It's Not All Black and White

I'm just not sure what it is about zebras and their stripes that intrigues me so much.

I find that I'm very attracted to the semi symmetry and slight undulation of their markings. Did you know each one is different, like our fingerprints?
And how can you not love their mohawk-like mane?

I've found zebra patterned skateboards in bright colors, and of course, shoes, cakes like the one below and even monogrammed shopping baskets.

But I'm wondering, why haven't zebra striped lampwork glass beads ever become as big sellers as the age old tiger stripes? What's up with that?

Anyone have any ideas? Would you rather have jewelry with tiger stripes or zebra stripes? Would you wear them? Let us know your opinion.

And don't forget that I am taking Saturdays off, but will return Sunday with a new post here on http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com

Cakes Make Great Beads

Needing another creativity source?

So you've used the typical Google photos, magazine pictures, fabric from the store, toys and nature around you inspirations and perhaps you are ready for another idea?

Have you thought about cakes? I've written before about the Ace of Cakes which is one of my favorite shows. (I swear, the employees could all be people I know). And I love them for the funky sculptural look.

But what about looking at the more traditional side of cake decorating as well?

Often times I look at these cakes and think that they would make wonderful bead sets or focals on traditionally shaped beads like bicones.

I've used these two photos of cakes from sugarplum-visions.com as examples.

I think the dogwood blossoms would be gorgeous on a bead. I would buy something that looked like that.

And the bottom cake with the four layers gives you a variety of ideas for some whimsical ones as well.

One of the similarities of cake and bead decorating is that both require a simplification of pattern and detail. Often, they are on similar shapes as what you would normally use too.

Cruise around the internet and see what you can find.

And if you find a great website, how about sharing it with all of us, so we can have a look too?

Thanks for stopping by http://www.StudioMarcy.blogspot.com. See you tomorrow!

How Would You Use These Flowers?

Flowers everywhere.  You'd think I'd be content with the ones in my yard, but no, always need more.

These two flowers are some of the variety that I carry in my new shop, StudioMarcy'sWhimsy, on Etsy. 

I decided to sell them as handmade supplies, in hopes that artists and crafters might find them there.

You see, I think there are all kinds of places that they can be used.

Made on a medium gauge copper wire, they can be wire wrapped into a loop, so they'd work like large buttons.  I can just picture them as an awesome closure on a cool handbag.

Or jewelry makers could make them into focals or incorporate them easily into wired pieces.  I think pins, broaches or even handmade rings, (that's how I use them).

And of course, wouldn't they be great for brides or a bridal party?  No one has asked me for custom orders on them yet, but they could decorate a cake, be incorporated into bridal headpieces, bouquets, or boutonnieres.  (had to look that one up in the dictionary- my years of French classes didn't help at this hour in the morning).

I know this is a creative group of readers, so I'm opening up the comment hotline for your ideas.  How would you use flowers like these?  

Off With Her Head- Bobbleheads and Colds

Are there ever days that you think you'd be better off without your head?  Your throat burns, your eyes don't fully open,  your nose runs and your ears ache?   

Some days I'd like to trade places with one of my Bobblehead glass figurines.  Like this Marie Antoinette for instance, whose head can easily be removed.  She lost her head in the French Revolution and although I'm sure she didn't feel any better for it, at least these darn head colds can't get to her anymore.

Of course I'm kidding about ever wanting to trade places with sweet Marie, (even if she is carrying her own cake),  but I do wish there was an easier remedy for full tilt boogie colds. If anyone has a favorite remedy out there or even product, feel free to post it.  I'd really like to bounce back soon. I miss making beads.  Strong cold medicine and 2000 degree torches do not mix.