I wanted to show you buttons that have yet to make it to my website. Why haven’t they made it there, you say? It takes time and usually updating my website is at the bottom of the list because it’s so very time consuming. Granted it needs a major overhaul but there are certain things you dread, and for me, that is one of them.
I love to travel! The travel collection of buttons. I am missing one that I couldn’t find, it’s a Route 66 Sign button. We have an old suitcase with all the travel stickers, a License Plate with LUV2TRVL and a Stamp. The stamp is a combination piece. She wanted a car and a stamp so I found an old stamp design that combined both. As you can imagine carving some of these designs take a lot of time. You then hope your mold pouring skills are up to par the day you make the mold and you don’t get any bubbles so you then have to repair the mold. Next is glazing the color combinations and applying them. On the dimensional buttons can be not only a challenge but time consuming. Efficiency counts to make a profit. For some of my design they just take time and there isn’t a way around it.
These were made for one of Art Bead Scene’s Monthly Challenges. Based on Kandinsky’s Farbstudie Quadrate. I believe there were 6 originally. I love the art of Kandinsky.
Since I make buttons, I attend fiber shows. A lot of my items are geared towards the Needle Arts Community. Above is a two-sided magnetic item. Trying not to call it a needleminder since the name is copyrighted. One part goes on the back of your canvas or quilt and the other goes on the front. It stays put along with your pins and needles. Or it can be set next to you as you work and still minds your pins and needles.
These were a custom order from early in my button making. A woman in California who made hats needed specialized designs that became pins. Along with shells was an Octopus and a Mermaid. I still have the molds but these will most likely never be made again except for the Mermaid. She appears these days as an ornament.
It’s a cabochon of a different color. Special order for a beading artist. Lots of cabs in many colors and designs.
If you didn’t know all of my buttons can be made as cabs, pins, pendants or with as many holes or loops in any place on the button. Since each is made individually these options are possible.
What do you want to see for Studio Saturday?
I ask this because when you only get 5-10 comments for Studio Saturday you wonder if its you or the content.
Elaine
January 26, 2013 at 7:41 pmLove your clay! The buttons are so whimsical – the little houses and the Kandinsky inspired ones were my particular eye candy.
As for the Studio Saturday… I like Studio Saturday but I admit I don't check in every week for it. I'm not sure how many comments would make it worthwhile for you guys but you could step it back to a once a month studio Saturday?
Libellula Jewelry
January 26, 2013 at 8:20 pmI really love the flatter cabochons with the pattern of concentric circles. I enjoy bezel setting ceramic and porcelain cabs in sterling silver to make pendants.
I really enjoy reading about artists' work/studios but don't always know what to say in comments. I frequently adore the work that is presented but don't want to come off as a total fan girl by constantly gushing!
Tari of ClayButtons.com
January 26, 2013 at 8:42 pmI like honestly. Always the best policy. I like to know that the posts are being read or in my case looking at the pitures. I'm a scanner.
Maybe a "its not my cup of tea but appreciate the time it takes to make something" type of comment. I appreciate lots of different types of art. It may not be my cup of tea but I appreciate the amount of time that goes into a piece.
Renetha
January 26, 2013 at 8:50 pmI love your beads and buttons. Some of your earrings are so whimsical.
As far as Studio Saturday…I it doesn't have to be every week. Or it could be a series of articles, lessons, or tutorials.
A Half-Baked Notion
January 26, 2013 at 10:01 pmI rarely miss ANY ABS post, Tari (though sometimes play catch-up on 2-3 days worth… following too many blogs, I guess). I actually love the studio posts, especially when there's a little history or collabs with other artisans, such as you have done. But I rarely comment unless I'm compelled by something I read. Love all the buttons BTW!
A Polymer Penchant
January 26, 2013 at 10:40 pmI too love the studio Saturday posts. I always have. I love seeing a more detailed look at what people are up to. I rarely comment on them as a won a gift certificate last year so I like to leave a chance for others to win. I always find the ABScontent very strong but don't always comments since I'll read on my phone and knowing there is a CAPTCHA I just don't fight with it
A Polymer Penchant
January 26, 2013 at 10:41 pmEr, ok no more CAPTCHA – yay 🙂
Karen M
January 26, 2013 at 10:49 pmI enjoy all the posts and I have a link to your page on my new blog too. I like what you offer; stories, inspiration, tutorials, challenges. Keep doing what you're doing!
Thanks for sharing Tari. I am a FAN!
Erin S
January 27, 2013 at 12:41 amI LOVE studio saturdays! I check it out every week, and I always try to comment. (and I've won a couple of really great giveaways here!) I really enjoy seeing what everybody is doing–don't change it!
Ann Schroeder
January 27, 2013 at 2:52 amI am very new to Art Bead Scene Blog and the art bead arena in general. I love ready many blogs now from art bead designers and jewelry makers who use them. I love seeing pictures of what people are working on, descriptions of their creative process, how they put materials and colors together – everything! I would miss Studio Saturday if it weren't around. I've just recently found it, but I really look forward to it.
Extra love the Kandinsky inspired buttons!
Meadowland Designs
January 27, 2013 at 3:12 amI would say to stick with it, I love seeing what you have been up to lately. If it seems boring to you who have to write the posts…maybe invite some guest bloggers or I suppose you could cut back to once or twice a month….but that would be sad.
I know that it could be hard for you all to come up with different content from your own blogs, so mixing it up with guest bloggers might be a nice change.
Anyhow, ooooh! Love the variety of buttons/beads/pendants. Especially the roses and shells; I don't know why but dots aren't very inspiring to me…I tend towards soft or rich colors with feminine themes.
~ Catherine
Carolyn
January 27, 2013 at 4:15 amLike your buttons especially the roses. Will have look at your blog and website.
I like Studio Saturday but usually am behind in reading the blogs that I follow.
Carolyn
[email protected]
Carol D.
January 27, 2013 at 4:19 amLove Studio Saturdays even though I don't always comment. The article today about buttons was very interesting and I read every word. Also love the ones showing someone's studio or an interview with artists. I think you should keep it every Saturday so I know when to expect it. I have come to count on it. Thanks for all you do and the chance to win a prize is just an extra bonus.
Sarah
January 27, 2013 at 6:20 amI've been following Art Bead Scene for a couple of months and I love reading all the posts. I especially enjoy the Studio Saturdays as they provide a close look at the creative process, something we don't often get a chance to see. Keep it up! I love them.
Sarah
January 27, 2013 at 6:22 amI've enjoyed reading all the posts from Art Bead since I discovered the blog a few months ago. The behind-the-scenes and inspiration posts are among my favorite because I enjoy seeing the creative process. Keep up the good work.
Jeanne aka Gem Chick
January 27, 2013 at 11:50 amI'm just starting to make time once again to follow some of my favorite blogs. So I'm not sure I'm qualified to weigh in what to do with Studio Saturdays. I can say that I've been inspired by the two recent ones.
Tari, I love the designs of your clay buttons. I read the laundering instructions and am wondering if you think they will work as bracelet closures?
Carol- Beads and Birds
January 27, 2013 at 12:43 pmYes! I like and READ SS. I always like to see new places I have never been. In this case, I know Your work and have bought items from you in the past and have always loved them. Pictures don't do your work justice.
Kathy Lindemer
January 27, 2013 at 1:02 pmI love this! Please continue. I started to follow this blog a couple of months ago. I like that it is once a week. I can remember that. I enjoy seeing what others make. I love your children's line. I have a children's line of jewelry. I know it is a lot of work but you do have followers and I usually leave comments because of that. Everyone enjoys some positive feedback. Thank you!
freshbakeddesigns
January 27, 2013 at 2:45 pmI too love the more in depth look into your studio life. And do understand and appreciate the amount of time it takes to put together one of these posts. Perhaps alternating the Studio Saturdays with some article…a tutorial, an interview may work out very well.
Thanks for all ABS does in the bead community.
m.e.
January 27, 2013 at 3:18 pmI read every ABS post including Studio Saturday. I really look forward to it . I'll admit I rarely comment (usually I am sneaking a peek while at work)
I'll bet there are more like me ,
the "lurkers and lookers " who would miss this post .
LOVE your buttons !
Attorney Angela Lund-Logan
January 27, 2013 at 4:57 pmI usually look at all of the posts from ABS. I enjoy reading them. Lately I haven't had the time to leave comments I am usually rather busy at the end of the year with my family law practice, my jewelry, and the holidays in general. My intention is to start posting comments again.
I am often inspired by the blog posts and have learned so much from them.
Tari of ClayButtons.com
January 27, 2013 at 7:29 pmI can't thank all of you enough! I love to know what you are thinking. If I/we don't hear from you its hard to pick a direction and decide what to post.
Some days I feel like odd man out because I do primarily make buttons. Yes, I dabble in beads and jewelry but mostly buttons.
It's all creative and something we need to have to make us whole.
We all need each other as our artistic community to share ideas and support one another. Whether you have just begun your creative journey or been on it for quite a while. Nice to know you are being heard. I always want to hear from you even if its just a Hi.
So thank you, thank you very much.
Wonderful to hear from the lurkers 🙂
Klassy Joolz
January 27, 2013 at 8:19 pmPlease don't stop. I always read, view and enjoy what ever you post. I like to see new artisans and their work. I will try to comment more!
Smiles, Pam
Mackin-Art
January 27, 2013 at 8:19 pmI do read all the ABS posts, but comment infrequently – when I do it's because I feel I really have something to say, not just another "me too" comment. I do enjoy the Studio Saturday posts, especially when there's discussion of the motivation behind the pieces.
Heather Powers
January 27, 2013 at 8:40 pmTari – I for one, love seeing what you write about on your Studio Saturday posts. Seeing your buttons and having a button maker adds a nice little spice to the Art Bead Scene – it's fun to see what designers create with buttons.
Jeanne – Tari's buttons make great closures for bracelets, but you can also order any of her buttons as a pendant or with connectors to use in necklaces too.
And lastly, Tari was asking for her Studio Saturday posts. We don't have any plans to change our Saturday format, even though we did miss a few during this holiday season. Keep coming back each Saturday to see what our designers and beadmakers are up to!
Lynn
January 27, 2013 at 10:50 pmTari, I loved all your buttons—especially the shells and houses. I also look forward to Studio Saturday and never miss it. Hope all these wonderful comments convince you to keep it. Thanks for all the wonderful inspirations!
Kristen
January 28, 2013 at 2:30 amI always read the SS posts. I especially like seeing the spaces people create in. I admit I don't always leave a comment. I enjoy ABS very much and read everything. The only posts that turned me off were the ads. I felt a bit duped when I read the whole post and then realized it was just an ad. I wasn't going to complain but you asked! 🙂
KayzKreationz
January 28, 2013 at 6:58 amThese clay buttons are so cute. I like the Studio Saturday posts. I enjoy reading them and learning what they're working on, what their studio looks like, etc.
Angi
January 29, 2013 at 1:44 pmFirst off…I love your designs! They are so original and bright! I LOVE Studio Saturday! I love getting a glimps into the studio life and workbenches of such talented artists. I have learned so much about the process of creating! Pretty please keep up the great work!
Angi Mullis [email protected]