Thursday, June 30, 2011

1st giveaway in July

As I planned earlier, I will be giving away several goodies during the month of July through this blog.
To be part of this randomly drawing you have to answer correctly a question. 
Questions will be  related to my book "Modern Expressions" and you can send the answer direct to fernando@dasilvajewelry.com. You can always write the answer in this blog or in my Facebook page using the private message option.

The first prize of the month will be a signed copy of my book and an assortment sample of  SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS featuring crystals in my favorite exclusive SE colors.

Question 1:

- What's the name of the necklace  from "Modern Expressions" used on a recent advertise by Beadalon?

Answers must be posted from July 1st to July 9th.

Good luck to all!



Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Marvelous Tampa

Last month we went to visit some beloved friends in Florida. They live in Clearwater, Tampa Bay area. Breathtaking!
I  hade a chance of making some cool images that captures not only the soul of their lives but also the entire spirit of what their surrounds has to offer.
See yourself.


Sunny and FlowerPower


a passion-fruit flower...lavender, violet, amethyts, purple velvet..all shades in a single creature



white tentacles spreading into all directions...


exotique



and the pink palette of the year...lol





clubbing


end of the night rescue meal...it was so good!


amazing three in downtown Clearwater - sensational!



another Italian ... old building...high ceilings...delish food!



an opened pandora-box with nothing to say...what a DRAG!!!


white sand, blue sky, aquamarine water




where's everybody?!


sweet life








the sun will shine again


one more passion-fruit flower... a hidden world with so much to say.


All pictures by Fernando Dasilva ©  2011.
All rights reserved.

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Pre Fall/Winter 2011

I recently made a set of jewelry specifically to be worn by a friend at an event in New York.
I took the opportunity to practice with few new jewelry componenst and the only thing I can say is that I was very happy with the final result.  I was pleased not only with the color palette but with the quality of the ingredients as well. I am considering those pieces a start point for my Fall/Winter collection for the current year.

Check that out:



Ring by Wyatt White for Fernando Dasilva Studio © 2011.
Earrings and cuffs by Fernando Dasilva © 2011.
Pictures by Fernando Dasilva © 2011.
All rights reserved.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Fee Friday Project

I have not posted free projects for the last 3 months so I am sharing with you this design create by me for a book called "Four Seasons of Beading" edited by Barb Switzer and published by DRG on 2009.
It's perfect for lazy afternoons and breezy summer days.
Enjoy it!

Papaya Flower Necklace by Fernando Dasilva © 2009.




Photograph by Matt Owen for DRG ©  2009. 


Introduction:

A delicate petal filigree, a lustrous strand of pearls, the incredible fruity padparadscha crystals and the sophisticated off-set Venetian pebble took me back to the tropics and  this design duet was born blossoming to the everlasting Summer mornings.

Material:


SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS assortment:

10  8mm Padparadsha Round Beads – Article 5000
13  4mm  Padparadscha Round Beads  - Article 5000
1 6mm Padparadscha Bicone Beads  - Article 5328

30 12 mm white cultured freshwater coin pearls
1 19 x 14mm  rubino pink dichroic pebble Venetian bead  by Murano Glass
41 2mm white oval bead bumpersä
4 silver plated wire guardianä
sterling silver spacer beads
4 silver plated # 3 crimp tubes
1 silver plated # 1 crimp tube
1 medium size white filigree rose
26 gauge white Artistic Wireâ
6 12/0 hexagon gold-lustered   seed beads
7 15/0 one side cut galvanized seed beads
1 sterling silver 3 rings square toggle clasp
40 inches .018  19 strands white satin stringing wire

Tools:
Flush cutters
Chain nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Standard crimp tool
 
Instructions

Adding small crystals to filigree

1a - Pre cut 5 pieces of 4 inches length of magenta 26 gauge Artistic Wire.

1b - Feed one small crystal bead through one 4 inches piece of wire and then pass each of the wires through the two holes in the center of filigree petals, cross the wires and pass each ends through opposite holes, and then pass each wire in opposite directions through the hole of the bead.

1c - Cut one side of the wire off flush with the bead hole and then use the large end to wrap around the bottom of the bead.  Trim excess wire.

1d – Repeat steps to add 4 more crystals to the other petals.

Making beaded bail

2a. Pass a 3 inches piece of stringing wire through the middle top hole of one filigree petals. String one guava seed beads + one gold seed bead onto stringing wire and repeat the pattern until you have 6 guava seed beads on. Add a small crimp bead and go back with the wire end through to form a beaded circle.

2b.  Tighten the circle making sure the crimp is placed in the back of filigree pendant. Use chain nose pliers to flatten the crimp.  Trim excess wire and set aside.


Stringing shortest strand. (inside)

3a. String one wire guardian and one crimp tube 2 inches from one end of 20-inch beading wire; insert short strand wire tail  through round bottom ring of half portion of toggle  and back through  crimp tube.  Use crimp tool to flatten crimp tube properly and then trim excess wire.

3b. Feed the following components onto stringing wire:

2 bead bumpers + spacer + oval watermelon + spacer +  4mm crystal + spacer + oval watermelon + spacer + 8mm crystal + spacer. Repeat this pattern using only the 8mm crystals beads until you have 6 more oval watermelon glass beads on.

3c. Add one coin pearl + Venetian pebble + oval watermelon.  From this point you can symmetrically mirror the other half of necklace.

3d. Finish end of necklace as started.

Stringing longest strand. (outside)

4a. String a wire guardian and one crimp tube 2 inches from one end of 20-inch beading wire; insert short strand wire tail through top bottom ring of half portion of toggle and back through crimp tube.  Use crimp tool to flatten crimp tube properly and then trim excess wire.

4b. String the following onto beading wire: two bead bumpers + one spacer + one 4mm bead + one spacer + three bead bumpers + one coin pearl + three bead bumpers.  Repeat a pattern of 6 coins separated by only bead bumpers and after the 6th pearl is on add three bumpers, one spacer, one crystal, one spacer.  Repeat the last pattern twice.

4c. After the 18th pearl is on, add three bead bumpers an then attach filigree pendant through its beaded bail.

4d. Now that you have half of your necklace ready repeat the pattern on reverse to finish the other side.

4e.  Attach end of beading wire as you started. Ignore the middle ring of your toggle.

Final lengths : 19 and 18 inches.

Designer’s tips:

1 – If you want to use the middle ring of your toggle, add a duo color strand of same seed beads used on your beaded bail. A third layer will add extra texture to it.
2 - For a dramatic color contrast tries a vivid green seed beads strand…you can always blames on the papaya skin. 
3. Dress down: pair with white lace or cotton summer dress, striped leather sandals, big tote and plain hoops.
4. Dress up: white suit with a strapless top underneath, cork and leather stilettos, snake leather bag and a pr of crystal clear long tear drop earrings.
  
Sources:  

1. Padparadscha crystal beads from the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS assortment – www.create-your-style.com

2.  White stringing wire, white Artistic Wireâ wire, wire guardianä, bead bumpersä, crimp tubes and crimp covers by Beadalon - 1 800. 423 2325 - www.beadalon.com (wholesale only)

3. Rubino pink dichroic Venetian pebble bead by Murano Glass Beads – 1-800- 439 3551 – www.venetianbeadshop.com

4. Sterling silver toggle clasp, seed beads and spacer roundels by John Bead 1-888- 755 9055 – www.johnbead.com

5. White cultured freshwater coin pearls by Majestic Pearls. 

6. Faceted flat oval watermelon glass beads by Wraps Stones & Things – (415) 863 4953





Picture by Fernando Dasilva  © 2009.

Thursday, June 23, 2011

In Knoxville for Jewelry TV and Beadalon


I was back home form Bead and Button on the 13th but not for too long.
I had only few days to finish few projects and then get ready to head to Knoxville, TN, to appear on Jewel School Television.

On Friday, 17th, somehow I missed my early flight and got there in the afternoon. I was welcomed by two wonderful people, got a quick tour (amazing facility) and then my friends Margot and Drew Potter picked me up on my hotel and took me for dinner in the downtown area. We went to a fabulous place in the Market square and we had a great time. I worked on samples on Saturday and the next day I debuted on live TV next to Kim (hostess) and Margot Potter. It was an incredible experience!


The picture above was taken by my friend Robert Locarno...form his screen straight form Nocona, Texas (just one hour outside of Dallas). Thanks, Robert! I look good on TV !!! lol




Inside of JTV playing with a bucket loaded of fabulous semi-precious stones...just like a candy jar.



Drew Potter and I bonding. I look so big next to him....you dropped tons of pounds, dude! Stop it!



Margot and Avalon Potter and myself...sharing good moments. And Avalon looks amazing! The little girl is gone...



Fabulous place, nice atmosphere, great decor, great food...very hype! I can't remember the name of it! Aging is not good...

My dish: pork ribs, plantains, and rice and beans...Cuban roots. Very yummi!



OMG: James was not only one of the most handsome "gingers" that I've ever seen it but very charismatic and provided us a great time.
I couldn't resist asking him to strike a pose...picture was taken by Madge Potter.


Flashes from my personal Bead and Button Show


Lot's of excitement in the air...meeting old friends and connecting with new ones. The Bead and Button 2011 is gone and my personal highlights were the promo done by Beadalon for my book and "The White Party" thrown by John Bead Corp - the jewelry supplier from Toronto, Canada ( everybody had to dress in white and only that itself to me is a reason to celebrate - it brought me the some of the same vibe of New Year's Eve in Brazil - white is a must to begin the year with good and peaceful vibes).
I selected some of my fave pics.

Here are some flashes from Bead and Button 2011.



Sandy Lupo, Tammy Honaman (reads FMG), Diane Whiting, June Beach and Wyatt White (reads Beadalon), all eager to check if the last picture taken is a keeper or a deleter. 



June Beach snapping a picture of me taking a picture. Blurry images made it more realistic and vibrant.




Overview of Beadalon's booth and a front section with many designs made by me for my book featuring components by Beadalon.


That was the permanent station of Lauren Andersen, The Chainmaille Lady™, seen below  on the next picture.





Necklace designed by Lilian Chen using Katiedids™ components. Lilian was awarded 1st place on the design contest. Her piece is exquisite. 



My friends Craig Brown and Katie Hacker - what a trendy couple! They both look very daliciuUs™ on this picture. Katie is coming out with a new book with fabulous designs made exclusively with Artistic Wire...can't wait to see it!

Flashes from "The White Party":


The hosts of  'The White Party' (from left to right) : Lilla (marketing), Dorthe (buyer), Erwin (sales) and Daniel John (big boss).



Erwin and this blogger : the sexiest boys in town.




Daniel John and I having a few drinks.



Leslie Rogalski been squeezed by me...who was flying high high high...


 Katie Hacker, Julie Young and I having a ball! We were laughing our asses off...good!




The trio: Lisa Pavelka, Erwin and this blogger. We all look beyond daliciuuuuus!



Dorthe and I having a cool down moment.



White shades to complement the outfit - it does look daliciuUUUUs, duuude! 

"The White Party" was undoubtedly DALICIUUS™!!!



Wednesday, June 15, 2011

"Modern Expressions" does Bead and Button Show 2011

Thanks to the efforts of Beadalon, my book "Modern Expressions"  had a strong presence during the fantabulous and unique "Bead and Button Show" held last week  in Milwaukee. 
I was caught by assault when somebody told me that one of the projects from the book was in the show program through a full page advertise posted by Beadalon.

The necklace is called "Spatial Spheres" and features one of my favorites stringing wire of all times made by Beadalon - the 49 Strand .024" white. The back of the design was modified from the original version in the book for the ad - it showcases a nice combo of textured chain sold through Beadalon. Credits to my publisher North Light Books/FW Media  were displayed in the ad and it brought lots of people to the booth to check it out. Modular Montana blue crystal beads from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS assortment added lots of light between rings of wire, pierced metal and acrylic beads.

For an extra touch of glamour I hired a local model to be at the booth on Friday from 2 to 4pm to handle the "purchase free" forms for a random drawing of a copy of the book and a full kit to make "Spatial Spheres".  Copies of the book were donated by FWMedia and the free kit is sponsored by Beadalon, SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and this blogger.

Once again, many thanks to Beadalon, FW Media and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS for adding more unforgettable moments to my career.















Lilian from Nature Beads trying "Velvet Underground" from "Modern Expressions". She had the perfect outfit for it.



Okay...here is the thing: my friend Lilian, owner of Nature Beads, was all over my pieces and she decided to try many on.
On this picture she is wearing "Back to the future", a necklace made with tubing and inserts bought at a hardware store. Fabulous sterling silver claps were generously donated by Atrbeads.com. Lilian proved me that the necklace was done perfectly. It seemed tailored for her neckline.  The secret here is that special Brazilian flair. Worrrrk it ! 
Oh...and crowning Lilian's head, an iconic piece designed by Katie Hacker..."Silver Splendor"-  that design is a staple.




I gladly autographed a complimentary copy of my book, donated generously by FWMedia to the lady above. She purchased Beadalon products beyond the minimum amount and was awarded by my diy jewelry guide. In the background a luscious necklace designed by fellow designer Margot Potter for Beadalon...tons of SE crystal beads and 49 Strand gold-plated Beadalon wire rings. One of my favorites by Madge.



Jill and this blogger striking a pose and in the background Artistic Wire...a must have on any designer's table these days.  Wrap it! Bend it! Fold it! Straight it! and wrap it again.

"...I gotta be a star..." Well, I know I will have my Andy Warhol moment...it's coming!


Jill wearing a necklace made with three shades of exposed stringing wire and a crystallized shirt made by SE to promote the book.
Fabulous pose and smile! Thanks, dahling...you added glamour to our booth.



Signing fort a random drawing. In the nackground Steve and Meredith working.



A front overview of Beadalon's booth and the station created for my book...loaded with some of the projects for the book,  a rejected necklace originally designed for the book (on the black neck display - made with rubi and pink tourmaline and a twisted Murano Glass pendant), our ballot for the random drawing and towards to the left side on the front table a fresh and voluptuous necklace created recently by me for John Bead Corp.
I thought I should have something current and trendy so people know that I am still in business...ahahaha. The necklace will have its own story...it's fun, out of the box and very haute couture... it deserves a post by itself...but the major reason for been with me during the show was because I used Elasticity to build the flower beaded rings and many people asked me about it...stretching cord always intrigues people on how to work with it. It has never given me any problem. I love it! 



On the corner left, among some of my designs is the winner of the Katiedids contest...Lilian Chen designed an ultra modern and voluptuous necklace loaded with Katiedids and SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS....final result: she won first place. Clever application of the components created by fellow designer Katie Hacker exclusively for Beadalon.




The lady above with that big smile was at our booth watching Wyatt's demo and decided t stick around...she end uo buying tons of Beadalon products at the show and came back to get her copy of "Modern Expressions". What a treat!




The  lady with me is from Japan and she purchased Beadalon products during the show to get   also her complimentary copy of the book. Signed and personalized by me straight to her heart.



The lady above was the second person who exceeds the minimum purchase number and was entitled to win an autographed copy of "Modern Expressions" as a complimentary gift. 



All photos by Fernando Dasilva © 2011.