I am a lifelong learner and my interests span a huge range of topics from various artistic techniques to many of the sciences, and, now, as an artist entrepreneur, into some fields of business. Last week, I discussed my foray into developing bead bezels for some of my old Swarovski jewels. The last picture was of six Rivolis encased in delicate open weave netting. I have since used three of these stones in a large piece for decorating one’s hair. The piece is at once a Bubbe Pin™ and a jhumar and I have entered it in the Etsy Beadweavers September Challenge. In working the piece I learned more about Indian hair jewelry, about what weaves will do what I want, about how engineering is also part of being an artist (at least it is for me) and how I can still amaze myself when a work comes out so well that my heart beats faster with excitement.

Below is a picture of the work and of course a link so that you can visit the Etsy Beadweaver’s blog between the 9th and 15th of September and see both my entry and all the others and, please, vote for your favorite.

This year, I am promoting an idea for a gift that incorporates both new and old. Over the years almost every woman accumulates jewelry she has loved but no longer wears. Perhaps the jewelry is broken; perhaps it is not her style any more; perhaps it is a keepsake from an earlier generation. Or perhaps it is a single piece that she wants shared between daughters or sisters or cousins or very close friends. Rather than doing any of this, the poor piece of jewelry sits in a box or a baggie seen and admired by no one. Maybe even gathering dust. Now is the best time to transform that all but forgotten jewelry into a wearable art treasure that will become a desired heirloom.

To see more about this process, visit my Ripplecast, to see a short video on the topic which shows before and after pictures of a piece that was transformed. Or visit my webpage, Reinvent an Old Piece of Jewelry to read about the process and see a few examples of work I’ve already completed.

If you don’t have a piece of your own, you can still have a link to the past by choosing one of the vintage pieces from my own transformation collection. The piece pictured below is a one of a kind Transformed Treasure utilizing a vintage brooch that was missing its rhinestones and pin-back. I replaced the all clear stones with both crystal and blue stones, added the chain and dangles and created a new one of a kind work of art. The blue dangle and closure beads are also vintage from the Czech Republic. I am offering this one piece at a special Mothers Day price of $85.00. It comes ready for giving wrapped in tissue and tucked into a silver satin gift bag and with a Certificate of Authenticity complete with care instructions.

Transformed to Treasure

Brooch Transformed to Pendant

My other piece of news is that I have participated in a micro-marketing video by Ripple100, a wonderful new viral and micro-marketing business out of New Haven CT. My vid will be launched Monday or Tuesday and the message is all about transforming old unusable jewelry into fabulous works of wearable art. Over the weekend I will be adding a page to the website in conjunction with this video release.

No pictures today – go visit my website and you’ll see both jewelry and close-ups of some paintings on the entry page.

I am so excited!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Patricia C Vener

My goal is to create a recurring pre-holiday-craziness event that does indeed delight the senses and gift an afternoon of relaxation and enjoyment for everyone who comes. Maybe someday it will be a fixture, an artist and artisan event that everyone looks forward to.

For my first experience organizing something, I think it’s going well. I’ve got two other artisans (Jessica Hazan, The Soup Girl and Nancy Fronermann, Woolen It Be Nice) and Helen’s Teas itself. I’d love to have on more person, say a candle maker or flower arranger, or maybe someone who creates make up or skin care products, but it’s fine as it is. I planned and got done most of the promotional tasks. I learned I don’t enjoy press releases and that I need to actively schedule online marketing via facebook, twitter and wherever else I can.

I am excited, no doubt about it! So, seven more days and counting.

What should I bring? What would you bring?

Vener Chain Stitch Necklace with Argentium Sterling Silver Clasp

So here I am about to embark on a new adventure. I have decided to hold a sort of Open House Open Studio event at a nearby tea room. But not by myself. I am planning on having two or three other artisans (including The Soup Girl) with me. It will be taking place on the 18th of November from 3 PM to 6 PM. That’s the easy part! The adventure is my sojourn into promotion and marketing myself and this event using understanding I have now and understanding (and, I hope, skill) that I will gain. Adventure, like art, is an ongoing process and so is artistic promotion.

I have been doing a lot of reading and asking questions and now it’s time to start applying, modifying and adding to the lessons so far learned. You are invited to sojourn with me, watching as I learn and, hopefully, cheering me on. If you are also an artist, you might encounter something useful or have things to add. Even if you are not an artist it is entirely possible that there will be lessons here for you – if not just entertainment.

First step was get the space and discuss the particulars. (Actually no, the first step was a short “do you guys think I’m nuts” inquiry to colleagues and co-members of business and entrepreneurial women’s groups and then ask one of the artisans I wanted if she was interested.) Now I will research other artisans and issue invitations while I begin planning the actual promotions processes.

Got ideas? Send ‘em on to me!

On to Future Adventures

Buying handmade art and fine craft supports the ideals of independence and self-sufficiency that are the foundation of the the USA’s philosophy of “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” There is no better way to take the handmade pledge, get a one-of-a-kind piece of Beadwoven Art, and receive a discount!

Below is your own invitation to join us at BEM anytime the first week of July in our own Independence Celebration. Shop right here at home! Look for the Top Hat icon in the listings! (Or, look for the word “Sale”)

RED, WHITE and BEADWEAVING SALE-e-BRATION!

DATES: July 1 through July 8th, 2009

WHERE: http://www.1000markets.com/groups/bem

WHAT: unique and creative beadwoven art

HINT: shop early for the holidays, birthdays, anniversaries, and more!

Be sure to check out each and every designated shop for outstanding handmade items and generous sale prices! Look for the SALE-e-BRATION badge in the participating shops for their SALE ITEMS.

Participating beadweaving shops will be:

1. Amanda…..ConlinsCreations
2. Ana…..Nossubgallery
3. Cheryl…..Littlestonedesign
4. Dini…..BeadazzledofOregon
5. Hannah…..HannahRachel
6. Ileana…..EnchantedBeads
7. Linda…..Beadsforever
8. Marilyn…..CigarBoxBeads
9. Patricia…..PVener (Silver Dragon Creations by Patricia C Vener)
10. Rachele…..RachelesOriginals
11. Tania…..MyTreasures

I’ve started listing my latest earrings, all dangles and chandeliers and sparkle and all one of a kind, in my Etsy shop, SilverDragon Creations by Patricia C Vener. I’ll be adding some to my website later as well. I wanted to present the world with one of a kind jewelry for under twenty dollars and I have succeeded!

My reasoning is that every woman deserves the best even if her budget is limited. I hope you come and take a look.