Inspiration Monday: Trees

Maybe I can't go so far as to call myself a "tree-hugger"... but then again, maybe I can.  I find untold amounts of inspiration from simply being in the presence of a tall, majestic tree.  

I want to go for a walk here!

They're beautiful in the Spring time, when tiny electric green buds grace their branches.  They're delightful in the Fall, when a rainbow of fiery hues shines overhead and on the ground.  They're lovely and serene in Winter, boughs laden with crisp white snow.  Deciduous, coniferous, it matters not.  All trees are cause for me to gaze upward in amazement.  Sorry, I don't mean to get all "sappy" (*groans at own pun*).

The best part about drawing inspiration from our leafy friends is that so many others share my opinion on this matter.  What does that mean for us as beaders?  It means lots and lots of tree-related beads, findings, and stampings to drool over.

Do trees inspire you?  Let's see your best tree projects.

-Andrea

Inspiration Mondays: Art Nouveau

When you hear the term "Art Nouveau", what images come to mind?  A vintage poster portraying a languidly lounging woman draped in flowing Neoclassical garb?  A floral brooch comprised of impossible looping and curvilinear symmetry?  Perhaps a building facade in Prague that is downright preternatural in appearance?

Alphonse Mucha's Four Seasons

All of these subjects exemplify the vision and philosophy behind Art Nouveau, a very stylized movement in the world of art, architecture, furniture, jewelry, and advertisement.  Even though its heyday spanned from the early 1880's until roughly 1910, Art Nouveau's unique aesthetic continues to inspire generation after generation of creative individuals... especially creative individuals in the wonderful world of beading and jewelry making.

Rene Lalique Brooch

We Beadaholics are no exception to this rule.  Over the years, our designers have created many projects with Art Nouveau flavor.  Incorporating elements like Czech glass cathedral beads, Vintaj brass stampings, and our own silver plated stampings, we often channel our inner Alphonse Mucha and Rene Lalique.

Check out our free project instructions here.

 Are you as inspired by Art Nouveau as we are?  Show us your nouveau-esque designs!


Happy Beading,

Andrea

Visit To A Stamping Company

Summer Greetings to All Our Friends~!
I just returned from a short break visiting family on the east coast. It was a great trip. I love Los Angeles but I miss seeing everyone from my little town. Plus I get to play the tourist, which generally involves dragging my sister all over the #*&%!! state while we explore the sites we have no excuse for never having visited when I lived there.
One of our excursions was to a vendor who happens to produce many of those lovely vintage stampings you see on our site. Now I know what you're going to say. Hey workaholic, what are you doing working while you should be vacationing?! Believe me when I tell you, sis and I had a ball as we were treated to the grand tour of this enormous plant.
I've captioned some photos and short video clips below to show off some of the neat things we saw. My apologies if the quality isn't the best. I shot these using my iphone as I walked through the plant.
Here is a short clip of a die stamping machine in use. The machine is operated with a foot pedal and stamps a brass blank with 12 tons of force.

Here is a short clip of a tumbling machine in use.
This machine will clean and polish freshly stamped pieces before they're sent to the plating company.