Design This!

I don't know if that title will stick around, I might change it to something different, for these posts, if any of ya'll have suggestions, please feel free to suggest them below :D
So, our last challenge was Jafar, and while I can't say that anyone submitted anything, a lot of you did come and check out the post. Thank you :D.
This is what I came up with for jewelry regarding Jafar.

I admit, a good bit of it would be covered in the usual all covering garb that he has, but I can't imagine that he's /always/ wearing that. Surely there must  be times when he's going sleeveless or something. So I started thinking about things that would be Jafar like. Working with his love of snakes was easy. I also tried out something new and tried adding different metals in, because although he's the Sultan's Vizir (think chief advisor) I don't see him wearing much gold. I see him more in bronze or maybe a silver/copper alloy. He would have a signet ring of some sort, for official seals and the like. Most likely carved from turquoise, since it was supposed to be a protective stone.
I can also easily see him wearing an armlet. However the last piece that came to mind for me was a medallion. I did a little digging, and with the magic and concepts that Jafar used in the Disney movie, he probably would've had some sort of heavy medallion that he would identify himself with to other alchemists.
This next fortnight's challenge is, drumroll please, Pokemon! I wanted something with a little more color variation, and design option for this one, so for this challenge, you can use the first 151 pokemon. There's a ton of artwork all over the net, and way too many pokemon. So, in the event that you don't know a thing about them, I've got links and images to help out :D.
http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/List_of_Pok%C3%A9mon_by_Kanto_Pok%C3%A9dex_number < A listing of all the pokemon (with little images next to each one. This is one to go to if you want to really learn more about the specific pokemon.)
http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/i/2011/060/2/6/kanto_pokemon_roster_by_petsu_chan-d3aop1d.jpg  < This is a visual listing of all of them, with names in English & Japanese, and could be used if all you want is the name and what they look like.
And my last link, well. Not really a link. XD Just a tip. Once you've picked a pokemon you want to do a design/piece around, go to either Google(Google.com )  or Deviantart (http://www.deviantart.com/) .
Just make sure you have the maturity filter on, because some pieces of art people do are not going to be relevant XD.

Hey Lookie Here!

I talk all the time about jewelry and making things. I talk about tutorials and treasury posts, and I even review books. Plus there's the Book Design and Design this posts, both weekly and bi-weekly respectively.

Here's the thing I realized though. I haven't talked about my shop. At all. When I thought about that, my first thought was "Well, people aren't really going to want to be bombarded with info about it right? I don't write my blog just for attention for my shop." This is the absolute truth, I don't. I run GlassEternal to keep track of books, to do reviews, and push myself to write and design on a regular basis, and hopefully help others do the same. 

However, if ya'll are here, and you find that you're interested in what I have to

say, or learning more, I do have other places that I'm located at.

There's my Pinterest. I keep track of jewelry designs/inspiration I like. I keep hold of recipes galore, and character ideas (which we will eventually dip into). I've got diy projects and polymer clay stuff. Plus there's an entire board dedicated to my geekiness ;). You can see that on the side bar if you scroll down some.

Over at DeviantArt, I'm building up a gallery, slowly but surely. I've also got a billion different favorites that I love browsing through when I need ideas, or the tutorial folder I have. You can look at all of these.

Then there's my shop over on Etsy. It's small, but it's growing. With everything I learn, everything I post up here, it's growing.

All of these things are extra aspects, not only to my shop, but to me, and to this blog. While I do have the links here, you can also click the "About Me" Page at the top. There's also the "Gallery" tab and that shows all the jewelry I have made, not just in my shop atm, but a continual list of things I've made since I revamped the blog. That will continue to grow and be a gigantic page with time, showing off all the things I've learned.

Stray

So, I know I said yesterday that I wasn't going to get to do this week's post until Saturday at least. Well, it seems I fibbed. I was thinking about the last book I read just for fun (Stray by Rachel Vincent) and all of a sudden, all sorts of ideas for jewelry came to mind. Even for the villain of the book! O.O

Let's start off with this, it's not a straight fantasy ladies and gents. This is a departure from our norm (do two posts make a norm?) and into urban fantasy.

This takes places in Texas, a place I may or may not be seeing soon. Oddly enough I didn't know where the book took place when I picked it up. XD

We are introduced to our lovely FMC when she's on her college campus, at the University of North Texas. We find out within just a few pages that she's a type of werecat, more specifically a Pride cat. In this universe that means that she is part of a family of werecats, and part of the werecat community at large. She was born into it. She's not a stray (which is someone who was scratched/bitten by a werecat and not claimed by any of the ruling families.) She's also not a wildcat, which is a family born Pride cat, that willingly left the community to live on their own.

She's stubborn, she's headstrong, and one of the most defiant characters I've read in EONS. For the most part though, I get it. She doesn't want to marry and raise a bundle of children, nor to marry just so that her husband can rule her Pride's territory after her father steps down. She wants to be a lit major. Well, more accurately she already is, and she's already getting her master's degree when the book starts. All of these things mixed together said leather to me.  For more or less all the characters that was what I thought of. But different types, different styles, well, you saw it up above XD.

So the two bracelets in the top left, those are Faythe's. I figure that she'd want something simple and soft. At the same time though, they'd go with anything. And they're in her favorite colors of black and red. The hardware on these would be bronze rather than brass. I also think they would be a gift from Marc, the one thing from him she couldn't leave at home.

I'm not going to go into as much detail as I've been doing, simply because it's hard to talk about one thing, without stumbling into giving away something important. I will say this though, the book was good and I really enjoyed the characters. There's a writing 'rule' out there that says "Put your characters through hell. Then make them do it again.". Basically saying to give your characters hell and torment if you want to have a solid plot. It's good advice and boy did this author follow it.

Next up is Marc. Marc is Faythe's father's second in command. Oddly enough Marc was a stray (so, turned not born) but he's risen high in the ranks. Apparently this is a rarity. He grew up with Faythe and, surprise surprise, he's absolutely in love with her. But if you're looking for the 'boy next door'? This isn't him. From the get go Marc has this very solid, very in control vibe to him, and one hell of a temper. He never takes it out on Faythe though, which I find interesting. For him, I think more browns, and only one cuff, although it would be broader than  Faythes, it would also be rougher and more textured than hers.

I'm thinking more claw marks than cat paws for him. So closer to a bracer than a bracelet?

Next up is Jace. Every urban fantasy seems to be required to have a 'love triangle' and Jace is the author's tricky way of working around that. He's a bad boy, but without really being a bad boy? He's also absolutely devoted to Faythe's father, as one of his enforcers. Apparently he's also the twin one of her brothers was born without. You never find one without the other. Jace makes me think Black leather and silver. Softer than Marc's but more substantial than Faythe's. That's why I went with a braid, wrapping  around a silver claw. It's got a club look to it (to me at least), bad boy and yet it's got serious sentimental value for him.

And last but not least Miguel. Miguel is the villain in this book. And he's one heck of a villain. If it wasn't for the fact that I dearly wanted to see Faythe overcome everything that happens in this book, I would've put the book down when he and his plan were introduced properly. This book is not for the faint of heart. With all this in my head, I was rather confused when I came up with a jewelry piece based on him. Horribly, horribly confused. However, it is a rather interesting piece, in my opinion anyway. Miguel is a stray cat, but more than that he's a jungle cat. Apparently the werecats that live in South America never felt the need to become more 'civilized' and live quietly among humans, with rules, established territories and what not. Instead they live for the most part deep in the Amazon and kill anyone that looks at them funny. (Ok so I'm exaggerating, but if you read Miguel, you'll get why I say it.) The piece that came to mind then was just as rough and raw as he was. The sketch I managed to knock out doesn't really do the idea justice, and when I've got some time I might revisit the idea.

So, again, my apologies for the post yesterday, I hope you enjoyed this unscheduled break, and the designs that came with it :D

Have a good weekend everyone!
Have you read the  book? Do you think you will? Do you like the designs or have an idea for another book? Comment below!

(I've just realized after three weeks of doing this, that this is sort of my version of fanart. O.O XD)

Temporarily Delayed!

Unless by some miracle, this week’s Book Design post is going to be delayed at least until Saturday. Things have been a little crazy this week, and this is the thing that’s suffering for it unfortunately. I’ll have it up for ya’ll on Saturday, or Monday at the latest. Have a good day!

Bizenghast Update!

Wow, I just wanted to let ya'll know how this was going, and found out that thanks to ya'll this project has made it up to 40,825 as of this morning! Thank you all so much! (I'm acting like I've got something other than fan love riding on this XD. Silly me.)

So, that was all I just wanted to say, thank you, and show off more awesome artwork and ideas from the artist's work and ideas she's put forward for the project.

This one is definitely worth reading the artist’s description as it talks about what type of role Vincent might have in the game, and more about his character.  

Art for the upcoming game, and I love the city! O.O I’ve always tried to draw cities like that (not necessarily in giant floating hands, but you get my point), and I’ve yet to manage it.

An original page from the chapter pages for the manga.

And this next one is just something I adore. Her setting design. If she’s got any say in how things are designed (which given what bits of I’ve collected I’m assuming she will) it’s bound to be a rich and highly detailed atmosphere. Just like at this!

Keep tweeting, tumbling and pinning ladies and gents! The more attention this project can get before the deadline, the better!

(P.S. While it should be obvious, I like to make sure there isn’t any confusion. The art is not mine! I’m not taking credit for it, it all belongs to the lovely M. Alice LeGrow. I’ve even got links back to all the original pages. Capiche?)

P.P.S. Btw, I know some of you are probably looking at me like I’m crazy to be so excited, when we’ve only got 8 days left. BUT I know two things, 1) fans love a challenge. It wouldn’t surprise me in the least if we managed to get the 125k over the next week and pinch at all. 2) According to the lovely Miss Alice, the game, if it draws enough attention, might get made anyway . But the requirement is that we get as much money into the project as possible. =puts on fancy glasses and suit= “Ahem, So as to properly gauge the market.” =throws the suit and glasses away=. So that’s why we still need as much help as possible!

Treasury Post: April Fool’s!

 

So while I know that I'm a bit late to do this, I put together a jewelry treasury based (mostly) around the April Fool's holiday. It seems that it's celebrated primarily in Europe, and has connections to several other feasts, including the Feast of Fools. Along with these concepts I found out that in Europe a common phrase is "April Fish!" and although I don't fully get that, it did influence the pieces I chose for this treasury.

I love how GoddessOfJewelry takes something so simple and makes it both funny and kind of chic.

This fish by acteon is really cool, and I find the reverse interesting. Kind of makes me think of having the fish whole looking on one side, only to turn it over and find it's only skin and bones.
These next two, although done by completely different artists, start from the same basis and I loved them just for that. They both use pyrite or 'fool's gold' and I've got to admit they would make a terrific joke on someone.

A necklace of the natural stone by WindustDesigns .

A ring of the same, by Prisonher.

This piece coming from ratherpoetic, is for those with a more wordy disposition. Or if you want to warn people that whoever you give it to is known for being a joker. ;)

 
Another joker by MarinaPendants this time beautifully painted on a highly polished slab of agate.

This beautiful bracelet is by karamboola, the ministry of silly walks!
 

Ooohhhh, ahhh. An imaginary wood ring! One of the rarest types of woods in the world! ;) Made by the extremely talented IanGill .

While the humor for this one is a little darker than the rest, it's certainly fits right in made by OoakCraftsShop . 

While possibly one of the oldest 'jokes' around, this one is still a classic,, made by BooBooAndTed.

For those of a more intellectual bent, this pendant by TarryTiles is perfect fit.

 
If you're always wishing for Canary Cremes, this necklace by CircleTreasures might be for you. 

I can't think how many people would squirm at this, making it a good practical joke.  Created by lepetitebonbon.

Do you have a friend that is perpetually distracted? These earrings by JoyceAlice2 might be a good fit then.

By PrettyLittleLincolns.  (I didn't know what to say for this one, any thoughts?)


If I'm looking for silly or unsual jewelry, I think this one by LiciaBeads takes the cake.
Did you like this treasury? Have ideas for future themes? Feel free to comment below!

Cast in Courtlight

In this book, we find out for the first time, the actual name of the Empire where Kaylin lives! :D It is the Empire of Ala'an, ruled by the Dragon Emperor aka the Eternal Emperor.

I really do love reading this series. Not only because it shows off the skill of the writer, but also because you care about the characters. I love learning the little bits of things about the characters and the whole world that are so casually slid into paragraphs. A good example of this is shown in the first few pages, told while following Marcus.  Has just been ranted at by an Imperial Mage when he's already in a 'sour' mood, and is going to talk to his Lord, the Hawklord. "His claws clicked against the floorboards." It's a simple thing really, but it gives a bit of info that you might not otherwise have, that Leontines (for the most part at least) go barefoot everywhere.

Barrani really do live forever. Tain comments 'The castelord has called his Court. It has been a number of years since he has chosen to do so. I don't think you were even alive for the last one." So.... it's been at least two decades since his Court was called together. Two decades! O.O Apparently the Barrani castelord has held that title for centuries, although not uncontested.

Teela & Tain- Make me think two halves of a whole. Are they in a relationship, are they family what? They also make me think leather jewelry that's either been cut and layered or carved into intricate designs and embedded with gems here and there.

     Teela- Fine dark, forest green gown, small tiara, huge emerald, gloves, pale green.

It's been confirmed, the Arcanum? Are creepy. They can actually control the weather. What type of magic system is in this book that that is possible? O.O  I hardly ever run across books where the mages can, and do, actually control the weather.

O.O Nightshade. On the wrong side of the bridge and walking Kaylin home.  What does he consider this a date? DO people even date in this universe?

Things I've learned so far: The mark means they are connected in all sorts of odd ways. I love Nightshade's arrogance. I don't understand why. Nightshade is kidnapping Kaylin, and I wholeheartedly approve of this. ^^ He is taking care to protect her, and he's attracted to her or my name is Suzie. He's even given her a gift, sort of. He always balances that though with a threat. This character. Gah.

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      I want to draw that red and blue rose... how would that work anyway? Does it have significance?

If I ever had to pick a world to live in, or a character to be, it would be Kaylin Neya. Without a shadow of a doubt, it would be Kaylin. And I admit, the chance to actually see Nightshade is low on my list of reasons for wanting that. XD

Andellen- Oh a new Barrani. Fun! He's described very simply at this point, all we know is that he has a sword, he has armor and Barrani. So far, the most I'm imagining for him is armor, so that's no good for this post! XD Maybe he'll get more detailed as we go through the book.

"She tossed out a few recreational Aerian curses, just to keep in practice..." This.. Gahh this character is so me.

What good is a translucent surcoat?? O.O Crazy Barrani Arcanists....

I am about 98% certain that Severn just told Evarrim "If you choose to try and f*** with her, Nightshade will eat you for breakfast." Although in more fancy and diplomatically friendly tones.

Sannabalis! <3 Sannabalis is... scary. Very. Very. Scary. But he's not trying to devour Kaylin, which is good. :D

     And I don't understand why he's showing her this crystal? O.o Definitely going to need to draw that.

     Gold, heavy, really long. Twisted chain rope.

There are so many times when Kaylin grumbles in this book that she wants her daggers! So, I'm giving her a way to carry at least one of them.

Bizenghast Video Game??

 
The majority of you are probably looking at me going "What in  the world is  a bizenghast?" Well, I'll tell you! ;) Bizeghast is the crazy, gothic  little story about a girl and  a mausoleum. The girl, Dinah, is thought to be crazy by her aunt because she can see ghosts (isn't that always the case?) The mausoleum needs someone like her to put scary ghosts to rest. If she succeeds, well, she gets to live, and there might be some mention of gold... but that's if she can survive the ghosts! They certainly don't want to go. Luckily Dinah has help from her calm best friend Victor and the crazy and hilarious Edaniel. (We're not quite sure what he is. He might be cat, he might not. What we do know is that he's all sass.) It's dark, it's gothic and it's bound to make you think the more you read it.
Bizenghast started it's life as a manga published by Tokypop, drawn and written by the lovely M. Alice LeGrow. Seriously, this woman is fabulous. Now though, along with TokyoPop, Unreal Engine 4 from Epic Games, and Cosmic Forces she's trying to turn it into an RPG! I can't speak for anyone else, but I want this! Want. Want. Want! If Marty can make a manga come to life in your hands, I cannot wait to see where she could take an rpg. And there's Edaniel! And his hats!!

 
Which is where you come in. I'm not asking you to donate. (Honestly, that's up to you. If you /want/ to though, here's the link. And you get cool stuff for donating. =nods=) What I am asking though is for a little help in getting the word out there. This game has the potential to be amazing. Just look at all the people who are working on it, and what they've done before! O.O These are some of the best people in the industry.

So could you spread the word?
Tweet, Tumbl, Pin, do something?  The more attention we can get on this game, the better!  #Bizenghastvideogame Let’s get it trending people!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart, for those of you that are willing to help out
P.S. For those of you that are interested, there’s a chance to get Edaniel as a fully voiced human NPC (did I not mention he’s got a ‘human’ form that is just as sassy? NO? Well he does! ) as one of the Stretch Goals.

The Start of Something New

One of my favorite things to do is see how other people look at the same thing, and what happens when you try and look at something the same way as someone else. Up until now, I've primarily done this by looking at Lapidary Journal's Design Challenge pages. I love reading those articles!

However, I wanted to start something here on MBS, and invite all of you to join in as well. So, every other week (the week's I don't post up treasuries) I'll post up a character and the art associated with them. Then you've got two weeks to go ahead and figure out a design either based on that character, or something for them.
You're welcome to go ahead and post yours in the comments, and I'll post mine at the bottom of the next post.  You're also more than welcome to post up your own ideas for characters for the future. I hope ya'll will participate and see it as a grand experiment! :D

 

So for this first week, I figure we’ll start off with an easy one, although it is one that doesn’t get a ton of attention : Jafar! I’m drawing these images from two of the most common sources of material, Disney and the Once Upon a Time spin off (which I still have not been able to check out…) I had to resize them, so I included the link to the original image with each one.

 

 

 

 

And that is this  fortnight’s challenge! Good luck and I’ll post my designs next time we do this

Book Review: Kumihimo

 

Title: Kumihimo Wire Jewelry

Author:  Gionvanna Imperia 

Pictures: 10/10
Clarity of Instruction: 10/10

Complexity: 8/10

Overall Score: 10/10

Thoughts on the book.

I really enjoyed reading through this book. Not only does it start off with a bit of history about Kumihimo, but it explains the why behind different tools that are used. It also shows how different tools and patterns are used in conjunction to create specific pieces.  The instructions, for me at least, were exceedingly easy to follow, and it pointed out many things that I hadn't considered prior to reading this book. Ways to remind yourself of where you left off if you have to stop in the middle of a piece.  Figuring out how to create new patterns (which there are now a few sitting in my design journal...) It also made sure that for every pattern that was shown, there was an example of what could be done with it, as well as a close up shot of the weave done in thread, to see how tight/open it is naturally.

Regarding the complexity, I have to say that it does look a bit intimidating at first, and there are a bunch of things that are considered ‘specialized’. I’m sure though that with a bit of ingenuity you could find the majority of it around the house, or a way to rig something together that will allow you to do the same work without having to spend a large amount of money. That’s just the tools though. The work itself only /looks/ intimidating. If you follow along with the patterns and the way the diagrams are laid out, it’s easy to follow along and find a rhythm.

This is a book I plan on not only purchasing but also working into regular use in my own work.

Do you have any thoughts on this book? Feel free to comment below. :)