DreamRiver Designs-Handcrafted Jewelry, specializing in maille

Brrr

2010-12-08T11:30:00.000-08:00

Woke up to -7* this morning, makes it a new adventure to be lampworking in the garage. Got lots of new designs I'll will trying out soon.

2010-07-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

Wow!!! Great weekend at the Cannon Falls Wine & Art Festival. This was the first year of this to be annual event. I was very impressed with the organization and the participation of 10 Minnesotan Vineyards.

I'm quite late in getting caught up on my computer stuff, just realized I was featured at
http://michele-byyourside.blogspot.com/2010/06/handmade-goodness_30.html Thank you very much!!

G'day M'lords and Ladies

2010-06-14T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well, another wonderful weekend at the Annual Olde World Renaissance Faire http://www.owrenaissancefaire.com/ in Twig Minnesota. The organizers of the event even managed to import realistic foggy, misty, rainy UK weather; talk about dedication to an event!!!

My daughter, Lauren, was able to accompany me this year and after a bit of reservation on her part was able to fully enter the realm of renaissance and had a wonderful time as did I. It was great catching up with friends from last year, meeting new ones and being a part of a great artisan, merchant family.

Entertainment this year was provided by multiple talented people providing a wide variety of talents. Jousting, Robin Hood, Vikings, musicians, re-enactors, you name the faire provided it.

Please view the slide show (double click on the pictures for larger image) and enter the realm. I urge you to mark the dates for next year and plan on attending a wonderful family oriented event.

Please email if you would like use of these photo's.

2010-03-09T10:56:00.001-08:00

Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced." Leo Tolstoy

Starting off the month featuring DreamBubbles

2010-03-01T12:18:00.000-08:00

This weeks featured artist is "DreamBubbles" yes I know close to my shop's name but much different in styles and media used. She makes the most fabulous spiders ever. Now I know that not everyone is fond of spiders but they fill an extremely important biological niche and hers are non-venomous and non biting as well as being just lots of fun!!!! The spiders range from the fantasy to very realistic and may be used in a variety of ways. Her talents don't lie with just spiders though, a beautiful line of chainmaille and beaded items fill her shop at http://www.etsy.com/shop/DreamBubbles Please stop by and visit her shop & blog.

Her blog may be found at
http://dreambubblesreverie.blogspot.com/
and to quote her blog : "A place of reverie for my jewelry company aptly names DreamBubbles. Musing, contemplations and creations shared amongst friends."

Getting ready for Renn Faire

2010-02-24T13:43:00.000-08:00

I know it's early, but with over 2 feet of snow on the ground I am anxious to start thinking about warmer weather. I will again be at the Olde Worlde Renaissance Faire June 12-13, 2010. http://www.owrenfaire.com/

Here a few new pieces, some using new materials.

This weeks featured artist

2010-02-24T13:33:00.000-08:00

So many talented artists may be found at the Handmade Artist Forum http://www.handmadeartistsforum.com/ this week I'm showcasing Tuscan Road Designs.

tuscanroad's Shop Announcement
you will find an eclectic mix of mod and vintage jewelry designed and handcrafted by me. Creating handmade, original and unique jewelry is my "therapy" and It has definitely unleashed my creative side. I have consistently been inspired during numerous world travels, always keeping an eye out for the beautiful and unusual bead or idea that helps make these one-of-a-kind creations so unique.

Holly creates amazing pieces in various designs from simple to elegant, steampunk to formal. Her work may be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/tuscanroad

SUPPORT HANDMADE :)

Artist of the week 2/14/10

2010-02-19T06:29:00.000-08:00

This weeks featured artist is Red Fox Jewelry. A very versatile and creative artist skilled in many different techniques and media's. Chainmaille, wire wrapping are just a few of the talents possesed by this artist. A full range of jewelry may be found at http://www.etsy.com/shop/redfoxjewelry Like many handcrafters she is happy to create jewelry in your requested colors.

Featured Artist 2nd week in February

2010-02-10T10:08:00.000-08:00

My featured artist for this week is, Anagram for Ink she creates the most interesting items or to take an excerpt from her site " Hand-binding books, letterpress printing, writing, reading and making peculiar art in backwoods Nova Scotia AKA White Raven Arts brings you White Raven Ink artwork: hand-bookbinding, printmaking, fine letterpress printing and photography inspired by nature, mad science and the neo-Victorian retro-future. You'll also find White Raven Press comics, in the pages of which lurk scientific detectives, daredevil test pilots, really large bats, faeries, satyrs, and artists just trying to save the world. verything is handmade, hand-printed, and hand bound as one-of-a-kind pieces or in very small editions (except comic books, or unless otherwise noted in the descriptions). Absolutely fabulous works may be found at

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40096728 please take a look at the many items featured in her shop. LOL, I keep finding myself going back and trying to figure out which to purchase!!

SALE!!!!

2010-01-28T07:25:00.000-08:00

All natural gemstone, swarovski bracelets snd necklaces on sale 10% off. Jasper, agate, amethyst, czech glass, swarovski, Unakite, Moukite, many more!!! Available items are shown in the album to the right. Prices start at $10. Email for pricing,

Thank you!!
* maille items not included in sale.

New piece-using vintage beads

2010-01-26T10:58:00.000-08:00

Heritage" piece created using web agate, silver beads and vintage glass beads reclaimed from one of my great grandmothers necklaces. Stunning, eye-catching piece is sure to draw admiring glances. Large web agates measure 14mm, vintage glass beads are approximately 8mm, total length of necklace is 18" and also contains silver plated spacer beads. This is truly a one of a kind (OOAK)! now for sale at
http://www.handmadeartistsshop.com/ixxocart/products/Heritage-220-1.html

Artist of week 1.24.10

2010-01-24T07:06:00.000-08:00

I'd like to present jewelrybynala
http://www.jewelrybynala.blogspot.com/ I love the craftsmanship on the earrings in the picture or to quote her blog "delicately elegant' Sparkling pear-shaped crystal Swarovski Crystallized Elements briolettes are hand wrapped in luminous sterling silver wire. These lovely crystals are 15x14mm and hang about one inch from the bottom of the sterling silver earwires. Simply Stunning!!!

Please visit her blog or stop by her shop in Etsy,

Handmade artist Team shop

2010-01-20T09:13:00.000-08:00

New shop featuring only handcrafted items, all made one at a time by some very talented artists. I am proud to have been included in this shop which may be found at:
http://www.handmadeartistsshop.com/ the right hand side has a area to search by vendors. Please look for me DreamRiver Designs.

In my previous post I mentioned some ways to avoid mass merchandised 'handmade,' one of the goals at the handmade artist shop is to insure the quality and avoid any mass produced items.

This weeks featured artist

2010-01-17T05:43:00.000-08:00

Helloooo!!!

This weeks featured artist is Raven333 http://www.etsy.com/shop/raven333 Raven works in fabric and fiber mediums and has some stunning dyed scarfs and felted items. I personally greatly admire dyed art and would love to try it but feel its best to leave to those talented artisans with an innate talent for this medium.

Ideas for fiber art, matte and frame, a dyed scarf matted and framed makes a stunning one of a kind (OOAK) piece of wall art. Raven also knits superb shawls and other items (see photo). As with most handcraft artisans custom items are available, have a scarf, shawl, accessory designed with your colors for a stunning, attention drawing work of art crafted with care and love.

Have a great week!

What is handcrafted?

2010-01-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

Handcrafted as defined by the wictionary: English[edit] Adjective handcrafted (not comparable)
Made by hand or using the hands, as opposed to by mass production or using machinery. Why is that important? It's important to realize the time, skill and effort that goes into handcrafted items. No two are ever alike even when they may look similar. The artist's mindset always plays a role in the final piece as does the reaction of the medium they are working with at the time. What is Art? Art is the process or product of deliberately arranging elements in a way that appeals to the senses or emotions. It encompasses a diverse range of human activities. It is the deliberate arrangment that makes a handcrafted item Art. An artist goal is to appeal to the senses and create emotions and memories with a piece.

One other note, I have noticed that many sites are advertising items as handmade, please read the details carefully as I have found that many items are actuallly mass produced and are being sold as handcrafted. I have also found it helpful to read the artist bio/profile as it may give details to the originality and origin of the piece.

Go forth and enjoy some art today!

Another talented artisan

2010-01-11T11:52:00.000-08:00

Hello, I want to introduce you to another talented artisan and a member of the "Handmade Artist Forum"
( http://handmadeartistsforum.com/forum/index.php ). Meet Speranza of http://speranzajewelry.com/ an extremely talented artist who utilizes various gemstones for one of a kind handcrafted jewelry. She feels that art gives us hope, hence the shop name Speranza which is Hope in Italian. Quoted from her site "The goal of Speranza is to create quality, affordable jewelry – a simple pleasure that anyone can enjoy. Each item listed in my shop is made with care and attention to detail."

Please visit her shop and remember to shop Handmade!

new work

2010-01-07T07:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a few new pieces. Rose garden bracelet made with red coral, golden glass and ruby swarovski.

Copper Cascade, brilliant copper woven in the European 4 in 1 is the focal point of this necklace

check this site out

2010-01-03T16:47:00.000-08:00

A fellow artisan has a great site at http://seedlingsjewelry.blogspot.com/ tons of very valuable information and great jewelry also.

http://www.seedlingsjewelry.com/

she is "inspired by Nature and the Universe" and uses natural and/or recycled materials.

SUPPORT HANDMADE!!

Winter whiteout

2009-12-24T10:48:00.001-08:00

Wow, almost a foot of snow overnight. I'm using the time to refill my inventory. I would also like to thank all of you for your support. I have revised the photo catalog, descriptions and pricing to be added later. Feel free to email for pricing or custom work.

Anderson Center-Red Wing Exhibit

2009-11-06T06:45:00.000-08:00

December 12, 2009 I will be exhibiting at the Anderson Center, RedWing MN from 12-7 pm. This is a great event and I am proud to have been invited. Artist from around the area will be exhibiting their items. http://www.andersoncenter.org
Love to see you there!

Beauty in glass

2009-10-10T08:30:00.000-07:00

I have added my bracelets featuring lampwork beads to the photo catalog on the right side of page.

I am truly enjoying working with glass, the possibilities are endless.

"Tide Pool"

2009-09-30T10:59:00.000-07:00

This eye catching piece is the first to combine chainmaille with my very own handmade lampworked glass beads. The blues combine and remind me of a tide pool, hence the name of the piece. Please inquire if you would like to purchase this piece for $ 36 plus postage if applicable.

Crafting with molten glass

2009-09-28T15:50:00.000-07:00

ooooh, how fun lampworking is. I'm enjoying it very much, there are so many possibilities, just not enough time.

New work, new media and techniques

2009-09-16T06:37:00.000-07:00

Hello!!! I have been busy learning lampwork techniques. It's quite addicting and fun working with a torch and molten glass. Please see the catalog link to the right for all of my new designs.

2009-09-16T06:30:00.000-07:00

NEW WORK!!!

LAMPWORKING!!!

2009-09-15T08:48:00.001-07:00

I have always admired and loved glasswork. I finally took the plunge and purchased a starter kit for lampworking. How fun it is. Here are my absolute first beads and first pendant. I'm very happy with the results and look forward to creating more.

UK imports

2009-07-24T16:42:00.000-07:00

This necklace features hand lamped beads by Sabine at http://www.littlecastledesigns.co.uk/

The lamped beads are separated by tektite and hand wound copper coils, all encircled by black anodized single rings.

Sarongs from Bali

2009-07-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

I am also featuring a select number of sarongs and 1/2 sarongs from Bali. Sarongs are a great fashion item, may be tied as sash, scarf, belt, skirt of coverup.Half Sarongs can be worn in a variety of ways. Wrap as a mini-skirt, top, headpiece, scarf or shawl. They are made from fast drying, breathable rayon and measure approximately 66" x 23", not including the fringe. They wash easily by hand or machine. Hang to dry. Wash separately the first time or two. Email for pricing

August 6, 2009

2009-07-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

August 6, is the first Thursday of the month and 1st Thursdays events are resuming and will continue through October. Looking forward to another great crowd of vendors/merchants and entertainment.

Stop by and say hi!!

Happy Summer

2009-06-24T18:15:00.000-07:00

Summer seems to have finally arrived, the warm sunny days are very appreciated.

I have added lots of new items to the online catalog located in the right hand column, please take a look. Email for more complete descriptions and prices. Remember I only charge actual shipping costs!

I will be at the New Trier, Minnesota Car & crafts July 12, 10:00- 6:00pm. Stop by and say hi.

Phew!

2009-06-23T20:31:00.001-07:00

Art in the Park, Zumbrota Minnesota was a good time. The weather finally cleared up and the sun was out and shining.

Next event (prospect) "Tree Topper Day" in New Trier Minnesota July 12, 2009 10-6pm. I will post as soon as I confirm.

Wishing you all a safe and warm summer!

"Art in East Park" meet & greet

2009-06-16T07:30:00.001-07:00

My next event is Saturday June 20 in Zumbrota Minnesota.
http://northfield.org/content/art-in-east-park
The event is held in conjunction with the covered bridge festival.
I will be located in space 17- come join me, see the sights, eat lots of great street food, flea market and other events

Back into the present time

2009-06-15T15:21:00.000-07:00

Olde World Renaissance Faire http://www.owrenaissancefaire.com/ was this weekend. A fabulous weekend was had by all. The atmosphere of this faire is very friendly and laid back and family oriented. Entertainment was provided by a number of very talented people. I had an absolutely wonderful time. I would also like to thank those who helped out with my booth as I did not have any of my helpers. The wonderful owners of http://www.foxhollowrenaissance.com/ and their friends were invaluable to me, THANKS!!

Artists freely gave their knowledge w/o prejudice and a wonderful community existed.

Of course you can see by the pictures that it was a complete medieval experience with dragons, knights and noblemen present.

The dragonmaster & mistress may be contacted at primitiveorigins@frontiernet.net incredibly beautifully detailed dragons. I am proud to say that "Edgar" has allowed me to be his dragon keeper.

"Phoenix"

2009-06-10T08:58:00.001-07:00

born of fire, cooled by silver. This necklace features swarovski side elements standing guard for the large 3" crystal. Japanese weave variation in jewelers aluminum and brass, closed by gold plated clasp.

2009-06-06T17:58:00.000-07:00

Come see me at the Olde World Renaissance Fair ! http://www.owrenaissancefaire.com/

June 13-14 in Twig Minnesota. Lots of cool vendors, festivals, demo's even jousting.

updated maille catalog

2009-05-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

I have added the recent additions to the slideshow available on the right side of the blog. Please remember double clicking on the photo will bring up larger images and the entire catalog may be viewed on one page by clicking on the view all button.

I appreciate your interested in my handcrafted jewelry. Contact me by email for further information on specific pieces, I do ship and charge actual postage costs only.

Return from the past

2009-05-24T08:40:00.000-07:00

The girls and I have returned from medieval times. We had a wonderful time, even if the thought of running into royalty made us somewhat more reclusive than normal. Castle Fever is an event sponsered by Silfren-Mere a Society for Creative Anachronism group. Much fighting and feasting occured. It was great practice in getting the booth set up and medievalish.

New places, new pieces

2009-05-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

Hello, It's been so beautiful outside with flowers poking up through the ground, grass greening that it's been occasionally a struggle to stay inside and work. I have however found an answer to this dilemma..... work outside!!! Funny thing, I don't need my glasses when I work outside, must be something with the natural lighting.

5.7.9 was the first day this summer of Cannon Falls First Thursday event. The event is hosted by the city and many local and non-local vendors/crafters/food were there. The weather was absolutely beautiful and the attendance was great. I shared the booth with my friend and her candle creations. We both had a very enjoyable evening.

Picture is of "Capri Blue" a new necklace that I am absolutely in love with, I think it is the color blue in the Swarovski crystals I used, There are two different sets of earring to match.

Now on Etsy!!!

2009-05-01T18:56:00.000-07:00

Hello, I have opened a shop on etsy. http://www.dreamriverdesigns.etsy.com/ Etsy is the place to go to purchase handcrafted items. I will slowly be adding items to my shop. If you see an item here on the blog that you would like to purchase please send an email or visit the etsy shop or stop into Monarch in Northfield MN.

Ren Wear

2009-04-25T12:22:00.001-07:00

Handflower in jewelers brass with ruby Swarovski crystals.

"Isabelle"

2009-04-14T16:16:00.000-07:00

Baby Byzantine in brass

2009-04-09T08:40:00.000-07:00

Jewelry now carried at Monarch Gift Shop

2009-04-07T10:02:00.000-07:00

I'm very proud to announce that my jewelry is now carried at Monarch Gift Shop in Northfield MN. http://monarchgiftshop.com/ any items that you view on my blog may be purchased through Monarch or at the Faires I have listed. Thank you Monarch for this opportunity.

2009-04-04T13:00:00.000-07:00

I will be at Castle Fair http://www.cspider.net/castlefever/ and also at Olde World Ren Fair
http://www.owrenfaire.com/ Castle fever is May 22-25 and Olde World is June 13-14. Hope you can stop by.

Crown variation in copper

2009-04-04T12:59:00.000-07:00

Madelaine-round maille pattern with Swarovski accents and simple chain

2009-04-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

"Morgan" 18" Necklace

2009-03-31T16:37:00.000-07:00

Gloria pattern in brass with Swarovski accent 19" necklace

2009-03-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

2009-03-26T09:01:00.000-07:00

kingscale in jewelers brass and aluminum #213

2009-03-26T08:37:00.000-07:00

more patterns/designs

2009-03-26T08:35:00.000-07:00

Queens lace in purple anodized aluminum # 212 Followed by two views of Byzantine in enamaled copper and anodized purple aluminum # 214, Pendant, ruby in zoisite silver (over copper) wire wrapped # 218

Say Hello and introduce yourself

2009-03-20T08:15:00.001-07:00

I'm getting comments from hubby that several people have seen this site and like what they see, It would be great if you could take a minute and comment, let me know your favorite piece, what you would like to see more of etc.

My first public show is 3/28 in Eagan MN.

More Maille

2009-03-04T12:35:00.000-08:00

I have added another slide show with all of my current maille patterns. Currently the gold colored ones are made of Jewelers Brass which is much different alloy than other brass items you may be familiar with, the silver tone pieces are currently Bright aluminum again a much different alloy than usual aluminum. Aluminum brings with it a light feel, people either really enjoy the feel of aluminum or not. This type of metal is very strong for its weight and made specifically for the jewelery trade.

I will be creating pieces in sterling in the next week and as always will be happy to take special orders on: gold plated, bronze, copper, sterling, aluminum, as well as niobium, argentium silver (a more tarnish resistant sterling) and gold and the colored coppers & aluminum.

SLIDE SHOW!!!!

2009-02-28T15:45:00.001-08:00

Hello, I have finally managed to rescutate my computer and now have the majority of my work on the slide show which appears on the top right of the page. Please take a look and feel free to offer any comments or suggestions. Please allow a few minutes for it to load and by clicking on the photo they will come up in a new larger window with more detail. Again give each photo a minute to load. THANKS!!!! BTW the numbers you see on the tags are inventory numbers only, not the price. Pieces run from $ 10- $60, please contact me for specific details.

2009-02-27T08:31:00.001-08:00

European 4 in 1

WooHoo!!!!

2009-02-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

Yea!! I finally have completed a correct byzantine weave. I am very excited as it's a pattern that I had been struggling with for some time now.

I can now move on to some new weaves.

maille perfect

2009-02-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

here is an example of the Queens maille weave as a bracelet.

New Pieces

2009-02-19T11:08:00.000-08:00

Well here are a few of the new pieces. Wire wrapped amethyst crystal necklace, yellow turquoise nugget necklace with silver plated accent beads and adventurine,

Olive Wood from Bethleham

2009-02-15T18:05:00.000-08:00

Well, it's finally here the olive wood beads I ordered that came directly from Bethlehem. They are proving to be very versatile, as well as somewhat historical.

Maille call and free form pendants

2009-02-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Well after working chain maille patterns almost non-stop I found that my fingers weren't cooperating with picking up and hold rings for the patterns. The photo demonstrates a hammered copper with sterling (over copper) wire wrap a few swarovski crystals added in for more pop all on a velvet choker.

2009-02-02T15:03:00.000-08:00

designs

2009-02-02T14:59:00.001-08:00