Friday, March 22, 2013

Vote for Your Favorite Design!

Introducing Mejuri's Enchanted Emerald Jewelry Design Challenge!


Awhile back, I was approached by a new company called Mejuri to submit some designs for them. From time to time Mejuri offers a design challenge. Designers from all over the globe submit their designs hoping to get lots of votes and positive comments from people like you! You get to vote on the designs and winning pieces will be created and available for purchase! Designers receive royalties on all of their winning designs. 
Shown above is my submission. I don't have fancy design software but I hope you like it. The competition is stiff and there are many incredible pieces to vote on. Voting ends on April 3rd! 
Enjoy!


Monday, February 4, 2013

What's New For February

Studio life in February is quiet. Visitors are few and far between and it seems as if folks are hybernating to stay out of the cold.  But while my would-be guests are staying warm at home, it's "go time" for me in the studio! 

The quiet winter months at the Mill provides the perfect time for creativity to flourish. This is the time of year when I create my newest designs in jewelry and bookingbinding. It's also a time to focus on fine art projects that can't get done during the summer and fall months. 

This week I've been exploring new designs in jewelry. I'm starting a new series of romantic Swarovski crystal necklace sets like this...


 I'm already planning ahead for spring formals, weddings and proms and of course, Valentine's Day.


Although I do love sparkly crystal, I'm also really interested in natural and semi-precious stones. In the past few days, I've been totally addicted to making pendants, pendants and more pendants, like this gorgeous pink texture agate.


...and this agate with bronze bail...


....check out this unusual granite stone...


....I love this moss opal agate....


....and finally, a trio of black onyx, filled with Swarovski crystal....



I hope you've enjoyed this sneek peek into my studio. It's time for me to get back to work so I'll have more to share with you soon!
Creatively yours,
Christine

Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Guess What I'm Making?


I'm gearing up for the next show in the Williams Mill Gallery called "Design on Main Street" happening November 7th-18th. This art exhibit and sale is all about wearable art! It's going to feature some fabulous artists. So here I'm thinking "What can I do with my skills to create something new and exciting?" Well, I'll tell ya! I picked out some size 9 sale bin platform stilletos and I'm planning to make them sensational!
Here's a couple of "before" shots.




So the heels started out basic black. Now, I remember those days when I had to wear heels a lot for special events and decided to make a few upgrades. First, I ripped out the insoles which were poor in the first place with lumps and bumps. No wonder our feet hurt! Then I installed some comfort insoles and stitched up an artsy insole to go on top.
Then I sanded all the rough edges on the platforms and bottom soles. Have you ever snagged your tights with your heels and made a hole? I thought it prudent to smooth everything out. I also sanded off the old finish on the platforms and heels.

What to do with the tip of the shoe? Any paint or fabric would scratch and wear off on the first try, so I decided to cut out and inlay some copper sheet metal into the platform toe. After that I painted the platforms and heels, added more detail on the inside of the shoe and then stretched some fine woven steel chainmaille over the platform and heel.
Now for the tricky part, I want to create my signature style of fabric collage with free motion stitching to the main part of the shoe. That's what I'm working on now. Here's what I've got so far...


...and here's what my studio work station looks like....


I'll keep you posted on how it's going but if you want to try them on....you'll just have to pop by the Mill! :)
Christine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Update! Guess, what? They're finished!!!!

After soooo much more work, these shoes are finished and good to go. I completed the artwork, applied it to the shoes, added finishing elements inside and outside of the shoes, treated everything with stain/UV protection and applied more than 200 Swarovski crystals. Then I bought a gorgeous box which I lined with dark rust velvet and included 2 organza bags to hold each shoe. Here's some photos of the finished shoes. They're currently featured at the "Design on Main Street" art to wear show at Williams Mill Visual Arts Centre. I'll be adding them to my Etsy shop too! I decided to name them "Art Diva".

Here's some photos of the finished shoes. Enjoy!














Wednesday, May 23, 2012

I'm Still Here!

Hi folks! Wow it's been a long time since my last post. There were some technical difficulties and health issues, but I'm back in business now and ready to fly! I've got brand new artwork and articles to share so I'm looking forward to getting back into the blogosphere.

See you again soon,
Christine

"Ohm" Mini Fiber Art 3" x 4"

Sunday, September 18, 2011

September Giveaway Winners!

Rustic Leather Journal $35 by christinemarieford.etsy.com

Due to such an overwhelming response to my September Journal Giveaway, I decided to add a second prize!

Congratulations to our 2 winners!

Nathalie Brault from Quebec
and
Melody Johnson from Virginia

My heartfelt thanks to everyone who participated. And just so no-one goes home empty handed, here's a special 10% discount just for my blog followers which can be used anytime in my Etsy shop: BLOGGER10

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Journal Giveaway Ends September 15th!


Rustic Leather Journal $35USD by christinemarieford.etsy.com


Don't miss my September Giveaway for a chance to win one of my handmade leather journals (value $35)! One lucky winner will get to choose from any $35 journal in my Etsy shop