Bluestemstudio's Weblog

Universally flattering … turquoise, the color of the year

bluestemstudio — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 01:08:03 +0000

I have always been a color nut. Many years ago I met a woman at a party who had my dream job. She was the color coordinator for a large department store. Imagine – being able to choose the colors of the shoes, dresses and handbags, so they would all coordinate. How fun! Now we have Pantone who does the job for us. Last December they announced that turquoise, specifically turquoise 15-5519, was the color of the year. What a wonderful choice! Universally flattering to all skin tones and great with most colors – brown, yellow, pink, blue, green and of course, black. Once reserved for summer wear, turquoise can now be worn year round. Update last years outfits with some bold turquoise accessories!

Just one look …

bluestemstudio — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 18:16:55 +0000

Any female over the age of 12 probably has more jewelry than she needs. And we all have our favorite pieces that we wear more often than others. Maybe these pieces have sentimental value or maybe they are more versatile and complement our clothing more frequently. But why do woman feel they have to wear all their jewelry all the time? Rings on every finger, bracelets up to their elbows, ankle bracelets and toe rings? Especially this season with simplified clothing designs in brighter colors. Pare it down. Wear just one bold accent piece and break away from the habit of wearing it all.

sterling siver disk earrings by Patricia Frankenfield

Kristie Roeder’s clay beads featured in Beads 2009

bluestemstudio — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 23:39:37 +0000

Kristie Roeder’s wonderful clay beads made it in print again. Her beads are featured as part of the April issue of Beads 2009, the beaders resource by Beadwork magazine and Interweave press. Congratulations, Kristie!

Beads 2009

Proportion, proportion, proportion!

bluestemstudio — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 20:39:54 +0000

I worked a craft show yesterday and this lovely woman was deciding between two bracelets. They both were wonderful … both were sterling silver cuffs, one was thin and the other was much wider. I personally would have had a hard time deciding between the two (as she was) but then she made a valid observation. She was a tall women, and the smaller bracelet was lost on her frame. The larger one was more in proportion to her body type.

We are a jewelry artist collective in Pennsylvania and display and sell our jewelry online. But there is something to be said for seeing the pieces in person. I love online shopping but occasionally you just have to admire an item on your body before you purchase. Only then can you see if it is the right proportion for you.

sterling silver wide cuff bracelet

It’s all in the wrist

bluestemstudio — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 01:35:01 +0000

Just about everyone has a Superbowl tradition and mine is shopping. The department stores are quiet so it is a perfect time to see what colors are showing for spring and summer. Last year at this time I commented on jewelry getting bigger and bolder – long necklaces with chunky components. This spring it appears the attention has moved from the neck to the wrist. Vibrant colors on large bangle bracelets seem to be the trend; colors in bright yellows and reds and also some softer lavenders and blues. Be bold – wear three bracelets, maybe a pair of simple earrings to accessorize your clothing. And, as an added bonus, multiple bracelets make wonderful noise when you are cheering on your favorite team!

Upcycled, recycled jewlery

bluestemstudio — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 01:56:00 +0000

I was reading a jewelry newsletter the other day and came across the word “upcycled.” I guess I had always referred to making jewlery out of re-purposed materials as recycled but apparently there is now a distinction between upcycled and recycled. According to the article, the word upcycling was coined by William McDonaugh and Michael Braugart in their book on ecologically intelligent design, Cradle to Cradle. In the simplest terms, upcycling is the practice of taking something that is disposable and transforming it into something of greater use and value.

OK, whatever it is called, I love seeing something old and making something wonderful and new … especially jewelry. Check out Emily Kitt’s ring made from the leather from her old Doc Martens shoes and sterling silver.

Doc Marten boot leather upcycled

Buy handmade this holiday season!

bluestemstudio — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 22:03:41 +0000

I have always been a maker and a seeker of handmade holiday gifts. And now and then you just need something just a little fun … a little unique.

Last December I received an e-mail from one of the artists on the bluestem site, Emily, regarding the indie craft show trend. She saw an article on CNN and sent it to me. I called my friend and former co-worker, Teri, and we said why not? Let’s do one in the Lehigh Valley!

Well, putting it togther has been a blast! We chose the Starlite Ballroom in Allentown for the location … disco ball and all, named it the indiemade craft market (a lot of the really good names were taken), and scheduled it for Sunday, December 7, 2008.

The artists for the show are creative and unique. I think that is what makes an indie show. They are artists first, then crafters … this is a way for them to make their art functional and a wonderful way for us to own their art.

So, did I create the show as an easier way for me to buy handmade this year? Probably. And I am having a great time doing it!

indiemade craft market

Three bluestem artists featured in the Hidden Treasures Studio Tour

bluestemstudio — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:33:27 +0000

On November 15 and 16, three bluestem studio jewelry artists, Patricia Frankenfield, Phyllis Fogel and Kristie Roeder will be featured in the 14th annual Hidden Treasures Studio Tour in the greater Lehigh Valley area. It is a great way to meet the artists, see demonstrations, and learn more about their craft. The studios are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. To learn more about the event and the studio locations, check out their Web site, www.hiddentreasurestour.com. To see examples of their amazing work, visit www.bluestemstudio.biz.

Kristie Roeder wins first place for her clay bead design

bluestemstudio — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 21:19:12 +0000

Kristie Roeder just won first place in the sixth annual bead arts competition in the November/December issue of Step by Step Beads magazine for her wonderful clay and glass bead. It is constructed of stoneware clay, thrown on a potter’s wheel, with multi-colored glass fused on top. You can see more of her work on our site, bluestemstudio.biz or her site, artisanclay.com. Congratulations, Kristie!

Kristie Roeder

Now is the time to Accessorize!

bluestemstudio — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:37:15 +0000

The fashion week frenzy has just ended in New York City. So what does that mean for the general clothing-shopping public? Not much. The economy is so bad that most of us can’t afford to buy a new wardrobe anyway. So what is a person to do? Accessorize! Buy one big, bold piece of jewelry to make last year’s outfit look fresh and new. A long necklace or a large, shiny bracelet should do it. Especially if the jewelry is unique and artisan-crafted. So go shop … see what wonderful piece of jewelry you can find to work for you!

necklace by Janis Long