up with news and events

Look at photos and videos from around town

Learn about local businesses

Participate in discussions

Submit your own announcements, photos, and reviews

I want to thank Patch.com for this lovely article.