Lola D's Menageries be your own vision of beauty!

Lurking in my groups- crochet

2012-02-11T14:52:00.000-05:00

I started this project using Bethintx1's entrelac tutorial. It's easy and addictive. Ive been obsessed since o started it, but last night I took a break and made other pieces. Today the yellow kept begging to be added. So- this is what is looks like so far.

Fwd: Heart Day hat! My own pattern! Woot

2012-02-11T00:02:00.001-05:00

Subject: Heart Day hat! My own pattern! Woot

I decided to take a break from my entrelac blanket. I made this holiday hat instead :). It's my own design. Even though I am not a pink fan, I do love the hat!

Keep swimming.
Keep praying.
Keep keepin' on.

Talula- Wire Queen

Pattern test for Sweetpaganrose

2012-02-04T14:53:00.000-05:00

This is the Phoenix Hat that I pattern tested for Laura of . Love it! I will post a link when she releases the pattern.

Cat modeling again- she so hates me lol

2012-01-26T17:55:00.000-05:00

It's too funny not to dress up the cat!

My cat modeling a crochet hat

2012-01-24T21:20:00.000-05:00

Ok, my cat is so funny! She does not like collars, bells, clothes - none of that pampered pet crap. Lol. So it's always hilarious making get model something!!
Do you see the death look she's giving me?! Lol

2012-01-22T08:29:00.001-05:00

Ever since November I have been in a massive crochet immersion craze. I tried several times over the years to be able to crochet. I learned my basic stitches several years back and struggled make a white queen size blanket for YEARS! I have been working on that thing off and on for at least 8-10 years (no exaggerations). It's STILL in the closet in a bag. However, since November and several hours of watching youtube videos and looking at diagrams and trying to read patterns, I have just had a ball with this crochet madness. WOOT!My yarn stash has grown substantially. I had about 7-9 skein left over from years of trying. Now, I have at least 50. Now for the people already entrenched in crochet or knitting that may not seem like much of a stash, and truthfully in comparison to my bead stash it's nothing! LOL But I am just hooked on this right now.As you all know I have been making wire jewelry for over 12 years. I have not made a piece of jewelry other than a 4 strand necklace for my mom, a single strand kiddie necklace, and a pair of earrings (all Christmas gifts)since ... I'm not sure when. The last few shows were terrible. I did not sell much. I got a lot of oohs and aahhhs and that's so gorgeous, but very few dollars plopped down - that gets discouraging, especially when tables right next to you get lots of business yet their pieces are sub par. So I took a break from making much. I haven't even bought wire in a long while. For the Wire Queen not to have wire ( I am down to about 5 spools)... well that tells you something right there. Basically I am just having fun branching into my crochet items. Of course the next step will be to work in more beads :)If you want to see more of what I've been up to jump on over to my youtube channel I post a new vid each Tuesday and often mid week bits, too. Come on over. Tell a friend. Subscribe. You might be in time for the give away :)

My purple 2-strand hat!

2012-01-13T15:51:00.001-05:00

I'm so addicted to crochet hats now!!
This is my own design :) woot!

Gimme my banana

2012-01-06T23:30:00.000-05:00

Rodeo Monny Monkey

2012-01-06T20:23:00.001-05:00

This is my first amigurumi project! I thought the monkey was too cute so I had to crochet one!!!

I posted a YouTube video of him dancing. Now here's a pic of him riddling the cat!

Flower Gear! A cute little necklace

2011-12-28T15:27:00.000-05:00

I just finished making this cute little necklace for one of my little cousins for Christmas! We are celebrating with the rest of my family in New Years day! Yeah! Christmas twice!

This is died turquoise pendent and seed beads.

Zebra Cowl

2011-12-23T14:01:00.000-05:00

I love this! It took 10 oz of yarn and an
H and G hook. I sooo want to keep it for myself! This thing is so warm!!

Again I used bobwilson123's cowl tut on YouTube! Love her stuff!

Holiday Cowl

2011-12-23T13:45:00.001-05:00

I saw this youtube cowl tutorial by bobwilson123 on Melinda's FB page. I loved it! I immediately thought red to go with my fingerless flower gloves!

I've finished a second one! Pics to follow :)

My new free style flapper-ish hat

2011-12-15T20:34:00.001-05:00

I wanted to make a hat for a friend at work. She said she like turquoise. I saw this yarn and wanted to try it. I thinks it came out pretty good! I need to finish off the flower petal edge then it's done!

I'm having fun playing with my hooks!!!

My new hat freestyle

2011-12-10T00:32:00.000-05:00

I tried to follow a pattern. It didn't work so I ended up freestyling this as I went along. I think it turned out better well. This is going to be a Christmas gift for my aunt! Woot!

Crocodile Stitch

2011-12-07T20:35:00.000-05:00

I saw this stitch on YouTube and had to try it! It is so much easier than I thought it would be! If you look at tjw123 you can see how to do it.

I added 3 rows of single crochet, then continued with double crochets for the rest of the piece. At the other end I did 2 rows of single crochet. To get the crocodile stitch right on the other end I made it separately. Finished it off with 2 rows of single crochet. Then joined.

Christmas flower fingerless gloves! I LOVE these!!' so Festive!

2011-12-05T21:28:00.001-05:00

I made this gloves using two tutorials by bobwilson123. Check out her YouTube channel! She's a great video teacher for crochet!
Awesome!

Soft Sorbet

2011-12-04T15:32:00.000-05:00

I'm obsessed. I saw this yarn when I was at Big Lots trying to find Christmas gift bags. It was so yummy! The colors are so fun! And the yarn us all soft! Had to get it!

I made this warmer. It's adorable! I'm going to have to start posting on my etsy shop just to decrease my increasing stash! Lol

My Arm Candy Warmer!

2011-12-01T20:37:00.000-05:00

I saw this yarn and had to have it. The pic isn't as bright ( iPhone cam). But it is just a fun color. I knew I was going to use a puffy stitch!

I also wanted a warmer that would go higher up on the arm.

I must say it is a warm little number!! If my white turtle neck were clean I'd wear them to work tomorrow ( after I made the matching one of course!)!

Zebra Style warmers

2011-11-29T18:54:00.000-05:00

Here is one done in zebra yarn. I wasn't sure I'd like it when I bought it. However, I like how it turned out! I'm going to try it with popcorn stitches and a bigger hook.

5th warmer design! I love this blue color!

2011-11-27T18:50:00.000-05:00

I have been obsessed with these warmers! All week, one after another. I should gave been doing other things- it's a sickness!':)

I love the way this color turned out!

I've got to write down my instructions before I forget!!!

REPOST Thanksgiving experiments!

2011-11-27T14:49:00.001-05:00

>
> I'v been obsessed with this crochet thing the last two weeks. This week over thanksgiving break I've actually made several things. I'm glad I had yarn stashed away in the closet from previous attempts.

> Amen for YouTube!!
>
> I've tried to use the basics I've soaked up. I guess it's worked :) I made these new wrist warmers from my own design! And I made the yellow hat! So cool!
>
> Here are the basic instructions for my warmer below.
>
>

My fourth warmer!!

2011-11-27T13:20:00.001-05:00

I'm so liking this one! I experiment this morning! My 3 new pattern!! I wanted to try cable stitch and popcorn stitch. Now I have to write down my directions so I can repeat it!!

Thanksgiving experiments! First crochet tutorial!

2011-11-26T15:17:00.000-05:00

Ive been obsessed with this crochet thong the last two weeks. This week over thanksgiving break I've actually made several things. I'm glad I had yarn stardust in the closet from previous attempts. Amen for YouTube!!

I've tried to use the basics I've soaked up. I guess it's worked :) I made these new wrist warmers from my own sign! And I made the yellow hat! So cool!

Here are the basic instructions for my warmer below the 2nd pic.

My first wrist warmer!

2011-11-25T11:23:00.000-05:00

I've gotten on this crochet bend! Too many hours watching YouTube videos and surfing on-line tuts and patterns :) So fun too learn new things though! It's just what I've needed to get my mind off stressful things going on right now.

This is my first wrist warmer! I used this lovely tutorial/ pattern.
http://blueoceanspureskies.blogspot.com/2010/09/morgaine-fingerless-mittens.html Check it out!

I modified the rows above the cuff though. I like the flare look so I added larger shells to each row. Too cute!!

Need to do one for the other hand! :)

Crochet flower 2

2011-11-23T15:07:00.001-05:00

I tried the Bee Happy Flower tut again! I love the way it turns out!!! So fast! This one is part of my little cousin's Christmas gift. However there is enough for one for me !!! Oh yeah!!!

The link is posted in the previous blog!

This is fun! But lord knows I don't need to sink money into a new hobby! Lol but then again- too cute!! Woot!

My first Bee Happy Crochet flower!

2011-11-21T22:58:00.000-05:00

I wanted to do some other hobby. I've crocheted in the past but I'm no master at it. I love flowers. While putting together an etsy treasury I kept seeing all these fabulous crochet pieces. So I looked around on YouTube for some tuts! I found thus great one for this Bee Happy Flower! It looked easy enough for me to try tonight. So I dragged out what hooks and yarn I had in the closet. It only took an hour- not bad for my first ever crochet flower!

Here is the link

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5B8q66MHV90&feature=youtube_gdata_player

My Kim-A-Lola Wire Ring Class!

2011-11-19T08:24:00.001-05:00

Here is a pic from my wire ring class at Kim's! We had so much fun! It was great getting to spend time with these funny ladies and teach them a new ring design (2 actually)!

I absolutely love, Kim's classroom! The decor is wonderful- I wish it were my studio at home, lol!

I'm excited for my Angel and Fervent Love Cross classes in December!

Beautiful skies

2011-11-19T08:18:00.000-05:00

I live sky pictures. They're just too beautiful. They make me think of heaven and God and glory. They make life seem so much more expansive.

This us a photo from on my way home from work.

My next round of wire classes!

2011-11-17T20:29:00.005-05:00

I'm so excited to announce that I will be teaching two more wire classes in December! Awesome!!
I love wire as all my friends know. I am so excited to be teaching my wire angel and my Agape Cross! If you are in or around Urbana feel free to stop by or call Kim's Creative Designs for the class schedules!

Dates and times coming soon!

Finished pendent

2011-11-02T17:43:00.000-04:00

I started this pendant at the Ohio Beaders bead retreat. Work, life, everything has been hectic- no time or inspiration to finish. Last night I decided to chuck aside grading papers and finish my piece while I begged out watching season 1 of The Vampire Diaries.

Now Syary Night is finished :) woot!!!

Teaching a wire ring and earring class

2011-10-26T21:59:00.003-04:00

So excited!- I'm teaching a new wire ring class and a wire earring class at my local bead shop on November 6, 2011! Thrilled :) After teaching at the bead retreat and having so much fun, I'm looking forward to doing more wire classes in person! So if you are in Urbana on Nov. 6, stop buy and take a class!

$10 for class
$3 for kit supplies
all tools provided for use during class!

I'll also be offering the ring as a new tutorial in November! It will be a perfect holiday gift for any ring diva!

Tonight's meditation in wire

2011-10-11T22:05:00.000-04:00

I did 40 minutes of yoga this evening. I don't know why I ever stop doing it then restarting. I always feel better doing it!
Anyway after that I felt a little more relaxed so I played with wire bits. Here's the 2nd angel. :). I'll be writing the tutorial soon. I may need 1 or two testers.
Off to bed!

Midnight silver- work in progress

2011-10-08T09:19:00.001-04:00

I started this piece last week at the bead retreat. You know me and my faces! They just speak to me and I have to answer.

Soon I'm going to try my hand at sculpting new expressions and so forth.

Today's wire doodle

2011-10-07T21:06:00.000-04:00

I wasn't in a mood to make anything elaborate so I just played with a few buts if wire and my swirly cross!

Fun news- I'm also featured in an Artfire collection
http://www.artfire.com/modules.php?name=collections&op=details&cid=28419

Ohio Beaders' Retreat! 2011

2011-10-06T16:21:00.004-04:00

OMG! It was fun! I haven't been to anything like it. Normally I am not much of a joining type of gal. A lone wolf or a very very small pack is about my speed. However, I had been looking forward to hanging out at the Ohio Beaders' Retreat all year! I was so excited to go! Yep- me, the lone wolf!

It was amazing to get to be with a fun, creative group of ladies who all enjoy the same thing- BEADS!!! WOOT!!!!!! I particularly appreciated the fact that everyone made us feel welcome right from the car door through the end of the weekend! People were friendly and helpful. It was very cool that no one had "the-I'm-better-at- my-craft-than-you attitude. The ladies were helpful, insightful, creative, and a hoot!!!

The lodge itself was fabulous, rustic, Indian cowboy themed. I adored all the wood! My bunk was in basically a dark cave. I need to find out how to get it as dark in my apartment! I loved that it was pretty much pitch black without the light! That may sound crazy but I don't sleep well when lights are streaming in everywhere. Anyway, my room was dark, warm, and cozy! WOOT!!!!! Maybe it was called the Bear's Den- can't remember LOL

My first time teaching wire as a "real class" went well. I'm glad everyone seemed to have a good time! Thanks everyone who took it! :) Don't forget your retreat etsy coupon ;)

So I wonder what next year will hold at the Bead Retreat?!!!

New Etsy listings

2011-09-19T12:50:00.000-04:00

I've listed some pieces from the summer over on my etsy shop jamilola.etsy.com!
Feel free to check them out! Remember there is a September coupon code on the announcements page :)

New adventures

2011-08-27T15:09:00.003-04:00

I was looking on etsy and saw wonderful pieces! I posted a readied for the first time :)

I also saw cool crochet earrings! I think I'm going to try making a pair! I've got yarns and threads just sitting around. Why not? Ever expanding ideas!!! Have to love the creative collective!

I haven't tried these tutorials yet however I decided to list the links to free ones

Basic earring

Gorgeous fan book mark

Round motif earring

Simple 6 petal flower

Simple Mini motif

Cool motifs

Texture Wrist cuff

Optical illusion

Interesting diamond

Reopening coupon

2011-08-21T15:11:00.002-04:00

I reopened my Artfire shop today. artfire.com/users/jamioloa

I'm offering a 20% off coupon for orders over $10.

REOPENING2011

Stop by for tutorials and a few destash items! Spread the word!

Back to home & business

2011-08-19T23:31:00.002-04:00

Well, I've returned from my island vacation with my sweetheart. I'm already missing him. I wish he had come back with me.

Monday begins work. I'm really not ready for that.

Anyway, my etsy shop is now reopen! Feel free to stop by!

In a week or so I'll have the new tutorials up! -a ring, cross, bangle, clasp & bracelet, and 2 earring types are all in the works!

Gorgeous hotel room in Miami, Fl

2011-08-16T12:33:00.000-04:00

This hotel room is lovely! I flew back into the States through Miami. Only staying over night because am 8 hour layover was ridiculous! I probably won't even leave the hotel room!! Air conditioning after 2 months of none!!! Woot!

Precious Peace- using up bits and pieces! When I get home I have to make more polyclay flowers. I'm running low! Need to experiment with profile faces and hats!

2011-08-09T17:29:00.000-04:00

Tiara

2011-08-05T12:10:00.001-04:00

Tiara Day 2011

2011-08-05T12:09:00.000-04:00

I've wanted to make a tiara for a while. I put it off and did other pieces. My friend Cor-Owl recently posted one of her FB page. I decided why not make a day of it- Tiara Day! So the challenge was to make a tiara ( or buy one if you don't make jewelry), post a pic of you and your tiara on FB, and have fun being a queen for a day!

I started working on mine last night. This is what I came up with :). I wasn't sure if I liked the piece up side down or as a crown. So here are pics of both :)

Now of course I could not take queen pics and leave out the fantasy! Photo Wizard iPhone app- yeah! Hence my transformation to the Blue Queen.

New Agape Cross Ring !!!

2011-08-04T12:26:00.000-04:00

Here is 1 style of clasp I'm working on!

2011-08-03T14:31:00.000-04:00

I've been ensconced in these swirl crosses and boned bangles! I just keep getting ideas! So I'm writing them all down and working up prototypes.

I love this clasp! Definitely not a shrinking violet component :)

Several tutorials coming soon!

Vacation tut experiments

2011-07-29T21:16:00.000-04:00

The last few days I've been working on brick and peyote stitch. I've been trying to learn the ins and outs. I saw an awesome sculptural piece I'd love to be able to try, but I had to learn the basics. Needless to say it was stressful.

Today, I took time to relax with my wire!!! I wrote a new cross tutorial. It will come out for sale mid August. I made a bangle. A free tut I'll post. Maybe I'll just do one for right here on the blog- no download needed :) I also made this insect looking piece. I'm thinking a bracelet. Maybe a second free tut!

I like bead weaving! The versatility is awesome, but when I really need to chill and release tension- wire, wire, wire!!!!

Brick stitch & peyote stitch learning curve

2011-07-28T20:34:00.001-04:00

Ive been working on learning the ins and outs or peyote and brick stitch. I wanted to have flowers and leaves to add toy polyclay faces since I'm running out oh Czech glass & polyclay ones. Not bad.

I've decided to focus on those two bead stitches for the rest of summer :)

Double everything pendant! Vacation piece #2

2011-07-23T12:27:00.000-04:00

This is the double everything pendant ice been working on this week! Finally finished it- 2 polyclay faces, 2 shells, 2-sided! Beach time!

The summer if wire and faces!

Vineyard!

2011-07-16T11:34:00.001-04:00

Ahhhh huge sigh if relief! I've been on vacation without my beading supplies for 13 days! That is an eternity for a bead addict! Finally 2 days ago my sweetheart went to the post office to pick up my beads and wire boxes I'd shipped down here to St. Croix USVI. Bless him!- he staved off my mental frustration! Woot, Baby! Lol.

I started this piece a couple of days before I left on vacation. I spent half of yesterday finishing it! Vineyard- the result of 13 days pent up creativity - now unleashed! :)

I have a feeling I'm going be doing a lot of face pieces this vacation.

Flying through the air

2011-07-04T11:30:00.000-04:00

It's amazing what earth looks like when you're flying! I wonder if birds think so?

I said I wasn't making anything for a while! - look what I started this afternoon I

2011-06-27T17:24:00.000-04:00

I made so much stuff last week for the show. Over 45 pairs of earrings, bracelets, rings, etc. I got burnt out. I said I wasn't making anything for a while. Just to addict firm- I started this pendant today at the bead shop.

Another green blue goddess-

2011-06-24T22:51:00.000-04:00

I love this design! I love coloring and drawing. I think I'm going to spend more time practicing my drawing skills while I'm on vacation! Maybe get back to more writing as well. Of course I'll still wire up bits, but I'm feeling a need to switch obsessions for a while.

Rose Wood Mermaid

2011-06-21T17:09:00.000-04:00

I don't do simple very often. Yet, I've been playing with bits and pieces from my huge stash-o-stuff. Here is one of today's simple bits that I just LOVE!!

Wood and copper- two of my favorite materials!

Green Seas- from my Dichotomy Woven monogram pendant

2011-06-21T14:54:00.001-04:00

I love the dyed turquoise. The color possibilities are wonderful!
The bezel is made from my Dichotomy Woven monogram pendant. I used a seahorse charm instead of a monogram.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/73171767/dichotomy-woven-monogram-pendant

Second batch

2011-06-19T21:33:00.000-04:00

These are the second batch of my shrink plastic groove. I LOVE how the face turned out! Of course I now have to do a blue, orange, and white one! Maybe my groove hasn't stopped yet :)

Off to string the necklaces!

Exotic Petal - a fantasy drawing attempt

2011-06-19T15:13:00.000-04:00

I started the design for this awhile ago. Today I finished it. It's on shrink plastic. Combo of ink and colored pencil. I'm just enjoying this time off.

June 19, 2011

Flowering Flame

2011-06-18T18:04:00.001-04:00

Sometimes I get into these grooves- this week it's shrink plastic! I love to color and draw- always have. I like that I can use shrink plastic to combine so many passions.

This one is my YOJ submission for the Seeing Red theme.

Blue joy- shrink plastic art

2011-06-18T17:54:00.001-04:00

Do you ever just see something simple and feel complete joy? Blue and flowers - those are my simple joys

Sweet flutter in your heart

Happiness captured in petals and beads

Joy sparkling on threads.

Fast peyote!!

2011-06-18T16:10:00.000-04:00

I made these two bracelets using Bead Mavens fast peyote tutorial! I love how they turned out ( despite crappy cell phone pics lol).
I altered the width fit these and the overall embellishment pattern. The 1s is 6 beads wide. The second is 10 beads wide ( because bugger us always better!). I also used a slide clasp instead I'd the toggle. The second bracelet reminds me of the beach and summer! Ready for my trip back to the islands :). Woot!

I went to the bead shop today. I bought some matte black and gunmetal to make one to go with this new tank top I bought for my trip. Woot!!

More fun

2011-06-16T16:47:00.000-04:00

I love drawing! I don't do it nearly as much as I'd like. Most likely because I'm not as good at it as I'd like ( catch 22 ) lol .

These are last night and today's shrink plastic fun pieces. Combo of pencil, permanent marker, and color pencil. Soon I'll bake them up and string them!

Childhood fun all over again!

Fun with shrink plastic!!

2011-06-16T16:44:00.001-04:00

I love drawing! I don't do it nearly as much as I'd like. Most likely because I'm not as good at it as I'd like ( catch 22 ) lol .

These are last night and today's shrink plastic fun pieces. Combo of pencil, permanent marker, and color pencil. Soon I'll bake them up and string them!

Childhood fun all over again!

Wonderful beading!

2011-06-09T13:53:00.003-04:00

I started seed beading about 12 years ago. I learned that wonderful daisy stitch! I was hooked. Somewhere along the lien I picked up some wire- well that was all she wrote. 95-99% of my pieces are wire (with a lot of beads of course) LOL. However, every now and then I get an urge to pick up the needles and thread.

This is one of those weeks. The school year is finally over and now free time! A few weeks back someone pointed me over to Bead Mavens here on Blogspot. I love some of the free tuts that they have listed there! The "fast" peyote Tennis bracelet looks so fun! I started it yesterday after the last hours of work! Check out the Bead Maven's page! I'm sure you'll enjoy!

I'll post pictures of the piece when I've finished it!

Check these free tuts on Bead Mavens

http://beadmavens.blogspot.com/2011/05/easy-beaded-bead-chain.html

http://beadmavens.blogspot.com/2011/04/tubular-herringbone-with-bugles.html

Double sided star pendant

2011-05-13T20:41:00.001-04:00

Here us the round and around submission for yoj 2011 week 18.

Today's Peaceful Play Time

2011-05-13T18:49:00.001-04:00

I had the idea for these earrings a couple of weeks ago, but I wanted to wait until the gem show rolled back through so I could get the turquoise peace signs. Love them! Now I have to get a necklace made- and a ring.

Yoj Water Worn

2011-05-13T18:24:00.001-04:00

My mom loves orange. I made these for her. It's a simple set, but she'll like them!

2011-05-08T13:06:00.000-04:00

My mom loves orange. I made these for her. It's a simple set, but she'll like them!

When at the bead show yesterday I had her in mind so I picked a few shades of orange crystals in various sizes. I think the orange and Antigua bronze look gorgeous together. I like how pieces just cone together in the Zen creative space!

My May 2011 haul!

2011-05-07T18:59:00.000-04:00

I went to the gem show with a beady bead gal friend, today. The show dis not have nearly as many vendors of beads vs. ready made jewelry; however, this is the haul I brought home! Woot!

Dichotomy of Joy

2011-05-01T20:52:00.003-04:00

I made another pendant using my new Dichotomy Woven Monogram Double Sided Pendant tutorial. Instead of just a letter I used "joy". I wanted to see how it would turn out if I did some wire word art :) I liek it. I decided to play with pic backgrounds as well. I guess I was just in that kind of mood :)

Tutorial available at jamilola.etsy.com
jamilola on artfire

Dichotomy: Woven Monogram Double Pendant Tutorial NEW!

2011-04-30T14:17:00.004-04:00

I made this over the summer.

Then I made several monogram pendants for Christmas.

I received a request for a double sided monogram pendant. So I combined my two previous experiments! The Dichotomy: Woven Monogram Pendant tutorial is the result!- so exciting!

The tutorial is available in my etsy shop, jamilola.etsy.com and on artfire. A companion file with diagrams for additional monograms is in process!

ARTFIRE $2 Tut sale

2011-04-01T08:50:00.003-04:00

APRIL is my favorite month! Spring, sun, my birthday!
To celebrate I'm offering $2.00 tut sale and other give-a-ways this month! Stop by my artfire shop (http://www.artfire.com/users/jamilola) to check out the tutorials on sale!

For other give-a-ways be sure to check here at the blog and on my Facebook Fan page

Wire - Rings

2011-03-28T10:01:00.003-04:00

... I simply can't stop! I love rings! Ring rings and more rings. These are two new rings that I made this weekend. I wanted a channel set style wire wrap ring. So I tried one out last night. I finished it around midnight! The green ring I just love! It's got a real spring feel to it and a lower profile. Too much fun with a pair of cutters, round nose pliers and wire! This ring is a version of my Royal Treasures Boleyn Series tutorial available on jamilola.etsy.com and on artfire.com/users/jamilola.

Playing with shrink plastic

2011-03-28T09:57:00.003-04:00

I don't remember playing with Shrinky Dinks when I was a kid. I remember them existing, but not actually playing with them. A few months ago I wanted to make some charms. I wanted to do some mehndi inspired pieces. So I got out the shrink plastic and started messing around. Well, the obsession has continued :) So, I bought some more and have been experimenting with it. Here are a few pieces that I made this week. I finished them up yesterday.

YOJ 2011 week 7

2011-02-20T12:29:00.002-05:00

This year I've been participating in Year of Jewelry. I haven't posted all of the pieces here in my blog however. So, today, I'm posting week 7.

I love charm bracelets, dangle bracelets, any bracelet that makes a clicking, tinkling sound when it moves! Maybe I'm just a big kid :) This week's theme was "something to talk about. I immediately thought of lips and what my girls and I hang out talking about. SO this is a fun piece that incorporates all of that :)

Love You More Double Heart Pendant

2011-02-01T20:49:00.003-05:00

I wanted to do something cute for Valentine's Day. I worked on this pendant a couple of weeks ago. I've finally loaded it up ready for sale! Show someone you love her (or yourself)! Adorn yourself with double hearts!
Love you More tutorial on etsy

Love Your More tutorial on Artifre

Week 2- Eclispe Talula Rouge

2011-01-18T17:29:00.001-05:00

I like trying new techniques. I also like doing challenges. So this year I've joined Year of Jewelry again. Each week there is a theme and you are supposed to create a new piece weekly.

With the theme Eclipse, I didn’t want to go for moons or suns. I wanted to go with the colors of night instead. The focal cab I made from polyclay. I used black and grey transparent 11/0 seed beads. I also have 8mm grey cat’s eye beads, black labradorite, faceted glass beads, and metal beads. I guess this piece would have worked just as well for week 3′s mixed media!! LOL

Happy New Year & A new Artfire shop

2011-01-05T18:22:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday and that all is safe.

I opened my Artfire store, Jamilola! I have tutorials listed and various bead and stone items. I am adding more pieces as the weeks go by. Please, stop by and take a look. Just click the link!

Experiment

2010-12-29T21:13:00.003-05:00

Sometimes you just want to get out of your rut, you jewelry box. I wanted to try some shrink plastic art today. Actually I've been wanting to for the last few months. I bought the supplies but did not do anything with them. So today, I decided to try my hand at creating some mehndi inspired designs to transfer to the shrink plastic. I came up with these 2. I'm interested to see how they come out after baking!

After Christmas Sale

2010-12-27T10:49:00.004-05:00

I hope everyone had a lovely holiday!!! I enjoyed time spent with my family, eating, watching movies, chatting, and basically just gathering around the tree and food tables!

Now, an appreciation gift for all of you!

Visit me on jamilola.etsy.com. Find something you like? Use the promo code

CHRISTMASLIST

from December 27, 2010 until January 10, 2011 and receive %15 off of your entire purchase!

Thank you for being a jamilola Lola D fan!

Happy New Year!

New listing

2010-12-14T16:59:00.003-05:00

I've listed this B monogram on my etsy page. I have other letters as well in the works! http://www.etsy.com/listing/64331612/b-for-bodacious

Saturday destash items up and loaded.

2010-12-11T14:00:00.002-05:00

I've loaded a few items in the destash section of my Etsy store!
Go to jamilola.etsy.com to check them out. You can also see items to the right towards the bottom of this blog page on my Etsy feed.

Happy Holidays!!

2010-12-10T18:20:00.003-05:00

I will be putting destash items up on my Etsy page this weekend! I have a bunch of stones and glass from shows and I think it might just be time to redistribute! Free free to stop by my shop in the afternoon Saturday, Dec. 11, 2010 (and onward of course :) )to check out the new pretties!

Nov 27

2010-11-25T08:39:00.000-05:00

For those close by, I've got a show on Saturday from 1-9pm at the Bushnell Center. Please, feel free to stop by.

Nov. 20 Gem show

2010-11-20T00:16:00.002-05:00

AHHH after the week I've had I am excited to go to this gem show later this morning. It was a stressful week. I cannot wait to luxuriate in the magnificent splendor of crystals, the rich shine of stones, and the glittery sparkle of silver! I shall post photos of my new haul ! I hope this is a really good show!

My next jewelry show will be November 27, 2010 from 1-9Pm at the Bushnell Center. If you are in town, please stop by!

Custom Pendent transformation piece

2010-11-14T18:06:00.003-05:00

This is a piece I did for a customer. She wanted to take this pendent and haveit made into a ring. It took me a while to get the creative juices going with shows and work , but I finally got it together. I love how it turned out! I wish I could keep it :)

On another note, I've been considering writing and self publishing a jewelry book. Feel free to weigh in with your comments on the subject.

Christmas Goodies

2010-11-04T21:37:00.003-04:00

I wanted to make Christmas earrings. I also wanted to play with this fantastic green art wire! A week before, I saw green aluminum wire at the bead store, I thought I'd try it (it's a little soft but...). Additionally I wanted to play with a variation of my Oval Unit Tut. Here is the fun result! Christmas Goodies!!

The tutorial is available at

http://www.etsy.com/listing/25374743/oval-pendent-tutorial
http://www.jewelrylessons.com/tutorial/50-presidents-day-sale-oval-units-tutorial

November shows

2010-10-22T08:50:00.003-04:00

Ahh 'tis the season to start thinking about Christmas and other snow clad holidays. I so don't like snow, but what a lovely time to shop! I have a couple of Christmas ideas for pendants. We shall see how they turnout shortly.

Also I have two November shows:
November 6th - Christmas Craft Bazaar
November 27- Bushnell Christmas Bazaar

If you are in my area, come and stop by!

Ornate Lattice: Treasury Window Ring tut

2010-09-12T19:23:00.003-04:00

I just released my new Ornate Lattice Ring tutorial! It's available at my etsy shop!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/56182043/ornate-lattice-ring-treasury-windows

Back on the block!

2010-09-04T10:49:00.002-04:00

Hello, all!
I've been gone for a while vacationing with my sweetheart (now fiancee)! He is adorably wonderful! HUGS & Kisses for him.

On vacation I got the time to work on new stitches, make new pieces, and experiment with my beads, needles, and wires! I had to have two shipments sent from home! Much fun in that! :) Here are some photos of pieces. Tee pics aren't perfect(cellies)-

Summer vacation coming to a close :(

2010-08-12T10:41:00.002-04:00

Summer vacation is coming to a close. In about 10 days I'll be off island, away from my sweetheart, back in the states. It's been a different vacation to say the least !
I've experimented with bead stitches. Brick stitch and herringbone have become my new favorites! I've experimented with wire. I now have hair pin fever! I love making them! The take over 4 hours to make but WOW :)
[Due to limited Internet access and difficulty posting from iPhone( my new favorite phone!!!!! I don't know why it took forever to convince me to buy it! It has totally saved my vacation!) I can't seem to post pics as I'd like. But they will be forthcoming.]
this has been an interesting time to expand skills and play! Once I get back, new items and projects to come!

Stay tuned!

On vacation

2010-06-27T18:33:00.002-04:00

I'm so excited to be visiting the island again this summer! I look forward to the rest with my sweety!

I posted a few new tutorials over in JL. Check them out :)
http://www.jewelrylessons.com/tutorial/goth-cross-ring

I've been featured!

2010-05-19T06:38:00.001-04:00

I've been featured on Waterlogged Blog by Gini! I am so excited! It is always encouraging to know people enjoy my work! Thank you!

Here is the link http://waterloggedblog.blogspot.com/2010/05/lola-d-menageries.html

Mother's Day sale

2010-04-28T18:25:00.005-04:00

I've been working on various pieces lately. I have made a treasure trove of Royal Treasures rings! Why not try my tutorial! Make something royally divine for the special women or mothers in your life :) Or give the tutorial as a gift for the crafty lady in your! Stop by my Etsy store, Jamilola.etsy.com!
When you buy one Royal Treasures: Boleyn Ring tutorial, receive one other of my tuts free! Simply type "Boleyn Tut Coupon" in the comments to seller box. Mention where you saw the offer. *This offer is good until May 8, 2010*

Royal treasures Series - Boleyn Ring

2010-03-06T09:12:00.002-05:00

I've worked on several variations of my Royal Treasures series. I adore this one! I cannot have too many of these rings! I'm still working out a bangle construction, but I have a pendent and rings of various sizes!

The Royal Treasures Series: Boleyn Ring is finally out and on sale! Feel free to visit my Etsy store!!! If you also frequent JL, it is posted there as well.

Holiday Stardust Free tutorial

2010-02-07T09:24:00.004-05:00

I created this bracelet for my aunt for Christmas 2009. I loved the fossil beads mixed with the cloisonne. The gold stardust beads seemed to sing with the red! Of course I had to write down the instructions otherwise I would have forgotten what I'd done! :)

Yesterday I completed my first FREE tutorial for this piece.

Boleyn or Royal Treasure

2010-01-19T21:08:00.002-05:00

I came up with this new ring! I am excited that it came out so well! I think it's fabulous! My new favorite!

2010

2009-12-31T10:30:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year's!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I hope everyone has a better year!

MERRY MERRY

2009-12-25T05:16:00.000-05:00

MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL MY LOVELY FRIENDS!!!

HAVE A GREAT ONE TODAY!

Holiday Stardust

2009-12-22T15:08:00.000-05:00

I am in the middle of making a slew of Christmas presents! I have a bunch left. My mom just added 32 more to my list of "to do". However, I got this one for my aunt done today. I love it! I want one for myself! I even bought beads to make one for me! Isn't that BAD!? I am going to make a free tut for this one.

Metallic H20 tutorial ready for sale!

2009-12-03T23:14:00.003-05:00

I've uploaded the Metallic H20 tutorial. It is now available for sale at http://www.jewelrylessons.com/tutorial/metallic-h20-cwire-cuff
You can also find it on my Etssy store. http://jamilola. etsy.com

Meetallic H20 Series tutorial in the works

2009-11-29T20:37:00.003-05:00

I love making cuffs. I had several requests to make a tutorial for my metallic H20 series. Here is the piece I just finished in order to do the step by step tutorial!

I will post the link when uploaded and ready for sale.