Shar Pei Handsculpted Jeweled Art Tile

The handmade Shar Pei Tile depicts a photo from my original artwork laying on a sculpted tile. The tile is made from polymer clay, with various stamps, florals and etchings drawn into the surface. The tile is then painted with colors to match the artwork and sealed for protection.

The tile hangs from reclaimed jewelry chain and handmade clay flower beads to match the tile. There are acrylic beads attaching the flower clay beads to the chain and running along the side of the tile are acrylic and glass beads in colors to match the artwork and the florals in the tile. There is a handmade heart clay charm on the opposite side of the tile.

Dachshund Bead

This little Datsy bead is hand-sculpted with polymer clay.

Size is approximate:
3/8" vertical (top to bottom)
1-1/8" horizontal (ear to ear)
1" long nose to back of head

The bead is pierced vertically from top of head to bottom.

Available at Nanjodogz

Meet Sweet Freedom Designs

I would like to introduce everyone to Lesley of Sweet Freedom Designs, a fellow Etsy member, and a member of my Dogs and Art group on flickr. Lesley not only is the proud owner of Bailey, her Golden Retriever, she also creates beautiful jewelry. Her Bailey stories are just as creative as her jewels. If you would like to see some lovely jewelry stop by her Etsy shop or her website Sweet Freedom Designs. If you want to visit a great blog about the goings on of Bailey the Golden Retriever, I urge you to read Bailey's Blog, it is very entertaining to see things from Bailey's point of view. I hope you'll take a moment to read the interview and get to know Lesley, her dog, Bailey and her wonderful creations.

1) Tell us your name, how many dogs you have, the name of your dog and how old your dog is? My name is Lesley. I have one dog Bailey, who will be 9 on May 1st.

2) What breed of dog do you have? Golden Retriever

3) How long have you had your dog/s and how did they come to be your dog? Since he was 6 weeks old. After my first golden retriever died at age 14 from cancer, I knew I wanted another Golden, and found Bailey at a breeder in a nearby town. He has hair the same color as mine, and was very verbal, and still is – he talks all the time!

4) Do you find that you've come to favor a certain breed of dog and if so, what are their unique characteristics that you've found to be so wonderful? I love all dogs, and grew up having one or more dogs. I love Goldens the best, though – they are smart, and cuddly, and lovey, and gorgeous!

5) Any favorite stories you'd like to share with us about about your dog? I have a million Bailey stories, stop by my blog to read them: Bailey the Golden Retriever blog

6) Are there any other pets in the home other than dogs? Not on purpose.

7) What kind of art do you create? Jewelry – beaded, bead woven, wire-wrapped, and fused glass.

8) Do you create or make anything other type of art/craft? I crochet afghans and I cross-stitch wall hangings and blankets.

9) If you sell your artwork, where can we find your pieces for sale? I sell at a couple of boutiques in my local area and also my Etsy Shop, Sweet Freedom Designs and my website Sweet Freedom Designs.
Necklace-Sweet Freedom Designs

MsAnomaly and Queen Beagle

I'd like to introduce to you Queen Beagle. Queen Beagle is a wonderful necklace made by Linda Margo of MsAnomaly , a jewelry artisan and fellow Etsian. Linda created the pendant using one of my Beagle beads. Linda shared her finished jewelry piece with me and when I laid eyes on this Queen Beagle she definitely put a smile on my face. I'm sure it will make you smile as well.

This whimsical piece is not for sale, the Queen Beagle was made as a prize. The prize is for one lucky member of the Beagle Street Team who wins the team's trivia contest. Linda is the co-leader of the Beagle Street Team. The team is a made up of Etsy members who get together and discuss their love of the Beagle and their love of crafts. Linda says the contest is a good way for members to get to know each other, view the shops of other Beagle/dog lovers and have some fun along the way!

Linda makes necklaces that are a little out of the ordinary, using vintage and new materials while incorporating materials not normally used for jewelry into her designs. If you'd like to see more of Linda's eclectic designs stop by her Etsy shop MsAnomaly - there are many beautiful pieces to browse through.

Below is one of my favorites:
Frog & Friends Green Beads Aquatic Pond Theme Charm Necklace

Cool Jewelry Designs

Pam of CoolJewelryDesigns has just put together some of the cutest pieces using my dog beads. I am always amazed at how jewelry artists put together their jewels using my beads and Pam is no exception, she has done a wonderful job at creating these lovely pieces. She has really made the dog beads come alive.

Pam has many other beautiful pieces in her shop and I picked out one of my favorites:

The title of this bold, bright and beautiful bracelet is Fancy Pants avaialble now at CoolJewelryDesigns.

I'd like to just say thank you one more time to Pam for making my beads come alive and taking the time to show me her creations.

Meet Elsie

Meet Elsie the Elephant -- a new bead creation. Little Elsie is so happy that the weather is getting nice outside -- it's time to go splash around in the river, she just loves playing in the water!

Elsie is hand-sculpted from polymer clay. She is done in colors of blue, purple, green with a yellow trunk and very, very large pink ears. She has a beautiful kaleidoscope cane on her belly and her feet are stamped, one in pink and one in blue.

The approximate size of the bead is:
7/8" top to bottom
1-1/8" side to side -- (ear to ear)

The bead is pierced vertically from top of head to bottom.

Saluki Tile

Here is a tile I just completed for someone and I love the piece. The colors are a beautiful golden brown with highlights of blue, green and yellow. The artwork is an original drawing and the entire tile is made from polymer clay, the Saluki in the corner is sculpted while the tile is stamped and etched with various markings. The piece is then painted and the jewelry pieces added at the end. The most challenging part of doing these tiles comes at the end while deciding what jewels will best fit the piece and make the entire piece flow.