Marsha Neal Studio Blog

This is a quick shot from today as I was working in my studio and had my little 2 year old down there painting on the new painting easel that he and his sister got for a Christmas present from me.

I wanted them to be able to come down with me and spend some time creating and not worrying so much about keeping things ultra clean (my way of not having to clean up the house after them - studio is fine - house - not so much... I don't like to clean the house - I like it clean, but would rather be spending my time in the studio or in the garden hanging out with these guys).

I love to just watch how they figure things out.

What goes through their head...

Oh, Wait...

I know exactly what is about to happen...

Riley is such a boy!

He got a huge kick out of chasing me around with this water bottle (even played along when I grabbed it and sprayed him - oh the squealy screams and laughter that came out of that kid!).

I can't wait until it is not the middle of winter and we can run outside a lot more.

Check out the other posts over on this weeks I Heart Macro:

Saturday Night Specials Time (an Etsy Team Event)

2012-01-28T20:05:00.000-05:00

It's Saturday Night Specials Time for the SNS team on Etsy.com

My coupon code is SNS20 to get you 20% off your retail purchase in my Marsha Neal Studio Etsy shop.

Sales for participants on this team run from 5pm EST Sat (1/28/12) to 6am EST Sun (1/29/12).

Here are a couple of SNS treasury collections that included one of the items from my shop.

Thanks for stopping by!

Make sure to click around a bit on the post for tonights specials.

There are some great deals on some awesome things!!!

Ceramic Clay Shards Update

2012-01-27T01:04:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite parts about my job as a bead maker is photographing my work.

It can be frustrating trying to find the perfect daylight, but when else do I get to have all these little treasures in one place - waiting for their chance to be in front of the camera?

I just like to look at them all...

Get to know each one of them a little bit better...

Spend time sorting them from their "out of the kiln, hole cleaned, paired up and ready to be photographed" tray to their "for sale on Etsy tray".

Each one photographed against a neutral background and a second time to show the size...

I love how this blue of my Dusty Denim glaze puddles and then breaks tan on the ridges of my porcelain clay shards...

And in my previous posts of late, here is a set of shards from the same firing, same glaze, that have been etched (removal of clear glossy glass finish).

I love these rich buttery muted tones...

I've done a ton of research on etching beads, but there is just something in my brain that I need to test out before I can do my big Etsy shop update (with etched beads).

The photo above is a standard home test that potters can use to see if their glazes leach any materials (acid test). This is especially important for any glaze that is to come into contact with food or drink.

Now I know my pendants are not going to be used as scoop to get the hummus from the bowl at your next party...

But still. I need to know if and how it reacts with long exposure (a couple days) to something so acidic with the shiny glass outer coating removed...

If it does leach - well, then I've got a bunch of work to use for "other art projects".

Although shards used to make earrings like this would be totally fine...

Speaking of which...

I'm going to have my first ever magazine article published in the April 2012 edition of Step By Step Wire Jewelry on how to make my Porcelain Shard Trapeze Earrings as you see them below...

I'm pretty excited. Nervous excited...

So with all these thoughts of clay shards going on today, I decided to roll out some clay balls...

And from those balls - more shards...

Just enough to squeeze in at the end of a very long day of working on the computer...

I love having just a bit of time like that to get into the clay groove.

I want to do it more often - so many ideas brewing!

With this bit of insight into what I've got in stock for shards,

Directions coming out soon for how to make the Trapeze Earrings (of which I could also make them up for you if you don't have the time to try it yourself),

And my wanting to make more means I need to move some of those that are sitting in my Etsy shop, taking up valuable space - there needs to be a sale.

Want in on the details?

The coupon code is going to be announced to my Newsletter subscribers later today (Jan. 27, 2012).

If there are any shards left after the Shard sale, I may post a code to use either here on my blog or on my Facebook Fan page - but I'm hoping that they will be gobbled up fast.

Hope you're finding inspiration somewhere!!!

Etch All Dip n Etch Info

2012-01-25T10:20:00.001-05:00

Here are some pics I quick snapped for those of you interested in the contents of the etching solution that I mentioned in my previous post on Etching Ceramic Beads.

Art & Creative Materials Institute, Inc

As noted in my previous post, when working with this material - always wear gloves and long clothes to protect your skin.

Safety goggles will help protect your eyes from any splashing.

Good ventilation is necessary as well.

This is a chemical.

There are risks for using it improperly (as does just about anything in life when it comes down to it).

Be Smart. Be Safe!

Fiddling Around In The Social Media Realm...

2012-01-24T22:49:00.000-05:00

Just fiddling around trying to figure stuff out.

Do you ever do that?

I'm cleaning up my Flickr account a bit reorganizing photo sets and wondering how I can use the images on there with my blog here...
Like the photo mosaic above (created through flickr, then big huge labs, then flickr again) - wondering since I added by html code, if you click on it will you go to my flickr page or just an enlarged version of the image?
(Answer: takes you to my flickr photo stream - good to know!)

And what is the best way to get things like this up on Pinterest...
Because right now I would have to "publish" this blog post to get the photo URL
(~~unless I can grab that from Flickr too~~ nope didn't work...).
then get the image URL and go over to the Pinterest Goodies Page and add the Pin It button to my blog.
(Update: it is easiest to hit the Pin It that I have installed on my personal internet browser window and share it on the board, but self promotion is not looked upon with smiling eyes. Having that Pin It red & white button is the nice way for you to ask someone else to pin it for you...)
Just trying to figure out what the fastest way to do this is...

If I save the image direct from Big Huge Labs to my computer as a jpg file, I can then upload it here:

Marsha Neal Studio Recent Clay Works Mosaic

So then after saving this blog post, I can go over to Pinterest and add the URL, website, description and then copy and paste the html code to get this:
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And all of this is stemming from a few questions...
One being: How can I help out the jewelry designers that are using my pieces in their creations...

I want to have a place for you to link up your Etsy shop listings or website listings or blog posts here on my blog to help people see your beautiful work (and maybe even buy it...)

Maybe I need to create a dedicated page with an Inlinkz gadget.
Or a monthly post...

All this is going to take a bit of figuring out.
But I'm sure it will be well worth it showing off how "pulled together" it all seems...
Do you ever get like this - just fiddling around trying to figure it all out.
If you've got any ideas or links to helpful sites, I would love it if you could post it in the comments below.

How To Etch Ceramic Pendants and Beads...

2012-01-24T05:30:00.000-05:00

I've been trying to figure out how to make the most out of what I've got.

How do you make something new out of what is already in existence?

What I've got is a lot of porcelain pendants.

And these pieces above have all now been etched.

What is etching? I wondered the same thing...

Years ago I was talking to my friend Nikki (Thornburg Bead Studio) about how she got that awesome satin matte finish on some of her glass beads - the ones that I was completely drawn to more than any other bead.

We were both selling our work at a bead show, and I think the conversation was something along the lines of me asking novice questions like:

"What kind of glass is that? The one that has a satin matte etched finish?"

Then she politely giggled as always and explained that it was an extra step she took after creating the beads to remove the glossy glass finish.

She used a liquid glass etch (Etch All) to get that finish on some of her beads.
Update: Check out the bottle on this post.

I thought that since my pieces were glazed - and glaze contains silica (glass) - I should be able to etch my glazed pieces...

So I ordered the Dip 'n etch etching solution, etched pieces, but was a bit occupied traveling selling my work at bead shows at the time to really spend a lot of time in the studio experimenting, so I put it up on the shelf.
(still can't find that original bottle - it's in a box in the studio somewhere!)

Marsha Neal Studio Newly Etched Butterfly and Bat Pendants.

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This time I was really ready to experiment and play with it (no show pressure this time).

I followed the directions on the bottle and soon figured out that my glazes would take a lot longer than a few minutes to get the look I wanted (this took lots of testing and keeping track of time - 15 minutes give or take depending on the actual glaze).

Marsha Neal Studio reenactment of rinsing etched pendants.

After the 15 minutes was up, I carefully emptied the etching solution back into the original bottle, then rinsed each piece at the sink. My pieces have a lot of texture so I used a green scrubby, the industrial kind, to clean each piece individually.

Also, please note that I was wearing gloves during the entire process around the etching solution.
Always follow safety guidelines on bottle!

I remembered that I should be taking a photo after these were rinsed, and ran the water just to show the step...

Marsha Neal Studio Etched Pendants Tray 1

After they were dried and inspected they were placed into trays so I could easily photograph them and get them ready for listing up in my Etsy shop (hoping to photograph them Tuesday & Wednesday) and do a shop update on Thursday.

Marsha Neal Studio Etched Pendants Tray 2

MNS Detail of cutout flowers & medium etched pendants.

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They all have this buttery rich satin matte finish to them.

The colors are so muted yet intense...

MNS detail of etched bats and butterfly pendants.

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Every time I hold one in my hand I can't help but want to squeal and covet it a bit more...

Marsha Neal Studio double sided Etched Nest Beads.

Marsha Neal Studio side view of etched nest bead.

Just wait...

You've got to get some of these to see how beautiful they are!

Marsha Neal Studio detail of etched shards and earring pairs.

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And of course - I had to etch some of these Halloween pieces.

It is like the missing link to what the finish needed on these not so scary spooky pendants.

Marsha Neal Studio Etched Halloween Pendants.

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So what do you think?

Do you like them?

Do you want to use them or just hold onto them?

If you want to receive notice about my Etsy shop update & receive a newsletter only coupon code, sign up to receive my email newsletter.

My MarshaNealStudio Facebook Fans get 10% off retail in my Etsy shop at any time with their special coupon code: FaceBookFan10 (but you've got to be a fan to use it).

Wish me luck with getting things pulled together after over a week off
(we needed some extra family fun time together - too much crazy going on in the last year).

There is so much to catch up with - I'm going in every direction.
To Do lists that last for days - but soon it will all get done...

Inlinkz Gadget and Link Manager Trying Stuff

2012-01-14T17:26:00.001-05:00

I've been using InLinkz for quite a while here on my blog, Beads of Clay Blog, Delaware Etsy Street Team Blog and for the Art Walk Etsy Team blog.

I use it so that other people can link up their blog, Etsy shop, etc to a specific blog post so we can help promote each other's work.

Right now I'm looking into some of the other things that InLinkz has to offer.

Like how can you host a contest where people can vote on links & pick a winner?

And their Link Manager - seems pretty cool for making collections (reminds me slightly of Pinterest)...

So I don't have a lot of time this week, but wanted to quick give something a try:

I went out and found a code for the Link Manager (it's in Beta testing now)

And I created a collection based on a couple of my porcelain pendant sets I've got in my Etsy shop:

Marsha Neal Studio Leaf Pendant Set in Dusty Denim Glaze

Marsha Neal Studio Random Boxes Pendant Set in Peacock

Marsha Neal Studio Wavy Grid Pendants in Peacock Glaze

Marsha Neal Studio O Series Pendant Set in Twilight

InLinkz.com

If you think you might be interested in InLinkz, would you please see about checking them out through my links to help get me referrals (helps get my subscription extended).
Here is their cute logo that has my referral code too:

Tell me what you think!
I know this has SO much potential!
Now only to get my brain around it...

Etched Beads and Backwards Hop Scotch...

2012-01-11T05:30:00.000-05:00

In between meetings in the last couple of days,

I've been going on a bit of an etching binge...

I'm loving these rich colors and the satin matte finish...

This piece above on my fingertips has been etched.

So rich in tones...

And here it is at 9 o'clock in the above photo before etching...

I'll have more pics of the other pieces above as they were all etched together.

These porcelain paper clay pieces that my friend Kelly Russell (Beadfuddled) created for me for test tiles a few years back - they got etched too...

See them in March 2011: click here.

And now for a little story about Backwards Hop Scotch.

In my family, there is a bit of a running joke about "Marsha-isms"...

Young Marsha overheard a gossip story about people going to see "shrinks":

"Mom, How little are they???"

Well, my daughter has gotten it honestly from me.

The other day I picked her up from school.

She decided to jump on the Hop Scotch rug, jumping on each number in order:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

She got to the top and did a funny 4 year old happy dance.

Her little brother egged her on "Yay Chloe!!!"

I asked - Chloe, now that you are at the top, can you do it backwards?

Sure Mom!!! I can do it backwards!

Insert more 4 year old squeals & giggles...

I continue: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1... in my funny fast voice encouraging her on...

So at first I think she completely ignored me,

which she somewhat did...

But really she just didn't hear me with all the giggles & squeals going on from both of them...

So she went back to the start - and did this:

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10...

And she did it turned backwards!

What a great kid!

She cracks me UP...

New Work - In A Way...

2012-01-09T06:00:00.000-05:00

These have been hanging out in the studio unglazed for almost 2 years.

I wanted something different than my normal glazes I use on my pendants.

This application of an oxide under the glaze allows for lots of variations from out of the bottle...

And this isn't the final way they are going to look.

What are they?

Ring Holders? Terrarium ornaments?

To me they are just experiments at this early stage - the beginning of a series of new work...

They have a few more stages to go through before they are how I really want them.

While I was fiddling around with these oxides & glazes for the little abstract organic pagoda tops,

I also decided to glaze up some of my porcelain pendants...

In the photo above, they are the same glaze, but the bottom piece underwent an additional step of etching.

This etching solution removes the glossy surface and leaves a matte, more rustic finish to the piece.

I'm hoping to make a few more decisions on these, then photograph them and put them into my Etsy shop later this week.

Here is a peek at the test tiles for these oxides & glazes.

Three tiles narrowed down from twelve - just for this round of testing.

Here you can see the test tile I decided to start with.

Crazy how pastel the glazes are before firing!

And in the studio itself, I'm starting to have a few more constant visitors down there with me.

Making messes & making art!

I finally have some big artwork with lots of color to go up on my white cinderblock walls.

It is currently just SO drab. Especially in the winter...

And look - Chloe is even helping me paint the exterior of my kiln room door.

Never moved past the manufacturer primer.

Can I tell you how delighted she and I are that she is helping me put color in the studio!?

And on Saturday it was 65 degrees here!

Unbelievable for January...

On a whim, we jumped into the car and drove to the beach for a couple of hours.

Here are some of the treasures that Chloe and I collected.

Notice the crab claws?

This beach is Lewes Beach, DE.

Estuary where the DE river empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

The place where I learned to swim (for my life - or rather - for my feet - all kinds of things in that water!)

We were barely on the beach when Chloe started finding shells and such & made herself a little pile.

Dad remembered the buckets, so we were able to gather a few more things to bring home.

And Riley was not into taking his shoes & socks off (too cold for his toes - he likes warm sand!)

But he did sit for a while just checking out all the stuff the beach had to offer.

Overall - a pretty good weekend.

I've got a lot on my mind & some pretty big decisions to make for myself & my business.

Dave and I were just talking last week about me looking for a job soon.

So I've got to get things lined up and figured out for how I need to be spending my time...

Wish me luck! I'm going to need it (my brain will - big time!)

The First Friday Art Walk On Etsy

2012-01-07T01:22:00.002-05:00

There is this thing that happens every month...

Hosted by the AWETEam...

There is just something delightful about having a common promotional goal to work towards with a bunch of other artists running shops selling their wares on Etsy.com.

You meet a bunch of other artists...

And gain new friends...

You see some great work...

Maybe even buy some...

New people (potential customers) see your work...

Might even sell some items...

Treasuries are created...

Work is featured...

It is a lot of fun!

If you sell stuff on Etsy, you should look into joining in on the promotional fun and have this monthly goal to work towards to feature some of your best items...

And for this Art Walk weekend, I'm offering 10% off items in both of my Etsy shops:

Type in coupon code: AWEFFAW when checking out to get the discount.

Marsha Neal Studio

MyMomPattie

Snow Dusting, Decaying Flowers & Studio Time...

2012-01-05T11:26:00.002-05:00

Woke up today with a nice surprise - a dusting of Snow!

Just enough for snow boots (why get regular shoes wet?) and some fun time before school...

Yesterday was the general monthly meeting for the NCC Master Gardeners.

It was great to see so many of my new gardener friends & catch up a bit.

After a presentation by a UD Professor, I have a new outlook on the use of annual plants in the garden & how they can be useful & temporary (they will not survive our growing season).

It was a nice refresher - just what I needed.

Inspiration and motivation!

And on the way out through the parking lot I was able to snap some pics of the remains of the

2011 Native Plant Teaching Garden.

Narrow Leaf New York Ironweed.

Purple Cone Flower.

Then when I got home and spent a few hours updating things online for

the First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.com

(hosted by the AWETeam) I made my way into the studio to this mess:

I am the type of person that needs the bed made before I get into it at night.

Maybe not ALL the time - but I do prefer it.

So it should be no surprise that I like to clean up before making a mess.

So here it is...

My studio space, cleared of the crazy clutter (for the most part - well - for the part I need to work in anyway) and I'm off to go work on some glazing with the Spring 2012 Pantone Fashion colors in mind.

Let's see what I come up with!

Check out my Marsha Neal Studio FaceBook page for updates as I work...

Time To Begin Again...

2012-01-03T12:50:00.002-05:00

October through December seemed to melt into one huge cookie lump of memories for me...

I am ready for this new year!

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Having both of my kids born in December we are basically booked full from Thanksgiving through New Years & try not to make any plans outside of immediate family events.

Which is a bit hard for the arts & crafty side of me - but I just have to tie things up early on & know that the last two weeks of December is my time to close up shop for Marsha Neal Studio.

I am trying to get the hang of things as a mom (it's a never ending quest right?!)

I am trying to soak in all the cuteness and memories as I can.

I look back on all the photos that I've snapped with my iPhone and can remember exactly what was going on. I adore having this technology at my fingertips! Every day life being documented...

I found this art easel on clearance right before christmas for $26.99. Had a $10 off $25 purchase - so it came home for $16.99 (was $80 originally!).

One thing I've really been wanting to do for my little ones is give them a place to be messy and creative - and my studio area is the perfect place...

Which makes me realize - I had better get my ongoing organization project(s) back in full swing so they can be safe when down here (talking piles of papers & crap that could tumble over). And sharpies & other permanent creative medium must get a new home high up on my back room shelves...

I want my love of nature & design to be refreshed with this new year.

2011 was not the greatest year for my garden, despite completion of the NCC Master Gardener course.

I guess with knowledge comes understanding - which leads to a whole new way to see things.

I think I prefer some things as a novice - but education will help me get past that feeling.

I even stole a few hours one day during Christmas break to get into the studio to create these textured pieces for small earrings & jewelry components. They have been in my mind for a while now. I also want to make some that are domed and are somewhat like a lentil. Still working that out in my head though...

The left piece is just cut out. The right piece is cleaned up.

Now to get them glazed!

And on a personal note. I did way too much of this kind of cooking in the fall...

And I've been on a cleansing and meal replacement diet since early December.

I love food. I love flavor & texture. I love coffee. I love baked goods.

I love chocolate. I love salty sweet things. I love chips & dip. Give me starches & carbs...

I am a stress eater. I work & forget to eat then go to town because I'm starving...

And I also love myself & my husband, my children.

And for those alone I will put myself through this body cleansing for a few months until I can get myself mentally prepared to not make such bad food decisions.

Really - this kind of dieting is not for me. I want food, not shakes (although they aren't that bad).

I love Weight Watchers because it helps you figure out what to eat and what proportions for actual life situations with real food choices.

But my head isn't into it right now, and my body needs a jump start.

Let's not even talk about exercise yet. That will be worked into the routine very soon...

I hope that by March or April I will be better at controlling myself

So with that typed out, I feel like I'm getting back into it.

Onwards into 2012...

Finding Some Holiday Cheer...

2011-12-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Friday evening our little family of four ventured out for dinner and some Christmas Cheer.

And around here, the place to go for some awesome Christmas Light displays is Longwood Gardens.

It is an annual tradition since I can remember.

I love how this fountain display doesn't change every year.

Insert your favorite Holiday Song (instrumental version) and fountains moving to it and you're there!

It is magical seeing something with your kids, that you remember as a child...

And that every year there is a new theme and the trees are all just a bit different…

I love the red and white lights (they remind me of peppermint - which I love!)

And this is my favorite light wrapping technique.

I hate doing it (frustrating & too many lights & branches to deal with)...

But I love seeing the tree structure like this at night!

Oh, and in the Conservatory - how grand this inside garden is!

Pretty formal for my garden taste - but I can admire the design that goes into it.

I love the visual layering of the lines, texture & color...

The smell of paper-whites is everywhere inside this building.

It is not the most pleasant smell - reminds Dave and I of a Sharpie marker…

But is is a scent that brings back memories of Christmas Time here with family from years ago...

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The theme this year is Gingerbread…

There were gingerbread decorations everywhere...

And this - the Conservatory in Gingerbread…

And huge jars filled with so much candy!

Wish it smelled more like Gingerbread than Paper-whites…

But there were gingerbread scents here and there..

And the trees were dripping with decorations…

Seriously… dripping with SO many decorations!

We always save the Children's water garden for last.

We have learned to bring a change of clothes due to it being - well. Wet...

If we time it right, the change of clothes is feety pajamas.

Perfect so the little ones can be ready for a sleepy car ride home...

Then all bundled up with hats, gloves, scarves…

The kids in their pj's snuggled in blankets with their jackets, hats, gloves & scarves on…

We venture back out through the gardens to admire the outside lights one more time…

This was our favorite tree there - it was immense!

I especially loved snapping this photo of a man taking a photo of three of his girl friends posing in front of the big tree…

Their silhouettes posing were so much fun to watch against the bright lights…

An family night out was exactly what we all needed!

With my dad through a successful surgery (went as the doctor expected) and now on the hopefully normal slightly bumpy road to recovery...

We were all able to actually enjoy this outing just that much more & we were able to exhale a bit too.

Hope this brings you some cheer as well.

Thank you for all the well wishes & prayers!

It means so much more than you will ever know…

Thank You!!!

Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!

Happy Holidays to you!

What A Time This Will Be To Remember...

2011-12-08T13:17:00.001-05:00

It is hard to describe where I am at right now.

Life is SO all over the place.

I feel like my head is in a bit of a bubble - or at least it is trying to fight to stay there - just for a bit…

Four years ago today, I was in the hospital, delivering my little Chloe.

For as wonderful as the experience was, I still miss the version where my mom was there with me.

Not that the one I have isn't good enough - it was perfect and full of laughter (yes - we laughed!)

But still. I always had envisioned my kids being born with my mom there with me.

In a way - I know she was there…

So today my Chloe woke up as a 4 year old and got some email from her friends...

We made some pink cupcakes with purple icing & sprinkles for her to take to school today…

She got a Princess Tiana doll this morning & maybe another after dinner tonight (depends on if the 4 year old Chloe version comes with the "listening ears" update - lol!)

I can't believe she is 4. I loved her being 3! I so look forward to seeing how 4 is :)

And yesterday, my Step-Brother (I would say brother, but that gets confusing…) & Sister-In-Law in FL had a little baby boy!

A new nephew Tristan (He is beautiful!!).

He and Chloe were both delivered the same amount of three weeks early.

I was due on Dec. 26, she was born on the 8th.

She was due on Dec. 25, he was born on the 7th.

With three Dec. birthdays (Riley is the 28th) all within 4 years of age - we're going to have to plan some fun family outings to Disney around Christmas…

It will be so much fun!

And in NYC, Duckie is hanging out with my Dad & Step-Mom.

~~Very shortly (minutes at this point)~~ Right now, my dad is undergoing surgery to remove an organ and the cancer that decided it wanted to call it home. I pray that the surgeon has steady hands and sharp eyes to cut carefully and without harming him in other ways…

We all want my dad around for years to come…

He has a new grandson to meet, hang out with and get addicted to trains (as the other three are!)

We have lots of plans for just being around dad.

Goes to show that life has its own plans.

And you never know where your life will end up or what will come knocking on your door from day to day.

Oh, and speaking of life changing. I've decided to try some fasting and cleansing (Isagenix) for this body of mine that has been stress eating comfort foods (so not good for my border-line bad cholesterol) since summer. I could totally see myself continuing to make cookies, cakes, mashed potatoes & living off of chips & other crap - but I am taking control.

Cold turkey. Well, cold shakes actually...

Dave is doing it too (along with 3 other family members).

So for a while I'm going to just hang in tight and finish up some orders, then just be here for a while…

Drinking my shakes…

On days like today, I am thankful for having this other path for my health to keep me in control.

It is SO mental, and I really want to go dive into something else. But I'm not.

I'm staying strong and taking care of myself so I can be around for as long as possible, and in good health to enjoy life with my kids and hopefully one day - grandkids (maybe great grandkids too :)

This will be a time to remember for a long time…

What a crazy path we are all on right now!

Studio Insight - Making Cutout Flower Pendants...

2011-11-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

Do you ever wonder what it takes to make something handmade?

What about making a porcelain pendant?

There are a lot of steps involved even before what I'm going to share with you below.

I would like to give you an insight into my process so you can understand that these are all unique handmade creations

(and copyrighted texture plates) and are all little treasures...

Marsha Neal Studio Hibiscus Cutout Flower In Stormy Night Sky Glaze

Marsha Neal Studio's Clay Studio setup for glazing pieces.

All I need is a little space to work.

Slabs that were rolled out previously - ready to use.

Drywall working surface, tools, clay slab, flower texture plates at the ready.

Cutting clay slab down to reduce excess clay scraps.

Rolling out one pendant onto my texture plate.

Many pieces rolled out. Pony rollers need to be dry or clay will stick to them.

Top = good print. Bottom = oops, missed a bit (scrap now).

Cutting out the pendant by hand. Molds would make this like "work" for me.
I actually find the process of making each piece like this very relaxing.

The cutting begins. Work in batches so they don't dry out too fast.

Kitty litter buckets are great for holding scrap clay that is waiting to be recycled.
The next time I mix this clay will be this clay's third time being processed into wet clay.

Putting the hole into the pendant.
The holes will be drilled out again for a consistent size.

The middle layer with the blackline is the layer where the pendants are.
Small scrap pieces of drywall are used to extract the water from the clay,
while allowing the pieces to dry flat.

When I go into the studio tomorrow,

I will sponge all the edges of each piece to make the pendant more refined.

I will drill out the pendant hole.

Then they will be bisque fired in my kiln.

After cooling, they will be glazed (another part I find relaxing!).

Holes will be cleaned, glaze touched up,

then glaze fired on small hooks which are

suspended on bead rods so the entire piece is covered with glaze.

After the kiln cools, the pieces are unloaded & inspected for any defects.

Holes are cleaned once more to make sure there are no sharp edges.

Then the piece is ready for you…

The steps not mentioned here are all the things that come ahead

of this "process" I've established for myself are important things like:

My education (MA in Ceramics).

Experience and level of knowledge and skill.

Understanding how this will be used in a finished product.

Design ideas. Carving out my texture plates. Testing out products & glazes.

Having a space to work - a studio. Having equipment and materials for that studio to function.

Being a person that makes things by hand is actual work.

It may be fun work - when you have time to get in the studio…

Creativity is not easy all the time. I actually enjoy the process as much as the creative part…

Hope you liked this insight.

Please be inspired by this.

Be well informed by this.

And let it lead you to find your own way to work with clay

or whatever material you choose to work with…

And Thank You for supporting Handmade!

How Is Your Brain??? Cyber Crazy Yet?

2011-11-29T01:21:00.001-05:00

I don't know about you, but I'm having a bit of a slow start to getting back into the swing of things…

So I'm extending my Cyber Monday Etsy shop sale through Tuesday night.

Use Coupon Code: BOCCYBER when checking out and you get 20% off your purchase.

And just as things happen to go - my Etsy shop has hit a milestone during this weekend's sale…

1500 sales!

WOAH…

Seriously - WOAH!

So of course - I want to give you guys stuff to celebrate!

If you use the BOCCYBER coupon code - you will get entered to take part in my giveaways.

I'm not exactly sure yet what I'm going to do - but it will be fun!

I listed some new Lentil Beads and some New Pendants in my shop for this Cyber Monday sale.

And if you've got some time and want to get a chance at winning one of the lentil beads in my shop - Go to my etsy shop, favorite an item then hop on over to my Marsha Neal Studio Facebook page & comment on my post for the 10am giveaway (starts with me saying: "my computer is giving me attitude")…

Have fun shopping and THANKS!!!

Black Friday Through Cyber Monday Sale & Thanksgiving Potatoes...

2011-11-24T23:26:00.001-05:00

Want 20% off items from my MarshaNealStudio Etsy shop?

Wavy Grid Diamond Shaped Pendant

Use coupon code BOCCYBER from Friday 11/25/11 through Monday 11/28/11.

You can even get the above pendant set in any of these colors:

Not into such an angular piece?

How about this one in any of the above colors?

Gnarly Spiral Porcelain Pendant

It's easy to do…

Jump over to my Etsy shop, pick your piece, use BOCCYBER in your shopping cart when checking out for the 20% off, then leave me a message in the message to seller for what color you would like this in…

And now for a little about my Thanksgiving potatoes:

60lbs of potatoes…

I bought 6 bags on sale one day and didn't realize that my Mother-In-Law had picked up just as many for me to use to make the family's portion for Thanksgiving dinner.

My food contribution to Thanksgiving dinner is mashed potatoes (I LOVE making them)...

I always used to love to peel the potatoes for my mom on Thanksgiving.

It was one of the little jobs she gave me to do.

I loved hanging out in the kitchen with her watching the Macy's parade...

After my mom passed, my sister and I started to make the mashed potatoes.

My sister suggested that I add salt, minced garlic, minced onion and chives to the water during boiling for added flavor - YUM!

My step-mom always made the most tasty mashed potatoes.

For a 5 lb bag, she uses a stick of butter, cream cheese with chives & evaporated milk - salt to taste.

Talk about light and whipped creamy mashed potatoes!

So with those 60lbs of potatoes I was happy to peel and cook three in three different batches so I could make mashed potatoes for my kids school's Thanksgiving lunch.

Make enough for three dinners with lots of family (we only went to one dinner thank goodness), extras for my siblings so they could have some with their leftover turkey…

And I've got a few potatoes left in the bag that I'm going to cook up in a veggie soup.

Then there is the pumpkin pie (I doubled this recipe and added 1/2 tsp of nutmeg to the doubled batch).

My mom always made the best pumpkin muffins with cream cheese icing.

I'm not quite there yet, but soon I'm sure.

So for now - 6 pumpkin pies in the last couple of days...

I decided that since I had some left over pumpkin puree, that I would check out the website on the Libby's Can for some recipes, and came across this: Pumpkin pie covered with Yellow cake mix & pecans (aka: Libby's Easy Pumpkin Crumb Cake).

The recipe called for 1/2 c. pecans - but I went a bit overboard.

In my world - when there are pecans on a dessert - there are never really enough pecans…

I've got to admit that with all the stuff going on within my family and "health" issues and deaths (3 since August) cooking like this has become a bit of an escape for me.

I really think I need to get out of the kitchen and back into the studio for a bit.

It will help me not get back up that extra size I went down last year…

Which is scarily getting close. Ugh!

I enjoyed every bite as it went in though…

Thank you all so very much for all your continued support!

Hope you have time to spend with family and friends and realize what you are Thankful for in life.

DeStash Event Follow Up & What's Next...

2011-11-20T08:19:00.001-05:00

Hard to believe it has been a week since the DeStash event…

Pendants for DeStash Sale.

All of the orders have been sent out, and I wanted to share my experience with you all of how I managed to pull this off in this last week.

Well - we'll see as I get notes from customers via Etsy convo about orders and how they arrived - or didn't as to how well I pulled it off...

My amazing customers make the sale a success way beyond what I could have ever expected…

I really thought that 150 pendants would last all weekend.

Never did I expect to have things take off and run like they did…

I know there are some of you that are curious about numbers - and when I log in over on Etsy - it says that I have to leave feedback for 658 items (these were also giveaway pieces btw & some non-destash listings, like silks). And I will be leaving feedback for all the items…

Which leads me to:

How the heck do you organize this and get all the pieces to the right people and not drive yourself totally crazy?

Answer: It's like a stew…

You have the basics, then add as you go:

I needed: time set aside for only doing this, upbeat music, coffee…

Then familiarity with product, trays & bins for sorting, computer or printed orders, pen and paper for notes that go into bins, notebook for things you need to do, shipping labels, boxes & padded envelopes, bubble wrap, tissue paper, packaging tape, Scotch tape, business cards, bits of cardboard, plastic baggies for grouping items, USPS labels for international shipments & delivery confirmation, and something to carry it all in to get to the post office.

Pendants Sorted into trays according to shape & texture.

The sorting part I LOVED…

Really - It not only fed my OCD with having all the shapes and textures put together in the same bins…

But it also gave me time with all these pieces looking at them individually...

Remembering drawing out the texture plates, making the pieces, glazing the pieces…

And it was like being a personal shopper - pulling all these individual pieces for each order.

I miss this part of selling beads at bead shows...

Trays on left have pieces sorted into bins & smaller tray segments underneath.
Trays on right are extra pendants to be used as bonus giveaways: 1 free for every 10 purchased.

Packaging Area Basics.

Large orders packaged into baggies by shape.
Each was wrapped snug with unprinted newspaper then into box with lots of padding.

Individual pendants got tissue paper, then bubble wrapped together with business card.
Some were then wrapped with this thin cardboard for packaging support.

Yellow = Bubble Mailer. On top shows how I line the items up in the package.
Crumpled newsprint, beads in cardboard, crumpled newsprint.
I take the extra precaution of using packaging tape as a second envelope sealer.
I also like adding clear tape over the shipping label on the front.

Speaking of shipping labels… I like to hand write mine out.
I just like that extra personalization & connection.
It's like saying a little extra "Thank You" to that person in my mind.

First round ready to ship and go to the post office mid-week.
Second & final round went out Saturday morning.

And as the week of sorting, packing & shipping went on - so did regular life…

Our cat "Peeves" was more than happy to keep me company this entire time.

Chloe had fun going with me to ship orders at the Post Office.
She received some Stickers in my PO Box from a sticker exchange we did this fall.
Talk about an excited and happy girl! Time to start a sticker book for her...

Bonus Day With PopPop just hanging out!

My dad was up from FL for a few days so Chloe and I took the day off to run around and hang out with him. It's weird not having my dad's family live here in DE with us anymore.

They moved to FL back in the mid 90's. And even though it's great having a nice place to visit them, I'd still prefer they lived near us. There is a plethora of comments about us moving to FL. But really, I love all seasons we have here in DE and being close to most of the rest of the family.

No to mention my garden and the flora & fauna from this area...

Chloe rolling out play dough beads...

And for the What's Next? part:

Well, I like seeing empty holes in storage shelving areas.

Empty Shelf Space where destash pendants used to be.

So much so that I think I'm going to be running some additional DeStash sales to help clear this space out a bit…

Porcelain Bisque Storage Shelves.

I would really love to have this studio space for setting up my potters wheel and get into making different kinds of clay & mixed media art.

This area that is filled with shelves was designed for my kick wheel in the original studio layout.

I not only have these above shoe boxes filled with "general pendant stock", but a whole other area with baggies in bins of beads - multiples of the same textures and shape/size that were made when I was doing a lot of online wholesale business.

Lots of specific pieces all ready for glazing...

And with the state of the economy and how technology has changed the way we all shop and buy our supplies.

We go by lists now, right? Rarely by that emotional "I must have that" out of control impulsive buying (which I am fully guilty of having in overload).

And we're always looking for a great deal - right?!

Groupon… Flock Shop… Deals, Deals, Deals… Coupons Galore!

Talk about overload - on many levels.

So what I'm planning & with Dave working the new website shopping cart,

I'm going to go through stock, see what pendant shapes/sizes I've got in limited multiples.

Those limited multiples will be loaded with a set qty into a special destash section of my website shopping cart for a few days - to be determined by this new cart setup & how fast we can implement some really cool options (like "rewards" programs for items you buy - really cool stuff!)

By "limited", I mean there are specific textures and shapes/sizes - not my entire catalog which is currently available on the website.

I will pick out a selective glaze palette for these destash pieces that these can be glazed in such as these colors and maybe a few more (will be looking at the spring 2012 Pantone color palette too).

Marsha Neal Studio Fall Glaze Color Palette

So what do you all think?

And there are to be lessons to be learned by how I got myself into this situation with lots of stock that is just sitting. More on that to come in a later post though.

Thanks everyone for making this such a fun event!

If you missed out on some of the "fun" part - that would have been all the interaction during the sale that was going on - on the Marsha Neal Studio FaceBook page.

I had some random commenter giveaways for 50% off a clay item coupon codes, half-priced silk listings, free destash pieces, etc.

All totally by the seat of my pants - and it was a blast!

(ok - that wasn't meant to sound like "that").

You guys are SO much fun!

Thanks again for hanging out with me and making it such a success…

I look forward to the next round and making you all specific pieces just for you…

Thanks!

Friday Night DeStash Update & Bonuses...

2011-11-11T17:00:00.001-05:00

Aren't these just lovely???

I think you need some for yourself or to give as gifts for this holiday season…

And for only $5 each (normally $15) why not?

And to think - every last one of them has been photographed in the last 24 hours and uploaded to my Etsy shop into the "Destash Items" section.

Madness I say - complete and utter madness!!!

These are porcelain pendant pieces that I make by hand in my studio and that have been doing the bead show circuit, trunk shows at bead shops, checked out by friends visiting my studio, and have been most recently kept in baggies up on my studio shelves.

There has been something within me that hasn't wanted to let them go.

There are some sad stories, some funny ones, some obsessive ones - all for another post.

Now is the time for me to say good bye to them all.

And for you to say Hi…

Even if it is just a passing onto another person for them to keep for a while…

So this morning I dropped the kids off to school,

Got a nice cup of coffee in hand and headed out to the FL room where I photograph my work.

I think I have photographing my work down to a science now.

And if I pay attention to little things like:

1. Centering item

2. Using a tripod

3. Keeping items straight in the image frame

4. Light compensation (I check each image as I take the pic to make sure the color is as true as possible)

I can put the images onto my computer, crop quick, export, then upload to Etsy.

It's science baby!!!

If you are on my FaceBook page - then you were witness to my mad uploads and annoying feed thread hogging posts (sorry about that - I promise this is NOT an all the time thing :)

Seriously - in my head I heard Chevy Chase's voice: "Look Kids, It's Big Ben" over and over (and over) as I was posting my stuff to Etsy & sharing with FB & Twitter.

Just think:

Teachers gifts...

Gifts for good friends and family members that like unique necklaces…

Or to a beading friend that likes to use handmade pieces in their jewelry design…

I love that they are $5 right now, but are actually $15 normally - so you're giving something with real artist handmade value.

Makes me feel good that I can help you out like that.

And that your buying them helps me pay off my business debt (an ugly thing - let me tell you… Don't even get my husband started on it - because that's where it gets ugly…).

Maybe you've got some craft shows or home shows coming up that you need or want to have a few extra pieces for and this will give you a little extra $$ value back.

How do you make these pendants into a necklace ready for gift giving?

If you aren't into making jewelry yourself, I can help you out...

My style of necklace is simply add a wire wrapped bale to the pendant and string it on a silk ribbon.

You could also use a necklace you already have - leather, rubber, metal, etc.

If you pick out some pendants simply send me a convo through Etsy and let me know which one you want made into a necklace.

For each piece for an extra $5 you can pick out one of my Silky or Fairy Ribbons (or I can pick out a color that goes with your pendant for you) and ask me to wire wrap the piece for you.

Ribbons cost $5 each individually…

If you just want the pendant wire wrapped, it's only $2 without the silk.

I make the loop a standard size that should slide over any standard small necklace end loop.

DeStash Sale Bonuses:

1. For every 10 item listings in my shop that you purchase (destash and regular priced items) I will pick out a pendant from my stash for you.

2. Every time you help me promote this sale through social media outlets, please leave a comment here on my blog posts for this sale and you get a chance at a $30 MNS gift certificate. Do this often - no limit on how many times you can enter…

3. Random DESTASH BONUS items will be thrown into my shop over the weekend.

These could be things like bundles of pieces, half priced silk bundles, etc.

4. All orders will be receiving a coupon code for their next clay item purchase in my shop.

5. If all (or nearly all) of my destash items sell by Sunday - I will do a big huge giveaway - something really crazy - like a couple of drawings for $50 or $100 gift certificates for everyone that bought items during this sale…

Have fun shopping and help me sell all of these pieces!

And don't forget - every 10 items gets a bonus item that I pick out for you :)

I'll be counting items & looking at what you picked out while I'm packing everything up this next week.

You never know what fun stuff I'll throw in for those awesome customers of mine…

Thank You All!!!

Destash Update Tonight...

2011-11-10T13:57:00.001-05:00

WOW!

That's just about all I can get out at this point…

You all just astound me :)

I thought that this DeStash of $15 pendants (on sale for $5) that have been sitting around for a while in my studio was just going to be a trickle of sales…

Yeah - not so much - The section is almost wiped out!!!

And it's only day one of four...

This morning I picked up my jaw and went into the studio to pull more pieces...

Everything out of baggies and into trays according to shape and size...

This DeStash just got serious…

And if you know me - that type of serious is followed by a huge smile and lots of giggles…

Followed by "Oh-wow… WOW! - Really? Wow!!!"

Round Pendants...

Square Pendants...

Diamond Shaped Pendants...

Candy Corn Pendants...

Rectangle Pendants…

And just incase you think this is a lot - well - my catalog allows people to pick out exactly what texture, then shape/size and glaze color. I did this type of production for YEARS…

So there is a lot of stock. Hopefully not after this weekend though.

I will be freed up from this weight of stock and they guilt of why make new when you have so much sitting there…

Hope they all end up in your hands then onto someone you really like as a gift for them…

And if you had your heart set on one that you didn't get or you arrive at these posts after the sale is long over - well - convo me.

I do make these pieces you know…

Glazes and firings are all different, so nothing can be remade exact.

So this is what my plan is:

1. List things (I photographed the Round, Square & Diamond so far) in my DeStash Section of my shop now at $15 regular price.

2. Right around 9pm EST tonight I will go into the program to cut all the prices down to $5.

I wish I could say "free shipping for everyone" but I can't selling at this price point.

However if you have already made a purchase during this sale, please use coupon code "FREESHIP" when checking out to avoid the additional shipping charges.

If you are on my email newsletter & in the US, please continue to use the code I sent you so you get your "special shipping" and get entered into that "special drawing" I'm holding for you all. If you forget, no worries, just shoot me a convo and I'll make sure to credit you back via PayPal for additional shipping costs.

I will try to get the Candy Corn Shaped pieces and Rectangle Pieces photographed and listed - maybe Friday. I think those will be put into special sets because of how many I've got of those…

And don't forget. If you help me promote this sale, come back and comment that you did (FaceBook, Twitter, Blog, and so on) you get a chance at a $30 gift certificate drawing…

Thank You SO Very Much!!!

~Marsha

$5 and $10 Pendant DeStash Sale Now!!!

2011-11-09T23:44:00.001-05:00

It has begun…

Stop by my Etsy shop and check out items in my DeStash Items section for over 65% off retail pricing on selected porcelain pendants.

The retail price on these individual pendants is $15.

But they have been sitting for too long and need to find a home with someone else…

And for $5 each - you could load up on a bunch for this holiday gift giving season!

Each one of these is handmade in my studio...

Each one glazed by hand with a paintbrush, then fired in my kiln to over 2230 F.

Every texture is hand carved by me into clay, which is fired and then that textured clay becomes my printing plate where I pull these pieces of porcelain from...

Every piece is suspended in the glaze firing on little hooks so that the glaze can cover the entire surface of the piece. Quite a good number of them do not make it past this stage - but if they do - they look like these…

And there are a few sets for $10 (retail at $29)...

There are a few of these that I have in duplicates - ones that are pretty similar to what you see, so a few may be re-listed during the sale. But most are one of a kind, get it while you can pieces…

And if you are lucky enough to be in Marlborough, MA this weekend stop by the D7Studio Bead Show Table at the Innovative Beads Expo show (Fri-Sun) and take a look at Darlene's stock of DeStash $5 pendants I sent with her…

She has a lot of regular stock too - so don't expect to get those on sale…

She has specific bins :)

Happy Shopping!

Wire Wrap For Pendant Quickie Tutorial...

2011-11-09T16:09:00.000-05:00

I quick shot these steps with my iPhone to give you a quick way to wire wrap a focal pendant.

I also spent an hour in the garden, so I apologize for my hands in the photos…

I love this fast technique for an instant necklace-ready piece...

Photo 1: As you can see - the hole in the piece in my hand goes front to back.

Not the right direction for having it hang properly from a silk, leather cord, or whatever stringing material of your choice.

Photo 2: I like to use 20 ga dead soft wire - not cut from the spool.

Wire goes through pendant from back to front.

Photo 3: Use Triple Step, Concave Jaw pliers (or large round nose pliers work too) to bend the wire and make your loop. I like this larger loop because you can then fit it over just about any standard pre-made necklace (sterling omega chain, leather cord, rubber, etc).

Photo 4: Use your fingers (or pliers) to wrap the end of the wire back around the base of the loop.

Photo 5: Work comfortable - you can either leave the loop on your pliers or take it off in your hand.

Depends on how soft your wire is and the delicacy of your fingers...

Photo 6: Flush cut the end of wire that was sticking out. I like to extra tuck the cut end with my pliers right after cutting to make sure it is not going to poke out and annoy the wearer.

Photo 7: pull the pendant up the wire & start to bend the wire so the pendant sits in the bend where you want it to be.

Photo 8: Start to turn the pendant so the wire wraps around the neck of the bale. This is the part I have to remember to loosen up a bit and not make it super straight and tight.

Photo 9: After working the wire up the neck, then back down - when it gives just the right weight for the piece - find a good place to cut then tuck the end of wire. Again - don't let the end poke out and annoy and scratch at the wearer's neck. It will cause bad feelings towards the focal piece when in fact it is the craftsmanship of the wire wrap (don't be scared to cut it all off and start over - practice makes for better craftsmanship!)

Photo 10: Wire is cut and end is tucked.

Photo 11: Make sure the wire loop is in the right direction and sitting on the piece as you want it (love working with soft wire - you can just move it to where it should be).

Photo 12: Add wire wrapped pendant to your necklace of choice.

I love using the Silky and Fairy ribbons for hanging these pendants.

Using the silks makes for an interchangeable necklace and completely adjustable lengthwise to fit your neckline of the outfit you are wearing.

Photo 13: Finished pendant as a necklace.

I hope you find this quickie tutorial helpful if you are in need of a quick and secure technique to use some focal beads you might have in your possession or maybe have bought from my Etsy shop.

I would be more than happy to do this for you as well.

If you buy a pendant and a silk together - the wire wrap is free.

If you just buy a pendant - the wire wrap is just a $2 add on.

Happy wire wrapping!

Pendant DeStash - Starts Thursday!

2011-11-09T05:00:00.000-05:00

There is one major consistency about going from a full time production mode of working,

Where I was at with Marsha Neal Studio was from 2002 through 2007…

To where I am today (still trying to figure things out - which is a good thing).

I love to make beads & pendants.

Marsha Neal Studio Porcelain Pendant - Destash Ready!

I love drawing & carving into clay to come up with my textures.

I was so proud of myself to have a full line to offer to customers (bead shops and designers) to let them pick out exactly what they wanted, and I would make it for them.

Pick out the Texture. Pick out the Shape & Size. Pick out the Color.

My website still has these options - but now I want to make different things.

I want to let that creative side take over again…

It has been arising here and there...

Screen Shot of Pendants being edited for Etsy upload...

And as we all know, the economy hasn't been the greatest in the last few years…

And I went overload with making pieces back when I was traveling and selling my stuff at shows - so much so that I have hundreds (if not a few thousand - seriously!) glazed pendants that are just hanging out in baggies wanting to become something more than company to other beads in a baggie.

They deserve better.

At least I feel they do - I love all of these pieces.

They are all so unique…

Recent Photography Session with Pendants & Shards.

So to help you out with the upcoming holiday season - I'm going to be running a $5 & $10 destash sale on selected pendants in my Etsy shop starting on Thursday through Sunday.
I've got a special section set up just for this event!

These pieces make perfect gifts for a good friend or family member that likes handmade unique items.

And I realized that after selling some pieces over the weekend at the Craft show - that I love making simple wire wrapped bales for these and hanging them onto one of my silk ribbons…

And people really like wearing them - just for that simple casual perfect look…

These don't have to be dressed up all fancy to go out…

They don't need special earrings to match...

Simple elegance is the key...

Just go with the basics:

She is an earthy tones girl…

She is a fan of blues (the pendant will make her eye color pop!)

She loves spirals…

Whatever you think of will be perfect.

And your beading friends will love it as a gift…
They will have something new to use as a fun focal for a dynamic jewelry creation!

And Darlene of D7Studio will be running the same $5 DeStash selected items sale (I just gave her two plastic shoe boxes full of pendants today for her show this weekend in Marlborough, MA).

And the pieces that don't sell - well I have yet to decide if I am going to just tuck them away after the sale for a while again - or put them back to regular price...

Thoughts of breaking them and burying them somewhere in my garden comes to mind...
Could have some great mosaic pieces made with them -
but let me not add on another project at this time.

My little ones...

I've got too much coming up on my plate with the holidays upon us, both of my kids birthdays, and my dad's health (cancer battle about to begin - 3rd opinion coming up next Monday) and I don't foresee a lot of creative studio time for me.

So get to looking - see if there is anything you want…
The sale runs Thursday through Sunday.

And to help get the word out - if you help promote this
"MarshaNealStudio DeStash Sale"
through twitter, FB sharing, your blog, whatever…
Then come back here and leave a comment for each action.
(And yes - you can do it more than once & all through the event - Thank you for that!)
I'm going to pull a $30 gift certificate winner on Monday from all the comments left here.
Which can be used in my Etsy shop in November.

And newsletter subscribers are going to get a bit of a bonus on the items they purchase.
If you want in on that, make sure you sign up before it goes out by Wednesday night with a special promotional code for you to use for this sale to get you qualified for that "bonus".

Thank You Everyone!!!

I hope you enjoy using, sharing and creating with my pendants!
And hope you treasure them as much as I do...

Shop To Stop Lung Disease - This Sunday!

2011-11-03T00:05:00.000-04:00

This Sunday from 10:30 am to 3:30 pm you will find me and my beads & pendants here:

I will have finished jewelry available for you to purchase and take with you like these chocolate clay donut earrings...

Photo By Katy Timney

And these shard trapeze earrings...

Photo By Katy Timney

Earring and Necklace Sets similar to these...

Photo By Katy Timney

There will be silks and beads for you to purchase for your jewelry making needs as well!

Hand Painted Silks

I plan on having some items from the My Mom Pattie shop also available for purchase at my Marsha Neal Studio table (proceeds benefitting non-profits of course).

MyMomPattie Etsy Shop Necklace By Jenny of JDaviesReazor

MyMomPattie Etsy shop - Necklace by Erin of TesoriTrovati

Also a bunch of pieces from my friend Natalie Alexander that she kindly made for the My Mom Pattie shop that I just have not had a moment to have photographed…

Lots and Lots of pretty stuff!!!

And Delaware is home to Tax Free shopping!

Perfect for holiday gift giving...

Craziness All Around...

2011-10-30T23:52:00.002-04:00

I think I am amidst a whirl-wind…

And there is no end in sight…

At least it feels that way...

It has been a summer of tests.

Physiological tests...

There was the spleen and low platelet scare with my husband (he is ok…)

My cousin lost her dear, young son in August.

My dad just found out he has cancer and is traveling up here for surgery & treatment starting this week…

Please pray for a safe surgery, fast recovery, and positive results…

Three grandmothers are under extended care of nurses and close family members.

And Saturday was the funeral for my step-brother Toby.

His death was sudden, so unexpected - and it is so sad for everyone that ever met him.

And especially so for everyone close to him.

I still can't believe he is gone...

I kept expecting to hear his loud voice and bigger presence enter the room where we all gathered for a family lunch after his funeral.

In a room full of very loud, emotional Italian family members - it was still a bit too quiet.

It just didn't seem right to not have his voice bellowing comments over everyone else...

It shook me to the core - sitting in that loud silence.

But then my heart and mind search to find peace.

To find comfort.

And the one really big thing that keeps coming back to me is that in his death, he was able to give himself to help others.

He was an organ donor.

And because he passed from a brain aneurysm, parts of him still live on.

People were called that day with the news that they or their loved one was to receive a transplant that could save their lives…

Oh - and did I mention he was a US Marine?

He was always brave & strong to me.

I always looked up to him - being 8 years older than me & me being maybe 4 or 5 when I met him...

But knowing that he helped others even after he was no longer here -

that just takes him to a whole other level of hero to me.

What an amazing person...

Simply amazing!

Such a goof ball of an older brother.

So beloved by all of his family & friends.

His is missed so much already.

I pray for peace especially for his wife & children.

And for his parents & my siblings…

May everyone stay together and be strong during such a difficult time.

Early Bird Winners...

2011-10-30T23:05:00.002-04:00

Did you comment on blogs for the Early Bird Sale hosted by Melinda Orr?

Did you stop back to see if you are a winner on any of the blogs?

See Melinda's blog HERE to see who won the big old giveaway…

Here are my winners:

For the blog commenters $50 gift certificate giveaway:

Out of the 77 comments: #39 Shaiha

For the listings purchased during the sale $50 gift certificate giveaway:

The winner (Lena) purchased a silk custom listing:

(I just used this generic updated photo for the listing…)

And I've contacted people through Etsy that qualified for the additional $15 gift certificates for their purchases over $100…

This was such a great event!

I hope to participate in the next one…

Thank you everyone!!!

Makes More Sense - Hopefully...

2011-10-28T15:06:00.001-04:00

Are you a visual person?

I am...

Do you get overwhelmed when looking at something and move onto the next thing fast?

I do…

Do you really enjoy making handmade jewelry as gifts or giving handmade as gifts?

I really do…

And what about getting things on sale and getting chances to win more just for buying things on sale?

Oh yeah! Sign me up!!!

Ok - today is the last day to go to my Etsy shop and use coupon code EARLYBIRD20 to get 20% off items in my shop - until midnight EST tonight (9 hours and counting down).

For every listing you purchase in my Etsy shop (as of right now as I write this post only 11 listings are qualifying), you get a chance to win a $50 gift certificate.

I've got more giveaways listed HERE on my other blog post.

Melinda Orr has a HUGE giveaway on her blog & links to other artists participating in sales & giveaways.

All ends Midnight tonight!

So what have I done to make things more simple for shoppers?

I've organized my Etsy shop and grouped the items in "temporary order".

Page 1 Beads & Butterflies

Page 2 Hearts & Shards

Page 3 More Shards - Yay!!!

Page 4 Twirl Shards

(I can make any of these shards into earrings btw)…

Page 5 Toggle Shards - Rustic glazes!

Page 6 & 7 Pendants…

Page 8 - Pendants & Cutout Flower Pieces

(I am making more cutout flower pieces - order one today with the sale & get it in 1-2 weeks)

Page 9 & 10 - Donut pieces & misc pendants

Pages 11 & 12 - Silk Knot Bundles - OOAK palettes

Page 13 - Custom "you pick the color" silk listings for easier shopping to get what you want without having to convo back and forth. Although I'm happy to create any custom listing for you…

I always try to keep these listings to the back of my shop so it is easiest to find them all together.

And with that - this girl is off to get an Elephant and Rapunzel to a costume parade…

Have fun shopping - and as always - THANK YOU!!!

~Marsha

Hand Painted Silk Color Update...

2011-10-27T16:13:00.001-04:00

I have been trying to get to this project for months now, but things just seem to keep creeping in.

But I've chomped away at it little by little and have gotten to this point!

Updated Silky and Fairy Ribbons and 2mm Silk Ribbon Strands…

By Number (last time I did it by color palette).

2011 Marsha Neal Studio Silk Update Set 1

2011 Marsha Neal Studio Silk Update Set 2

2011 Marsha Neal Studio Silk Update Set 3

Some colors have been discontinued because they were custom mixes that ran out of stock, they were discontinued colors (by Ute) or because there was a new color that was pretty close to it and I picked the newer color (one must try to stick to some kind of budget right?).

Now to just get all of my Etsy listings updated…

I was also informed by Ute that a price increase would be coming down the line in early 2012.

Not sure if this will affect my retail pricing yet - not at the fewer quantities anyway.

Most likely you will see the price change at larger quantities & wholesale where there are deeper discounts.

Also, the Marsha Neal Studio Website is still being worked on in behind the scenes.

We're trying to find a cart (near impossible) that will take the discounts I offer with silks.

The way it is set up & has always been is that I will correct the pricing before your cc is charged.

With the cart update though, your cc gets charged automatically, then there are credits and all that mess to take care of.

We'll see how it all works out…

Oh, and now that I've gotten my silk colors update - I'm able to work on my new monthly color palette contest with the silks where you help me pick out palettes of 5 or 10 colors, then they get voted on and the ones that win get the chance to be named after the person that created the palette.

And of course there will be silks to be had by the winners…

More to come!

What do you think about the colors being by number vs color palette?

If I was designing, I would probably prefer by palette.

Ordering is easier by number though… Hmmm - what to do?

Early Bird Designer Sale and Giveaway In 2 Days!

2011-10-24T12:35:00.002-04:00

It's almost time!!!

Two more days until the sales start…

This amazing group of designers
specialize in handmade jewelry components and findings. Take advantage of our sale this

Wednesday - Friday
October 26-28
just in time for holiday shows & gift designs ~

You can still enter for the
HUGE Giveaway CLICK HERE

to enter and see all the wonderful pieces!

Each designer is offering a free gift with purchase & discount

this Wed-Fri ~ Many of these designers rarely offer sales ~ A great opportunity!
Don't miss it!

1. Melinda Orr	2. Kristi Bowman Design	3. MarlasMud	4. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp	5. SueBeads
6. Starry Road Studio - ktotten	7. Artisan Accents by Staci Louise	8. Marsha Neal Studio	9. Regina Boger	10. Lisa Peters ART

Here are the artists, the sale and gifts they are offering:

Click on the pictures above to visit their stores!
Be sure to visit each of their blogs ~ We have some new additions so be sure to
FOLLOW AND COMMENT TO BE ENTERED TO WIN!

1. Melinda Orr Designs ~ 15% off entire store (Use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free gift ~ a sampling of copper ear wires, rivets, textured charms and copper cleaning pad~

Visit her blog to comment to win

2. Kristi Bowman Designs ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Also 15% off her Artfire store

Visit her blog to comment to win

3. Marla's Mud ~ 25% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD25)

Free gift ~ Goodie bag $20 with $50 purchase & goodie bag & free shipping over $75

Visit her blog to comment to win

4. SKYE JEWELS ~ 10% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD10)

Free Gift ~ surprise!

Visit her blog to comment to win

5. Sue Beads ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ Free pair of handcrafted ear wires in brass or copper with earring pairs

Visit her blog to comment to win

6. Starry Road Studio ~15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ Free ceramic charm for orders over $25

Visit her blog to comment to win

7. Staci Louise ~ 15% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD15)

Free Gift ~ surprise bead mix

Visit her blog to comment to win

8. Marsha Neal Studio ~ 20% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD20)

Special Gift ~ orders over $100 (after discount) receive a $15 gift certificate

Visit her blog to comment to win

9. Fired Up Ladies ~ 25% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD25)

Free Gift ~ A surprise bead with your order

Special Gift ~ To the first 5 that spend over $50 an additional $20 gift certificate

Visit her blog to comment to win

10. Lisa Peters Art ~ 20% off entire store (use coupon code EARLYBIRD20)

Free Gift ~ Surprise bead or button with your order

Visit her blog to comment to win

Remember to comment on my previous post to be entered into the drawing.

Comments on this post won't be included (have to keep it contained somehow right?!)

It Is Saturday Night Specials Time!!!

2011-10-22T15:24:00.000-04:00

It is Saturday Night Specials Time again!
Sale runs from 5pm EST Sat to 6am EST Sun.
My Coupon code is SNS20 for 20% off your retail order from my MarshaNealStudio Etsy shop.

A few months ago I heard about this Etsy Team through Aquariann's Blog.
I thought what the heck is a Saturday Night Special and how do you get involved?
Well, what I found out is this:

To add your shop and help promote the team:
1. Anyone can join the team
2. Specials run from 5pm EST Sat to 6am EST Sun
(Hence the "Saturday Night Special")
3. Use team tags in listings and treasuries.
4. List your shop special (coupon code or deal) and post the url of one item from your shop in the specific Saturday post on the team page so that you can be recognized for running a special that night.
5. Update your shop "info & appearance" to list your special & paste a link back to the current SNS thread.

This is a fun team that rules the Saturday Night Treasury Thread with SNS themed treasuries.
And you get to "hang out" with a bunch of fun people!
Don't worry, people with shops aren't always glued to their computer the entire time - just pop in here and there, create treasuries, help spread the word about the specials going on…

So if you love buying handmade:
And are looking at getting something handmade on SALE…
This is your place to be to shop every Saturday night!
Here is a link to the SNS thread for 10/22/11.

Just scroll down the listed shops and see what they are selling and what they are offering for their special tonight, and enter the coupon code at checkout - or whatever directions they provide in their shop header.

Here are a bunch of treasuries created for tonight's SNS too (appearing after 5pm EST)
This gives you a great visual of the different items that are on sale.
And if you are viewing this post after this SNS sale,
Then make sure to check back on the next Saturday Night on Etsy.com.

Feel free to share links through twitter, FB, etc!
Happy Saturday Night!

Color Palette Blog Walk - Round Three...

2011-10-21T00:01:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the third round of Brandi's Color Palette Blog Walk.

This is my first time on this blog hop, but not my time pulling colors from photos that inspire me.

The theme of this round is "What is the color of your joy?"

For me right now in my life - my greatest joy is watching my little ones…

To watch their faces light up…

To delight in their antics...

To hear them laugh and see them smile...

To watch them explore the world around them and interact with nature…
To wonder about the people they will grow up to be...

One of the other things that brings me great joy is the use of my hand lens and my iPhone.

When running around with two little ones outside I have found that expensive digital SLR's are just too bulky for me to tote.
And I am too concerned that it would get damaged if I had to drop it fast to catch one of my adventurers…

Diaper & extra clothes bags have been priority in my life for almost 4 years now.

Oh, I can't wait until Riley (almost 2) is potty trained - then we can really pack light with just the extra clothes...

So the joy that the freedom that my iPhone with Hipstamatic app, and pocket hand lens gives me is priceless.

From my color palettes do you think I'm into muted rich tones?

I find these tones very soothing - which also brings me joy.

Well, the thought of soothing, quite time does anyway…
Not that I ever have any of that (or that I ever will again)...

Here are some of the other artists participating in this blog hop.

Make sure to stop by and check out what brings them joy…

Francesca at Francesca Watson Designs -- http://www.francescawatson.com

Lori at Pretty Things -- http://www.PrettyThingsBlog.com

Marsha at Marsha Neal Studio Blog -- http://www.marshanealstudio.blogspot.com

Cindy at Sweet Bead Studio -- http://www.sweetbeadstudio.com

Kerry at Kab's Concepts -- http://www.kabsconcepts.blogspot.com

Cynthia at Ornamental Style -- http://www.ornamentalstyle.com/blog

Linda at Linda's Bead Blog & Meanderings -- http://lindalandig.wordpress.com

Emily at Good Things* -- http://jorpins.blogspot.com

Erin at Treasures Found -- http://treasures-found.blogspot.com

Brandi at Brandi Girl Blog -- http://www.brandigirlblog.com

Jenni at Jenni's Beads -- http://jennibead.blogspot.com

Shari at Exploring the Wonders of Life -- http://exploringthewondersoflife.blogspot.com

Oh, and by the way, if you like color inspirations like this and want to help me out with picking out some color palettes for the silks I sell in my Etsy shop, sign up for my email newsletter.

I'm almost done with the silk color palette photo update, so I'll be sending out info soon…

And there are sales & giveaways on the horizon - so you don't want to miss out.

Thanks for stopping by!

Think about it every day, realize what it is, then be thankful for it…

Where do you find your joy?

Early Bird Designer Sale and Giveaway!

2011-10-20T20:44:00.001-04:00

I'm participating Melinda Orr's Component Designer Sale and Giveaway!!!
After reading this post, follow my blog and comment.
Then go over to Melinda's blog and leave a comment after reading the post.
Why? That will get you 2 entries to win her giveaway.
See her blog for all the details…
This is a crazy huge sale and giveaway and lots of shops to buy from with giveaways of their own (like mine…)

My Sale in my Etsy shop runs from Wed 10/26/11 to Fri 10/28/11.

Use Coupon Code: EarlyBird20 for 20% off your retail order in my Marsha Neal Studio Etsy shop.

All orders using the coupon code will ship out early the next week.

My Giveaway is a $50 gift certificate to my MarshaNealStudio Etsy shop.

How do you get a chance at winning it?

Well, for every "listing" you purchase in my etsy shop during the sale & by using the coupon code,

you get one chance for the gift certificate.

2 listings = 2 chances, 3 listings = 3 chances…

You get it right?

As an added holiday bonus (who can't use a little something extra right?!):

If your purchase is over $100 ($125 before using the coupon code) during this sale I will give you an automatic $15 retail gift certificate to use in my Etsy shop, which you can use starting 10/29/11.

This added bonus gift certificate is only good until 11/30/11 though, and yes, you can get one for every $100 you spend.

I've got a contest coming up for helping me pick out palettes of silk colors where you pick out palettes, winners are picked, silks are sold, promotions occur, winners have chances at winning silks, silks and more silks…

10/22/11 UPDATE:
Because you are all so cool…
Another $50 gift certificate winner to be picked on 10/29/11.
This third giveaway is for a commenter here on this blog post:
1. Comment if you are a MNS Blog follower (or become one then follow).
2. Sign up for my newsletter then comment you did.
3. Are one of my FB Fans.
4. Follow me on Twitter.
5. You can also just leave a general comment on this post 1x a day up until midnight 10/28/11.

You guys are awesome!!!
Thanks Melinda for hosting this!

Love My Art Jewelry - October Art Spark

2011-10-17T01:18:00.002-04:00

I've decided to enter my Porcelain Clay Twirl Shards into the October Art Spark Challenge.

Hosted by Love My Art Jewelry Blog

Photo taken by Katy Timney

The theme given by MarieDodd this month is:

Color and Movement

Marsha Neal Studio Porcelain Clay Twirls

This is one jewelry design that I feel just marries the movement of the metal and clay with such great energy…

Here is my description on how the piece relates to this month's challenge:

Color and Movement…

For October's Art Spark:
My hands form a ball of clay and compress the particles of earth together.
Over texture plates that clay is rolled and takes the form of these clay shards.
The piece is then dipped into glaze vertically and a brush moves down to the tip, removing excess materials.
After firing, the bare clay is visible yet the glaze has gathered in the deep grooves and shows the strength of its color.
Sterling silver is unwound from its coil, measured, cut, filed, bent, hammered, twirled, embellished with glass beads and hammered again.
The silver wire also holds the clay in place and allows it to gently float back and forth, as a trapeze artist using arms to hold tight and extend the length of the legs to create forward swinging movement.
This movement is actually possible because of the way the ear wire is designed to allow the arch to move, which provides the arms a form to hold onto, while the clay piece swings back and forth.
And just enough sparkle with the glass bead to reflect the light and catch a persons eye.They are a joy to wear if you like your ears to have most of the fun :)

And this last photo is from my work table as I was making a bunch of these earrings for selling in my Etsy shop and through Bellefonte Arts Gallery here locally.

Make sure to stop by the LMAJ blog to see all kinds of great handmade jewelry items!

Finding Color Inspiration...

2011-10-11T16:22:00.002-04:00

Where do you find your color inspiration?

iPhone Hipstamatic picture of Venice Beach, FL Fall 2011

I tend to look towards nature…

On Etsy it is amazing to sit and look through tons of Artists work to see their color inspirations and palettes they are drawn to.

Especially paintings and photography.

Can I admit how addicted I am to making treasuries from my favorite items?

The colors alone inspire me...

I'm ok with layers from photoshop or whatever program that enhance the image to take it to the next level…

Actually, I find that visually I prefer it - especially in photographs.

Blurred backgrounds & edges with rich muted colors are stunning.

"The Seed" by MoonLightPhotography

The Seed by MoonLightPhotography on Etsy.com

"Bunny Races" by AmberAlexander

Bunny Races by AmberAlexander on Etsy.com

Oh, the colors…

Oh, the artwork!!!

So many talented people out there…

ANNOUNCEMENT:

I've got a contest coming up.

Have to come up with a catchy name & parameters.

I would like to have it be a monthly contest.

Has to do with picking out color palettes and translating them into the silks that I sell through my Etsy shop and website.

2mm Silk Knot Bundles of 10 strings

Will have a monthly blog post where people can add their palettes, then favorites will be picked.

You can help get people to vote by posting links through social media outlets.

Top 3 to 5 will get pulled, and the ones that sell the most in that next month - the winner will get:

1. The silk palette named after them with a thank you link to their Etsy shop in the listing.

2. A bundle of the silk knots in their color palette (qty depends on # sold).

3. Links to their blog and Etsy shop in follow up blog posts about it.

I think bundles that don't "win" can be submitted again.

And that there is a 3 knot, color palette limit to the number of colors each person can submit each month. Not sure though…

What do you think?

Any fun names for the contest?

Check back soon or watch on my FaceBook page for details!

I Heart Macro Fall Harvest & Critters

2011-10-09T00:06:00.001-04:00

Here is my entry for this week's I Heart Macro.

Fall Harvest is upon us...

And lots of critters making their last show in the garden for this season...

Hope most overwinter outside and stop trying to make homes in our house.

I love insects and spiders & the like - but not inside…

See what others are posting for I Heart Macro this week:

Thanks for stopping by!

Second Saturday State of My Studio

2011-10-08T09:31:00.001-04:00

Every month I write a post over on the Beads of Clay Blog called:

State of Your Studio

In the BOC calendar, it falls on the Second Saturday of every month.

I've been a bit of a slacker on my MNS blog,

Not writing a post with 2nd Sat deadlines.

But then I have to remind myself that the Inlinkz Gadget is open all month.

And I can write a post, mention BOC and link it up at any time…

Sound like a bit of promotion?

Well, that is where most of my brain power is spent these days.

Beads of Clay

Delaware Etsy Street Team

AWE Team (Art Walk Etsy Team)

I am seriously considering creating some online classes about promoting yourself.

Although, I think I am more of an organizer of these things and not really at a promotional stage because I feel that a lot of these don't get the feedback or impact that I "dream" about.

And as an organizer, not quite where I really need to be.

My head has many thoughts that are crazy ideas playing out…

But then reality sets in…

I went to FL to visit with my dad & family because he's got some health issues going on, and I hope that things are ok. We'll see what path he has to go on in a couple of weeks.

Grandma Neal came back with us to visit for two weeks.

She leaves on Tuesday to go back to FL…

And right now, I need to scale back a bit on things I am doing outside of my personal life and Marsha Neal Studio and find my focus again.

My little ones are growing up so fast…

My garden is growing and silently suffering.

Although it would probably say it is doing just fine - without any help from me.

That's what mostly native plant gardens do - grown and take care of themselves.

It is at the end of the growing season, and really all I want to do is get out there and pull the remaining invasives and divide up perennials and put new ones in the ground.

What I should be doing is laying out a better design for my garden.

And for Marsha Neal Studio,

Finding Fall inspiration...

Need to make More little beads.

I am in love with making bracelets with these little beads.

Bracelets available at the Bellefonte Arts Gallery in Wilmington, DE.

I also want to make some toggles with Metal Clay to make more some adjustable silk bracelets.

These use my Fairy Ribbons.

These are simply tie on, and adjustable…

Maybe make or find some other large hole beads without rough parts for the adjustable part.

LeAnne of Summers Studio is an inspiration for grabbing some of that base metal clay to make toggles.

WholeLottaWhimsy for metal clay supplies

Marie Dodd for her ability to look into where you find your creativity.

Oh, and The Painting With Fire Virtual Book Tour - Got to keep up with that!

Here is a quick photo of me, Anita and her sister Chris from Thursdays

NCC Master Gardener trip to the High Line in NYC.

I'll be posting about that amazing trip over on my garden blog soon.

Here is a preview of what it looks like for early fall:

And with that, this girl is off for a mid-morning excursion up to Longwood Gardens with two little cutie pies, a very funny husband, and a seemingly ageless grandmother…

First Friday Art Walk

2011-10-06T02:03:00.002-04:00

I've been a bit busy in the last month, and have a lot to blog about.

Chocolate Clay Bead Set

But for right now it is just about First Friday Art Walk time!

First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.com is hosted every month by the AWE Team.

It is a celebration of Art.

Locally there are a lot of Art Loops and Gallery Openings that happen on the First Friday of the month or sometime during the First Friday weekend.

So go on over and check out the updated AWE Team Blog for FFAW.

See some of the AWE Team Member Shops (these are the individual artists that continually support FFAW)

Take a tour of some of the Location Based Teams from all over the world, that can be found on Etsy.com through this FFAW event.

And check out some interesting Themed Based Teams through FFAW as well.

You're bound to find something that peaks your interest.

And if you aren't able to get out to see art locally on First Friday,

You can plan on this event every First Friday Weekend throughout the year…

If you've got an Etsy shop, why don't you join in too?

If you are part of a team, suggest that they get involved too…

The more the merrier to this monthly party!

Help spread the word about First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.com

For 10% off your retail purchase in my Etsy shop from now through Sunday, Oct. 9, 2011,

Use any of these team coupon codes:

DESTFF10 (from the Delaware Etsy Street Team)

BOCFFAW (from the Beads of Clay Team)

AWEFFAW (from the AWE Team)

Happy First Friday!

Thanks for stopping by...

Bead Soup September 2011 Reveal...

2011-09-17T00:00:00.000-04:00

Welcome to my Bead Soup Reveal…

I know there is a lot to see with over 300 entries so I'll keep to mainly photos:

Marsha Neal Studio Bracelets.

Handmade Ceramic Beads & Fancy Jasper.

The small faceted Fancy Jasper Beads from Miri were perfect!

I have been stocking up on jasper stones since April.

Loved using one of my fairy ribbons with these silver & large hole beads...

Even made a slip on bracelet with the extra beads from the Bead Soup...

Here is a group shot of bracelets and necklace from Miri's Soup.

Beads on the work table, finding their place

Snapped with my iPhone during creation of the adjustable bracelet.

These will be my new fall layered look...

And can I tell you that after being part of this Bead Soup 2011…

That I am inspired…

No - obsessed (don't we all go there?)

Inspired to use some of these new beads…

And some of these lentil beads that have been around since last fall…

To make some actual finished work that will be available for sale very soon…

Strange Fruit performing at Longwood Gardens in PA, Sept 16 to 18, 2011.

It is all such a strange dance that we keep going around in isn't it?

I plan on stocking up on more of that Fancy Jasper.

So I need to sell more beads to buy more beads…

Want updates on my beads?

Thank you Miri for sending me those faceted beauties!

And Lori for hosting Bead Soup for me to have a deadline to work towards…

Thanks for stopping by!

Make sure to catch up with the 300+ other bloggers participating in this Bead Soup…

Click HERE to see all my 2011 Bead Soup posts.

Preview for My Bead Soup 2011 Entry...

2011-09-15T16:25:00.001-04:00

Want a little preview for what I'm going to be posting on Saturday for Lori Anderson's Bead Soup Blog Party (blog hop)?

Macro Shot of Marsha Neal Studio Bead Soup 2011 Entry

My color palette inspiration comes from things like this:

Begonias in Marsha's Garden

And I find that just in the last two days of having Riley with me at home,

Poor little guy has had a fever of 102 (2 year molars coming in) and has sinus issues,

That I have really been missing getting outside into the garden this year.

I blame it on the humidity, Aster yellows disease (my poor cone flowers), and my wanting to be in the studio creating and my obsession with figuring out how to make more Etsy sales & be involved with Teams on Etsy.

I feel some big changes coming about for me…

I'm a bit frustrated, and I think the change of seasons is a good place for me to sit and figure stuff out.

You ever get like that?

So, on Saturday, September 17, 2011 is the reveal day for Bead Soup.

There are over 300 people entering it this year.

It will take you lots of time to get through all the posts.

Days if you just click on over now and then (which is how I will do it).

Here is a link for the list of blogs to check out.

My partner is Miri Agassi and we're #137 on the list of 181.

Thanks for stopping by!

Oh, and just incase you like my beads, and you aren't signed up to receive my email newsletter,

take a moment to sign up because I always send out coupon codes for my Marsha Neal Studio Etsy Shop.

Maybe once a month if I remember…

You can always like My FaceBook Page too for my quick updates on daily happenings around the studio. There is a coupon code over there too for every day use for my FB fans...

I Heart Macro… Grasshopper

2011-09-11T14:02:00.000-04:00

This week for Lori's I Heart Macro event,

I give you a picture of a grasshopper that I snapped with my iPhone & hand lens…

If I had the time I would spend hours peering into my garden and capturing these fleeting moments on digital media.

Stop on by and see what everyone else is posting on the Studio Waterstone Blog.

Bead Soup Arrival...

2011-09-10T03:05:00.001-04:00

My Bead Soup mix from my partner Miri Agassi arrived on Tuesday in the mail.

We're international partners, and with checking the "yes - I can ship international" when signing up for Bead Soup, you just have to assume that your package just might take a bit to arrive.

I was totally okay with that...

When the doorbell rang, I was in the studio glazing a bunch of chocolate clay beads that needed to get into a kiln firing.
I had written a 23 point "to do" list Monday night before bed and knew that if I opened it my Bead Soup package at that moment, my list of items would never get done.

Besides, seeing that yellow package calling to me was great motivation.

On Friday, as I was photographing some new beads, I took the opportunity (first time we have seen the sun in days) to enjoy opening my Bead Soup from Miri, and photographing it afterwards.

Just look at this drawing that Miri created just for me.

I am honored to have received a bonus piece of her art with the beads!

I just LOVE the rich muted jewel tone color palette she sent me to work with!

And looking at these…

Holding these…

Ideas start to instantly flood in...

I love that I have these to play with.

And when I see all these teeny silver seed beads,

I hear that crazy bead lady mwa-hahaha cackle in my brain going off…

And images of excited, idea filled hands wrenching comes to mind!

Oh, Miri - this is AWESOME!!!

Thank you for such a wonderful mix of beads to inspire me to play…

Here is a glimpse of what I sent to Miri for her Bead Soup.

You can also check out her blog for Bead Soup Updates…

A couple of the pieces I had sent were destroyed in shipping, but replacements were sent out.

I think this is my second time ever (knock on wood) that pieces have been damaged in shipment.

The only thing with that kind of situation, is that the glaze is never quite the same from different kiln firings.

So I am curious to see how she pulls it all together.

Lori Anderson hosts Bead Soup on her Blog: Pretty things.

The final project reveal is on Saturday, September 17, 2011.

Make sure to stop back to see what everyone has made...

New Chocolate Clay Beads!

2011-09-08T19:00:00.000-04:00

Last week I needed to find some Zen…

You know - the kind where you just sit and play with clay to see what comes out.

For me, it was these beads...

Then of course, I wanted to get them fired fast so I could get them glazed…

Into the dehydrator to make sure they were dry.

Then a tumble loaded bisque firing - 24 hours later, ready for glazing...

I always find that even if I start with just a couple of glazes,

or a couple of pieces, I always glaze more...

Here are most of the pieces getting ready to be loaded into the kiln.

The beads were loaded onto these small wires in preparation for the kiln.

Kiln furniture laying sideways, stacked to hold the wire up while firing.

Here is the load after the Cone 5/6 glaze firing.

See how dark the chocolate clay got?

And the wires did sag a bit under the weight of the clay and the high temperatures.

I'm pretty satisfied with the results...

And now to put them into little bead sets…

Time for me to do a little research online.

Any suggestions, input?

I always like to hear what you all think - Thanks!

PS - if the sun decides to shine - even for a bit tomorrow, I can get some pics and a few listed up on Etsy. I'll post on my Marsha Neal Studio FaceBook page tomorrow (after lunchtime).

A New Look…

2011-09-06T12:16:00.002-04:00

I've needed to "freshen up" the look of my Etsy shop and blog.

Especially with the change of seasons upon us.

So what do you think?

Finding the time to create a new banner seemed near impossible…

That was until I saw Erin Siegel's Blog post about her new banner.

Isn't it just so beautiful and clean!!!

So I went on over to Lori's Blog: Studio Waterstone and clicked on the Banner tab.

It is hard to narrow down which one to base a custom design on because they are ALL so beautiful…

But I chose this one to base my design on.

I also asked her for an add on a banner for my Etsy shop:

Ah… That was painless…
And it didn't take nearly as much time on my part to send a few links to images and let her know which design I wanted it based on.
Cut the check, and wha-la… Done!

Do you need a fresh look?
Go get yourself one too - SO worth it!

I Heart Macro Pollen Version

2011-09-03T23:09:00.003-04:00

Lovely pollen…

Lovely petal…

Love my iPhone…

Check out other I Heart Macro posts…

September 3 Saturday Night Specials Team Event...

2011-09-03T20:57:00.001-04:00

Every Saturday Night I'm trying to keep up with specials running in my shop that are promoted through the Original Saturday Night Specials Team over on Etsy.com

My Special for tonight is that my clay pieces are all marked down 20% off.

If you are a FaceBook Fan of mine, you can use the coupon code for an extra 10% off.

Here is a treasury I created for the team this evening:

SNS Birds Are Flocking To See What Is On Sale Tonight

Here is one that one of my pieces was featured in:

Whiskey & Gingerbread

Click here to see more SNS Team Treasuries.

Stop on over and check out what is on sale for tonight.

Click here for Sept 3 (5pm EST Sat to 6am EST Sun).

Click Here for future dates of SNS (look every Sat 5pm EST for new SNS shops that are participating).

Thanks for stopping by!

Weekend Happenings And A Little Caterpillar Humor...

2011-09-01T14:27:00.003-04:00

This weekend is lining up to be a lot of fun!

The busy arts & friends kind...

Especially when thinking that last week at this time we were in full Hurricane Irene prepare for the worst, hope for the best mode…

And by the looks of it, this monarch caterpillar is enjoying a nice margarita to celebrate Labor day...

Oh the things that show up in my iPhone photo import after Chloe has it to fiddle with.

I did manage to eek in some time to play with some chocolate clay this week.

I need to build up a little stock for some fall items in my Etsy shop.

Oh, and Coupon Codes BOCFFAW or DESTFF10 will get you 10% off your retail order in my MarshaNealStudio Etsy shop for Friday, September 2, 2011.

I think I'm going to work in small batches just to have some at the ready for orders that may come in over the weekend.

This weekend is the First Friday Art Walk on Etsy.com which is hosted by the AWETeam.

I've just recently joined the ranks on the AWETeam as leader, and will be helping rally the troops and help write blog posts for the group. Just to lend a helping hand to get it back up and running. Seeing as how it is just like most teams - it is all upon the shoulders of the team members, and all non-paid. So it takes a TON of time, brain power, and effort by the leaders to pull off organizing events. The members of the team create the positive environment that makes the team what it is.

I'm going to hop on over to the AWETeam Blog to create a post for this month. Also to the Delaware Etsy Street Team Blog and The Beads of Clay Blog. All of which I am a member of and want all of the members to get a bit of extra exposure for this once a month event.

Being part of the team helps to bring it all together for us as shop owners to build our online community. And it gives people shopping for items a tour of different Art Walks around the world - all from their computer. Better save all that for the AWETeam blog…

So when you have a chance, swing by the AWETeam Blog and check out some of the great shops and teams participating in the monthly event!

Hope you have a great weekend!

Monday - Call To Order. Sale too!

2011-08-29T01:19:00.001-04:00

I so desperately want this upcoming week to be a little easier on me.
Please!

Earthquake, Hurricane, Tornado Warnings - that's my three.
I'm done!

Riley playing with backup light as Light Saber (fake sounds too!).

My Saturday night was spent sleeping in the basement camped out with Dave, Chloe & Riley.

It felt like I was in preparation mode for days before…

Just mentally & physically draining.

Like getting ready for a week or two away from home…

Not that I was worried about the wind and rain from hurricane Irene,

But I was worried rather about the way these huge old trees may drop parts onto our house.

Or how they might come crashing through the house all the way to the street out front...

Riley watching the wind through the trees post Irene.

And I've had nightmares that have woken me with thoughts of these trees coming through the roof in a bad storm and neither Dave or myself not being able to get to the kids.

The thoughts of their crying terrified voices is enough motivation to drop everything else and get us ready:

cat litter boxes area be damned - steam cleaned carpets, dehumidifier run, fans running, deodorizing spray a plenty, disinfectant cleaned, child proofed my office area where we would be hanging out and sleeping with a 1.5 and 3 year old, tarps to cover the rug, extra twin mattresses brought down from the attic, beds made, lights, batteries, food, water, diapers, potty seat, toys, chargers, must I go on...

Chloe coloring post Irene.

Luckily all the kids knew is that we were having our first family camping night in the basement together. They had a blast! Oh, the bliss of not knowing...

I was a bit worried for my garden.

Nothing that couldn't grow back, but I was expecting something worse than what is pictured above.

Reminded me a bit of Chloe's Rapunzel doll's hair:

Just a bit messy from the winds.

Guess it's like playing and sleeping with a 3.5 year old.

The haphazard life of a doll with very long hair...

And this photo was of the sun breaking through the clouds…

The last of the winds diminishing…

On our way to have Sunday dinner with Dave's family.

Lucky to have Irene treat us not so horribly…

Made it out ok - just a bit stressed…

Today's Cyber Monday Beads-of-Clay Sale:

20% off my Etsy shop retail items with Coupon Code: BOC20

Here is a treasury I created specifically for this event:

I need to pick a winner for my Pre-Bead Fest sale coupon code users…

I have not forgotten about you, just a bit distracted :)

How did you all fare with the Hurricane?

Hope all is well with you and your families!

Hurricane Irene. Earthquakes. Etsy Relevancy. The Turtle is Ready...

2011-08-25T12:53:00.002-04:00

You know it's going to just be one of those weeks sometimes…

At least the sandbox turtle is prepared...

I was eating lunch on Tuesday when the earthquake happened.

Have to admit - eating a bowl of pumpkin mushroom soup was an ideal place to be.

For me - not scary - thank goodness.

Pretty cool actually…

So now we are under Hurricane Watch/Warning for this weekend…

Last night we took precautions to secure things outside that might take flight when the hurricane force winds hit us.

Inside, the kilns are unplugged and electrical parts up off the floor (just incase a bit of water makes its way in - if it is a lot, then we're in trouble regardless).

I'm getting anything paper related up off the ground if I can.

Books, magazines, etc…

Most of my stuff is stored in plastic bags within plastic bins anyway, so not much preparation is needed in the studio.

Over on Etsy, I've yet to really delve into the "relevancy search-ability" of my shop items.

I need to go by section by section to edit tags and titles…

And the whole thing is just unappealing to me right now.

Too many other things going on in life.

And any free time I have,

I want to be creative and not sucked into the computer.

Know the feeling?

Here is one quick section I managed to update:

Porcelain Halloween

MarshaNealStudio.Etsy Porcelain Halloween pre-update.

Above is what the old background & photographs looked like.

Of course, I had started the update when I remembered to take a screen shot…

MarshaNealStudio.Etsy Porcelain Halloween during update.

Above is what it looked like once I updated the background.

I wanted an old Transylvania eerie map feel to the images.

Like these are old pieces recently unearthed…

You know - Halloween style though.

MarshaNealStudio.Etsy Porcelain Halloween all cleaned up.

And above is the final update to the section.

New pieces photographed with the new background.

Tags and Titles updated.

Now will they be relevant enough to start to show up in searches?

What about Treasuries?

What about into shopping carts?

And then - into actual designs…

So how are you preparing for the hurricane?

Did you feel the earth move too?

Do you think the turtle in the first photo is over-reacting with 4 bungee cords?

(I think he takes after my side of the family if you ask me!)