chrysoprase slabs, turquoise sticks, Kazuri focal - $90.00

gorgeous chrysoprase slabs, turquoise sticks strung together with a lovely Kazuri focal bead; bone heishi interspersed with crackly green heart trade beads that are at least 50-100 years old finish off the strand - the necklace hooks with a hand forged sterling silver 's' clasp - the slabs are expensive but the look is phenomenal - It is 24" long and

similar to this necklace but less expensive b...

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two gorgeous paper bead summer necklaces to layer - $76.00

two necklaces to wear individually or layered together, both necklaces have three strands each - one necklace is braided; both have soft silk string cords to tie to the length you wish - lots of summer color and very light weight - they are made of paper beads, ceramic cubes, turquoise howlite, glass trade beads, resin disks -

my paper beads have several protective coats of glaze so you needn't worry abou...

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more polymer clay play

just discovered that these little speckled ceramic beads that I've been holding on to are perfect with my clay roses - this is a necklace in the making, some spots of these beautiful orange travertine Czech glass will add just the right amount of color punch

pretty rocks

some new necklaces soon to be listed in my etsy shop rocksandpaperswans

Chicken close-up

 Here's a closeup of my chickens just because

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new obsession

 polymer flower

 and rustic polymer beads combined with other chunky stones

I recently bought a couple of really fun tutorials that sent me off in a new direction in my jewelry making. I have piles of rustic polymer clay beads inspired by THEBLUEBOTTLETREE's tute Tutorial Rustic Beads and Components from Polymer Clay and RIVERVALLEYDESIGN's  Polymer clay tutorial - Create a Faux carved bone look using polymer clay, and acrylics 

Since I am all about color and textures these methods are perfect for me and the beads and components I've been making have the added perk of being light weight so I can add chunky things to earrings and necklaces without worrying about dragging the wearer down.

Now I have to find time to put all these together into fab new pieces to add to the shop (www.rocksandpaperswans.etsy.com). The temptation is just to keep experimenting and creating beads but the studio can't hold any more beads and partially completed projects.

 

And I keep adjusting things that I thought were finished just a day ago.

Like this necklace: I changed the pendant to one of the new polymer flowers and now I'm thinking I'll remove the lava beads at the ends of the string and replace with light weight polymer, or maybe leather would feel better on the neck, or maybe seed beads would be light, feel good, and be pretty.  I don't know, I shall have to mull it over for a while.

 

here's a closeup of some of the polymer mixed with carved agate, jasper, quartz, Czech glass, etc. I'm crazy about the contrast in textures.

chunky light weight wood-look necklace - $42.00

light weight discs that look like they could be made of wood - they are made of corrugated paper that I have sealed with acrylic for durability and wrapped in my handmade spiral copper caps; total length is about 24", the leather cord does not have a clasp - it just slips easily over the head - this carefree chunky statement necklace is perfect for summer

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Pick a Circle

Just found a big box of my copies of PICK A CIRCLE, GATHER SQUARES at the front door. I love seeing a big stack of just published books, especially when the memory of all the hard work involved has faded a bit. I think kids will really love this one. Here are a couple of my favorite spreads. I love any excuse to include chickens!

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southwest colors cross necklace -

turquoise blues/greens and earthy pink/rust/brown Czech glass and seed beads contrast in color and texture with gorgeous richly colored paper beads in rusty orange reds; bone and copper bead accents, hammered copper cross sits on one side of one of the strands; lobster clasp, length 25" - wonderful as a special first anniversary gift



my paper beads have several protective coats of glaze so you nee...

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lovely review for VOLCANO RISING

VOLCANO RISING
Author: Elizabeth Rusch
Illustrator: Susan Swan


Blowing their tops off, growing taller and wider, and forming new mountains and islands, volcanoes can be both destructive and creative. Extraordinary illustrations complement this description of eight extraordinary Earth events.

A dual-level narrative provides both a simple explanation of how volcanoes work and longer paragraphs that go into greater depth. Rusch offers as examples eight volcanoes from around the world. From barely perceptible swellings of the land in central Oregon to a whole new island in Iceland and the vast caldera left by explosions in the Yellowstone area, the variety of volcanic activities may surprise readers. The text is set on gorgeous full-bleed images, sometimes realistic and sometimes allusive. Swan has digitally manipulated collages of found objects, textures and hand-painted papers, putting them together in ways that suggest the varied scenery of her examples. Palm trees, puffins and people give depth to vast landscapes. The colors are particularly striking: jade and turquoise waters, red and orange magma and hot lava, shades of gray and brown for the ash. In her read-aloud text, Rusch makes plentiful use of onomatopoetic words: “Pow!” “Hisssss!” “Gurgle,” “Tssss.” The fuller explanations introduce, define and, when necessary, offer a suggested pronunciation for more technical words: pahoehoe (a kind of cooled lava surface), tephra, lava bombs.

A clever and appealing introduction to a remarkable natural phenomenon. (glossary, bibliography, further reading) (Informational picture book. 6-10) KIRKUS

my new favorite colors

in my shop http://www.rocksandpaperswans.etsy.com

red wire wrapped paper beads, turquoise bead clusters

dangle earrings, gorgeous aqua and red wire-wrapped paper beads, turquoise bead dangles, very light weight and about 2 3/4" long

my paper beads have several protective coats of glaze so you needn't worry about getting caught in the rain (but don't wear them swimming or in the shower!) and all metals are nickel free and also have a ...

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mult strand bracelet, Czech glass beads, hand formed copper clasp, gift bag - $55.00

lovely turquoise howlite, tiny green seed beads, opaque striped picasso finish beads, copper daisy spacers, hand formed clasp and swirl dangle, antique brass leaf cones, heart milagro, copper chain, fits 6.5-7" wrist (I can add chain links to make longer); comes to you in a pretty burlap bag



Milagros (also known as an ex-voto or dijes) are religious folk charms that are traditionally used for heal...

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ON SALE ancient roman glass necklace, turquoise magnesite nuggets, paper beads - $68.00

EVERYTHING 25% OFF THIS WEEKEND -double strand necklace of vintage Roman glass, turquoise howlite nuggets, magnesite, Greek ceramic washers, paper beads, hand hammered copper clasp, longest strand is about 25 inches; comes to you in a pretty burlap bag



Roman period glass fragments come from the middle east and date as far back as 100 BC. The very basic tools and techniques used in cutting the beads give them a great rustic look and fe...

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Natural History Magazine

nice review for OUT ON THE PRAIRIE

golden luster beads, pearls, chains 5 strand bracelet - $66.00

multi-strand bracelet, Czech luster fire polish beads, tiny seed beads, freshwater pearls, a mix of copper chains all braided and gathered into antique gold tulip cones and finished with an adjustable hand made clasp and handmade wrapped wire rose charms, fits 7" to 8 wrist (I can make it larger), It has a lovely warm coppery glow that is very flattering; metals are sealed to protect the finish and your skin



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jasper nuggets hand formed wire wrapped copper earrings - $52.00

cappuccino jasper small drops are wire wrapped and hang from hand formed, hammered and wrapped copper earrings, sealed patina; they hang about 3" but they are not heavy



***free shipping - USA and Canada***



metals are sealed with jewelry grade lacquer to protect the finish and your ears

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multi-strand bracelet, Mali terracotta clay Czech beads - $48.00

multi-strand bracelet, Mali clay beads, copper chains, Czech glass, agate, and howlite beads, antiqued copper Hill Tribe style cones, magnetic clasp, fits 6.5 - 7" wrist, I can adjust to make larger; it's lovely and light weight, a neutral earthy mix that goes with everything



metals are sealed to protect the finish and your skin

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agate bracelet, hematite bead accents, lobster clasp - $44.00

bracelet, acid washed agate, Czech glass and shiny non-magnetic hematite beads with pewter accents, unusual double swirl pewter caps, lobster clasp and rings to adjust length to fit your wrist - comes in a gift bag

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stone necklace, porcelain, jasper, lava, hand made clasp - $35.00

earthy terra cotta colors, pretty and a little chunky but not too heavy; lovely smooth lava***, porcelain, jasper stone patterns combine beautifully with warm copper washers and beads, necklace is a little over 19 inches long, hand hammered clasp; comes to you in a pretty burlap bag

***due to their many holes and bubbles,these lava stone beads add great texture, but not a lot of weight to this necklace; the be...

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turquoise jasper and hand formed copper earrings, gift bag - $35.00

turquoise impression jasper, hand formed copper earrings oxidized and sealed, length is about 1.25" from end of ear wire - comes to you in a gift bag

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tibetan bead, jasper and bone bracelet - $58.00

*****Free Shipping - USA and Canada*****
Tibetan bead, lovely sage jasper (I think) and bone, hill tribe silver and pewter 3 strand bracelet, sea shell charms, lobster clasp links with chain so it is adjustable from about 7" to much larger (9-ish), comes to you in a pretty burlap bag

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polka dot bracelet, hematite and aqua jasper - $35.00

Use coupon code GOBBLE for 15% off now through Monday

*****Free Shipping - USA and Canada now 'til Dec. 18*****



bracelet of hematite (an iron ore), aqua jasper, and a hand-made polka dotted ceramic Kazuri focal bead from Kenya, pewter lobster clasp, adjustable length, pewter capped jasper bead hangs from extension chain; fits most wrists. I love the polka dotted look of this - makes me smile...

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technique

Someone mistook my illos shown here a couple of days ago as watercolors so I thought I'd talk about my method - here's another spread from GUESS WHO'S IN THE DESERT (by Charline Profiri, Spring 2013). Textures are, of course, much easier to see actual size.

Textures are created by scanning cardboard (cactus), a crackle surface I created with gesso (roadrunner path), rocks and stones, a shadow created on the patio umbrella (background foliage on left) various papers that I've painted and scanned and further manipulated (plant leaves, mountains, sky, earth...) 
I supposed it is best described as digital collage -  Illustrations are created by manipulating scans of found objects, textures and hand-painted papers in Adobe Photoshop to create new patterns, adding digital paintings, and collaging it all together.

busy, busy

I've been locked in the studio for months finishing book projects and neglecting my Etsy shop. This week I'm finally getting some new pieces ready to show - I've had a wonderful time shaping, hammering, oxidizing and sealing wire clasps and links and putting them together with new semi precious stones, Czech beads, sterling silver and pewter charms, and ...... I love these new bracelets!  I think I may have to make a bracelet of just these rose charms (see one hanging from 's' hook)

sweet stuff

this yellow jacket likes my new bracelets too! I've spent the early morning photographing new things for my shop and enjoying a cool fall Texas day

busy in the desert

I've been finishing GUESS WHO'S IN THE DESERT (wonderfully written by Charline Profiri) and it's off into the world.
Kids read the clues and try to figure out what animal is hidden on the page - the answer is revealed on the next spread.
Who's hidden here?                                                                              (tarantula)

                                                                                                                  (bat)

another star for Out On The Prairie

Out on the Prairie

Donna M. Bateman, illus. by Susan Swan. Charlesbridge, $15.95 (32p) ISBN 978-1-58089-378-7

Adapting the rhyme “Over in the Meadow,” Bateman takes readers on a trip to Badlands National Park in South Dakota, highlighting 10 animals that make their homes there. Swan’s showstopping collages have a three-dimensional quality that makes the prairie come alive—a brightly marbled grasshopper stares out at readers, while “a mother meadowlark and her little chicks Three” cluster on photographs of actual branches amid sweeping newsprint grasses. An informative appendix (also illustrated) provides further details about bison, howdy owls, grama grasses, and more. All in all, it’s a delightful introduction to a unique and beautiful ecosystem. Ages 4–7. (July)

another star for Out On The Prairie

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL (starred review)
BATEMAN, Donna M. Out on the Prairie. illus. by Susan Swan. 32p. CIP. Charlesbridge. July 2012. RTE $15.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-377-0; pap. $7.95. ISBN 978-1-58089-378-7; ebook $9.99. ISBN 978-1-60734-456-8. LC 2011025782.
PreS-Gr 2–Using the traditional rhyme scheme of “Over in the Meadow,” this book does its predecessor proud, and then some. Children will encounter possibly unfamiliar flora and fauna (yucca and grama grasses, howdy owls and pronghorns) in this beautiful exploration of a prairie. “Out on the prairie where the wispy clouds soar,/Lived a mother prairie dog and her little pups Four.” A different native animal is showcased in each lavish spread. Swan’s illustrations are unique and quite astounding; made using collages of digitally scanned objects, found objects, and hand-painted papers, they are vibrant and have an almost 3-D quality to them. The grasshoppers seem to be jumping off the pages to spectacular effect. Back matter includes an extensive section, “Prairie Flora and Fauna Facts.” This book would be a great choice for any prairie ecosystem lesson, and it would make a sweet habitat storytime paired with Christopher Gunson’s Over on the Farm (Scholastic, 1997) and Marianne Berkes’s Over in the Ocean (Dawn, 2004).–Alison Donnelly, Mississippi Valley Library District, Collinsville, IL

a more serene scene ...

what I've been working on...

for a person who loves pattern, texture and color this was a joy to work on; the book won't be out until next year but here's a sneak look

Out On The Prairie gets a starred review from Kirkus

OUT ON THE PRAIRIE [STARRED REVIEW!]
Author: Bateman, Donna M.
Illustrator: Swan, Susan
Publisher:Charlesbridge
Traditionally patterned verses celebrate the flora, fauna and wide sky of the mixed-grass prairie of Badlands National Park in South Dakota.

“Out on the prairie where the snakeroot greets the sun, / Lived a shaggy mother bison and her little calf One.” As she did in Deep in the Swamp (2007), Bateman has chosen representative features and creatures to introduce a remarkable ecosystem. Counting from one to 10, she goes on to include pronghorns, meadowlarks, prairie dogs, grasshoppers, grouse, owls, rattlesnakes, coyotes and toads in a series of verses that also span the day from dawn to night. The poetry is not sacrificed to the information; she pays careful attention to language and rhythm, using splendid verbs. It reads aloud smoothly. Swan’s energetic cut-paper, mixed-media illustrations delight and instruct. She includes found objects and hand-painted paper, collaged and digitally combined on double-page spreads that blend into a spatter-paint frame in the story section. Plants and animals are identifiable in the pictures and described further in the backmatter, 10 pages of “Prairie Flora and Fauna Facts.” This describes the animals’ child-bearing and -rearing habits, offers further information about the plants, and defines the term “prairie.”

Another outstanding appreciation of the natural world for young readers and listeners both. (Informational picture book. 4-8) ©Kirkus Reviews

paper beads, lava....

a (sort of new) obsession

I'm working on a picture book
about volcanoes so had to investigate the possibilities of lava.
These stones look rough
but are surprisingly smooth and look wonderful combined with these rough nuggets of amethyst.