Jana Ewy

Welcome 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:24:00 +0000

I can't believe its the end of January already. Where does the time go? Happy New Year a little late, but from the heart. I hope this year brings health and happiness to everyone.

I have been working on a few more Step-by-Step tutorials that I hope you will find helpful in your creative journey. My Fracture & Fusion technique, along with my Cylinder and my Patina techniques.
These should get you excited with lots of new design possibilities.

Open publication - Free publishing - More jana ewy

Open publication - Free publishing - More bangles

Open publication - Free publishing - More jana ewy

I love the format that issue has made available for anyone to use. If you have time, be sure to check out their web-site... there are so many interesting publications to look through. Enjoy... be sure to send me a note to let me know if you have found these helpful, I would love to hear from you.

Inlay Cabochons Step-by-Step

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 17:37:00 +0000

Bev... this is especially for you. I hope you enjoy it and find it helpful.

Open publication - Free publishing

Step-by-Step... The Basic Cuff Bracelet

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 02:19:00 +0000

Open publication - Free publishing - More cuff bracelet

Here is my basic Cuff Bracelet Tutorial. What a perfect gift they will make for all the lovely ladies on your Holiday gift list.

Coming soon... Step-by-Step Resin coated Cuff and ID Style bracelets.
My secrets revealed... Resin on a curved surface... it is easier than you might think.

Crimson Marbled Pendant

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 19:41:00 +0000

Just in time for the Holidays... I am happy to present the first in a series of inspirational Step-by-Step projects.
I have developed and designed so many techniques and projects for publications, over the years, that I decided it was time to share them here on my blog and website for everyone to enjoy. I hope you are inspired and find them helpful in creating your own Friendly Plastic designs.

Open publication - Free publishing - More cabochons

Capturing Your Memories

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Wed, 05 Oct 2011 14:13:00 +0000

In the latest issue of Somerset Memories you will find vintage designs that use Friendly Plastic in a weathered and worn style.

I used some favorite old family photos to create a special gift for my Mom. The photos are of my Mom, Grandmother and Aunt as children. The design inspiration was the special bond that Mothers and Daughters share, that words simply can't explain. The connection that blossoms as the years pass by. My sisters and I share this connection with my Mom just as she shared it with her Mom and sisters. The title for these loving works of art is: Love Blossoms Here

I wanted to find a way that the finished designs could be placed out on display for all to share, and these old vintage books did the trick. They made the perfect back drop and the stamped Friendly Plastic with a patina finish, that surrounds each photo added a wonderful warm texture. A garden theme seemed to happen as I searched for the right embellishments... and it was only fitting because each of these lovely ladies share a love for gardening as well.

A special gift for my Mom... that I hope she loves.

Design inspiration that I hope you love and will consider using in a creation of your own.

Belle Armoire's summer issue

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:45:00 +0000

A few of my Friendly Plastic designs are featured in the summer issue of Belle Armoire. The article is about creating your own color inspiration.

There is nothing I enjoy more than playing with alcohol inks on Friendly Plastic. The process is exciting and most often the outcome is amazing. I love using these finished pieces as my color and design inspiration. I never know what direction the design might go, maybe a bracelet, a necklace or even a pair of earrings.

The end results are always colorful and I hope inspirational.

The Norma Jean Collection

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 18:22:00 +0000

A new path leading me on a whole new journey. Back in November, I started working on a new line of jewelry. I wanted to create fabulous colorful designs that were eye catching, eclectic and fun to wear. I had already played around with a few designs concepts, and they seemed to go over well with everyone that saw them. Then that little break came, that door opened. A gallery was interested in giving my little beauties a wonderful home. I was so excited and honored. But they said we need to come up with a new name. Just Bananas is not going to work. Oh dear... what is a fitting name for these new designs. For whatever reason I did not want to use my own name. I felt they deserved better than that, so the only thing left to do was to name this new collection after the most intriguing woman I know, my Mom. So there you have it... the Norma Jean Collection was born.

You know, there is so much more to the process of launching a new line of jewelry. That I thought I would share it with you. I have so much to learn... so I thought it might be fun to share my journey with you. So here goes...

Got the name... the designs are being born... they have their first home... I am having a logo designed...
got my domain name (no site yet)... have a basic print layout that accompanies each design (this will probably change when I get the new logo)...

What comes next? I would love to hear your input and ideas.

In the mean time... here are a few of my designs, each is named after someone very special and hidden within each necklace is a tiny turtle for good luck.

Beautiful Friendly Plastic Designs

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 21:19:00 +0000

Be on the look-out for three beautiful Friendly Plastic Designs featured in the following publications.

Jewelry Affaire has got to be one of my favorite NEW magazines. It is bursting with inspiring designs by so many talented artists. More eye candy than you know what to do with. Love love love it.
I am honored to have my Friendly Plastic inlay designs featured, along side all the other amazing designs you will find throughout the pages of the Spring issue.

The layers of stampings and filigree are what really make this design stand out. But don't be intimidated... the process is so simple.

See... what did I tell you. When you see it broken down, it really is a simple process.

Next... Haute Handbags has featured my Secret Fantasy Wallets in its Spring issue.

These feature my Splash Technique applied to white Friendly Plastic. No heating is involved, just alcohol inks on plastic and of course a coating of Envirotex Lite. The colors are fabulous and all the brass and silver stamping and filigree accents make the fantasy come to life. It makes me happy just looking at them.

Last... but not least is my On the Wings of Spring ID style bracelet, featuring my Fracture & Fusion technique.

These bracelets are really fun to make. Look for the DragonFy version in the pages of the March issue of Bead Trends.

Shooooooooy... that was a lot of work. I hope you have been inspired by at least one design.
Get your FP out and start playing. Remember Linda is always excited to share your Friendly Plastic creations on the Friendly Plastic Blog. And if you are interested there is a Friendly Plastic Group on Yahoo. It is a great place to share the FP love, brain storm with others and get answers to most of your FP questions.

Happy Go Lucky...

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 14:16:00 +0000

Happy St. Patrick's Day.

Hope you have a wonderful day... and don't forget to wear something Green.

Beaded Bliss

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:02:00 +0000

I am in beaded bliss...
I went on a little shopping spree yesterday. The ASD Show is in town, with everything from the finest jewelry to survival gear, and everything in between. This is the show I look forward to attending twice year. I always find what I want and end up buying way more than I need.

Just look at my new stash. These great spring colors... I can't wait to start working with them. My creative juices are finally flowing again. Winter always puts me in such a depression. This is all the medicine I need to snap out of it.

From the fresh pops of pinks and oranges to the dreamy blues and greens, these colors have such an uplifting effect on me. It makes me HAPPY just looking at them. I still have two more days of shopping... I wonder what else I will find?

Jewelry that works Triple Time

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Mon, 21 Feb 2011 21:19:00 +0000

What started out as a way to get my work area cleaned up... turned into my Favorite Jewelry Designs.

My work area had turned into such a mess, as it always does. I am terrible about putting things away. So I decided to put them together instead. All the random beads, bits of chain and odd links. I simply started stringing beads onto eye-pins. Some were single beads and some were combinations with bead caps or spacers. No special intent, just the process. A Process that was so relaxing and fun that it was almost a form of therapy.

Before I knew it, I had quite a collection of colorful little baubles. I played around with the color placement of the beads, the odd bits of left-over chain and single links until I was happy with how it looked. Then came the real fun... PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER. It was such a happy looking piece that I decided it needed to be extra long, 40". That seemed like a good versatile length. That way I didn't have to add a clasp. I could wear it long, wrap it twice around my neck for a double strand...

I figured out later, that I could wrap it 5 times around my wrist for a great looking bracelet.

I loved the eclectic mix so much that I decided to create a 5 strand piece as well. What a STATMENT it makes. Of all the jewelry I have made... this 5 strand piece is my FAVORITE.

Look for these designs along with the amazing works of so many talented artist in the Spring 2011 issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry. Available in March.

And coming soon to my etsy store.

Happy Valentines Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 18:34:00 +0000

Share a little LOVE with someone special.

Look for this beautiful Heart Necklace project in the pages of the Winter Issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry.

You will also find the step by step photo instructions for my Ravishing Pill Box Rings.

Along with a Faceted Friendly Plastic Necklace and Bracelet Set.

Hope you enjoy the designs and will give them a try for yourself.

Oh yes... and while you're at the book store be sure to pick up a copy of Jewelry Affaire.

You'll find my Patina Technique used to transform Friendly Plastic into amazing metal effect for use in some creative jewelry designs.

Tucker... One Year Later and all grown up

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 01:08:00 +0000

My beautiful Tucker is all grown up. In size that is... but not in action. He is still a puppy in every sense of the word . So full of life, with boundless energy.

A favorite past time is spying on the neighbors over the fence.

Happy Valentines Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 18:48:00 +0000

I received the cutest gift anyone could ask for from my hubby. This is Banjo... my new Bloodhound puppy.

He is 9 weeks old... and so full of personality.

Already a handful and oh so curious. He is so vocal and quite the singer... I am learning this is a common trait with Bloodhounds. They love to talk to you.

It looks like I will have a big adventure ahead of me...

I am in LOVE...

Happy New Year...

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:19:00 +0000

I know I'm a little late... but never the less I wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year!
Time has gotten away from me, as it has a habit of doing. I am still playing catch-up from the Holidays and CHA is just around the corner. I need a clone or two. I am sure all of you feel the same. I always think January is going to be a relaxing month. Well at least the first couple of weeks. Then comes the prep and utter madness trying to get ready for CHA around the 15th. I always think I have more time than I really do. I really am a Loon Tune.

OK... now... I'll get to what this post was really about. I am going on a cruise after CHA. Nothing too exciting or out of the ordinary just down to Acapulco, Mexico. We are celebrating my girlfriends 50th birthday. Anyway as I was thinking about all those dress-up dinners and trying to put a few out-fits together, I realized I needed a cute evening bag for a specific dress. So I decided to make one. It turned out really cute so I made another and another. Oh my... I really got caught up in the design process. Here they are... I hope you enjoy looking at them as much as I did making them. If you will be at CHA... you can see them in person at Amaco's booth or you can find them along with the instructions, later this year in Haute Handbags magazine.

Jana Ewy is compensated and endorsed by AMACO for projects that appear on their web-site and in print publications. She is NOT compensated for post appearing on this blog.

Lucky Nickel Necklace Sale ends today...

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:18:00 +0000

Today is the last day of my SALE...
My Lucky Nickel necklaces are on SALE for only $10. I have added several new pieces to keep up with the demand, so if you are interested in a gift that gives back... today is your LUCKY day. Hurry over to my etsy store Just Bananas and take a look.

As you will read below I send a special wish of LUCK with each of my Lucky Nickel necklaces. And that luck just happened to pay off for my aunt Carol who lives in Oklahoma. True story... After receiving one of my Lucky Nickel necklaces (my Mom sent it to her) she headed out to her local gambling establishment. Gave the nickel a few rubs... chanted... Come on Jean (that's my Mom)... Come on Jana... and preceded to win $120.00. Wow! When my Mom called to tell me that story and that my aunt now wanted three more Lucky Nickel necklaces to give to my cousins, I just giggled... and then wondered... maybe there is really something to this. So needless to say... I will be testing out my very own Lucky Nickel. I don't know what my magical chant will be... but if what I come up with does't work out, you can bet I will be chanting... Come on Jean... Come on Jana!

Special Holiday SALE... was $15

With each of my Lucky Nickel Necklaces… comes a very special wish and blessing, that in these most difficult times, this necklace will bring it’s wearer, Good-luck, Good health and Happiness.

For each Lucky Nickel Necklace purchased, one will be donated to "Birthday Wishes", a charity, which through the efforts of its volunteers and donations, is working very hard to make sure that every child within the Las Vegas Foster Care system, receives a Birthday Gift on their birthday. With your purchase of a Lucky Nickel Necklace, you are not only receiving a beautiful necklace of your own, you are giving a young girl living in a foster home, a very special Birthday gift as well. So don't be shy, open your heart and surprise a young girl with a "Birthday Wish".

This lucky pendant was created using my Fracture and Fusion technique. The complex design fuses small fractured pieces together to form a mosaic type pattern. A coat of resin gives it depth and that glass like quality and dimension. The color combination is impressive yet playful. The pendant measures 3/4” round, the size of a nickel. Attached is a silver plated bail. The lucky pendant hangs from a beautiful 18” cable link chain and it fastens with a lobster claw clasp.

No nickel was harmed in the making of this necklace. If you find yourself down to your last nickel, please don’t hesitate to put this lucky nickel to good use.

Sale ends Today...

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 17:18:00 +0000

New Necklace Designs for my etsy store...

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Sat, 12 Dec 2009 15:00:00 +0000

A little Friendly Plastic can go a long way in creating just the right focal feature in a beautiful pendant.Sometimes all you need is a little hint of color.

and sometimes the color is what it is all about.

Can you see why I love this medium so much? As far as I am concerned... it always offers just what I am looking for when I start a design.
A bit of inspiration to get you moving with your own designs. Trust me... you will get hooked.

Still Hard at Work... creating fun new designs

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 21:16:00 +0000

I started playing around with a few ring designs and have had way too much fun, glueing and soldering bezels and setting together. This is a must try for everyone. Just look at how fun these are.I did have to create my own oval shaped cutters so that they were the right size to fit the oval settings and bezels I had. I think Linda did a video on how to make your own cutters. Look for it on the Friendly Plastic blog. It is worth your time to make your own, so you get a good fit.

If you are looking for fabulous filigree and findings... be sure to check out all the supply stores on etsy.

An Inspired ID-ea

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 08:00:00 +0000

The December issue of Belle Armoire Jewelry has arrived...

Amongst the pages you will find my new ID Bracelets are featured, along with the designs of so many other talented artists.
These were great fun to make. Another way to incorporate my vast collection of filigree with my Friendly Plastic designs. I hope you will pick up a copy of the magazine and give this inspired IDea a try. You will find a few more design ideas along with detailed step-by-step photos and instructions. I can't wait to see what you will come up with.

A Odd Place to Sell Jewelry ... in a Bistro

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 15:53:00 +0000

A good friend of mine owns a fabulous little Bistro called Off the Strip, here in Las Vegas. Through a strange turn of events, he saw some of my Jewelry designs and ask me to put together some displays for his restaurant. You can imagine what I thought... at first. Very odd bed fellows, if you ask me. But after a few visits, great meals, wonderful atmosphere, I decided to give it a go. Making the Jewelry was the easy part... coming up with the perfect display was a bit tricky. Here are the finished display cases.
The hinged glass front doors of these shadow boxes made for easy access to the jewelry but also gave it the protection it needed.

The filigree frames were a perfect way to fill the space and showcase the more prominent pieces.

The photos were a way to fill in the background, plus give a little peek into my background as well. The lovely couple you see, are my Mom and Dad. You can imagine my Mom's delight when she saw the finished displays. I think all of these designs lend themselves to Love and Romance and make a perfect Holiday gift for that someone special... even if it is yourself.

My Crazy Cuffs appear in Belle Armoire Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:18:00 +0000

A few months ago I entered my first design challenge, hosted by Belle Armoire Magazine. The challenge was to design cuffs of any kind... so that is just what I did. I had a great time with the embellishments... as you can see, and I was delighted to see that they were chosen to be featured in the Nov-Dec. issue.

Stone Works Cuff Bracelets

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:41:00 +0000

Here is a hand full of my new Stone Works cuff bracelets. Still not sure about this name...
If you look close enough your can see that I used a technique I like to call color blocking. Which is nothing more than cutting out a section of the Friendly Plastic and replacing that section with a piece of FP cut the same shape but from a different color. It is really a fun technique, with results that can be incredibly unique and different every time. Give it a try and see what you can come up with.

Fabulous Filigree with Friendly Plastic

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:55:00 +0000

As I emerge from my cave (Studio) I am bringing with me a few new Creations.
Believe it or not... I really do work hard. That statement is for my husband. Like most... husbands that is, his interest in my work is pretty non-existent. He questions... what are you doing in there? and then states... oh that looks nice. So if I didn't have all of you to share my interests with... it would be a really sad state of affairs for me. So... Thank-You!

Here are the fruits of my labors... well a few of them.
I have been trying to figure out a way to incorporate my FP cabochons with my huge collection of Filigree components. My Fracture and Fusion pieces never seem to work for me... too contemporary I guess. So I have been working on a new technique that seem to be a perfect fit. It is actually a combination of two different techniques. I am calling it Stone Works... for lack of a better name. You know how it is... my mind is shot and I can't seem to think of anything spectacular. But the results are pretty fabulous.

The cuff bracelet in this last photo, gives you an idea of what the Stone Works look like when it is not hidden in Filigree.
What I wanted to achieve was, subtle color with hints of reflective light. The outcome was this stone effect, and I think is works quite nicely. These pieces will be available in my etsy store for the Holidays. Hope you were inspired. Filigree and FP, really do make an amazing combination.

A Special Holiday SALE

noreply@blogger.com (Jana Ewy) — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:38:00 +0000

I am having a very special SALE on my Lucky Nickel Necklaces.
Just for the HOLIDAYS...from the regular price of $15... I have reduced the price to $10. Just visit my etsy STORE to view the selection.

They make a perfect one of a kind GIFT or STOCKING STUFFER.
They are also a gift that keeps giving... as each necklace that is purchased, one is donated as a Birthday Gift to a young girl living in the foster care system here in Las Vegas.

Here is a little more information about the Lucky Nickel Necklaces and the Charity they help.

With each of my Lucky Nickel Necklaces… comes a very special wish and blessing, that in these most difficult times, this necklace will bring it’s wearer, Good-luck, Good health and Happiness.

For each Lucky Nickel Necklace purchased, one will be donated to "Birthday Wishes", a charity, which thorough the efforts of its volunteers and donations, is working very hard to make sure that every child within the Las Vegas Foster Care system, receives a Birthday Gift on their birthday. With your purchase of a Lucky Nickel Necklace, you are not only receiving a beautiful necklace of your own, you are giving a young girl living in a foster home, a very special Birthday gift as well. So don't be shy, open your heart and surprise a young girl with a "Birthday Wish".

This lucky pendant was created using my Fracture and Fusion technique. The complex design fuses small fractured pieces together to form a mosaic type pattern. A coat of resin gives it depth and that glass like quality and dimension. The color combination is impressive yet playful. The pendant measures 3/4” round, the size of a nickel. Attached is a silver plated bail. The lucky pendant hangs from a beautiful 18” cable link chain and it fastens with a lobster claw clasp.

No nickel was harmed in the making of this necklace. If you find yourself down to your last nickel, please don’t hesitate to put this lucky nickel to good use.

Happy Holidays!