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Carolyn Nau
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- Milwaukee WI
- United States
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Carolyn Nau's Groups
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Jewelry Designer's Gal...
29 members
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How to Make Jewelry
36 members
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Home Jewelry Business
48 members
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Jewelry Supplies Deals
25 members
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Jewelry Projects
32 members
Carolyn Nau's Discussions
Carolyn Nau's Page
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Profile Information
- Why are you visiting?
- I'm looking for project ideas, To make new friends
- What is your favorite type of jewelry to make?
- Necklaces/Pendants
- Tell us about yourself! What makes you interesting, unique, funny, talented, or...?
- Since I was a little girl making Barbie clothes on an old treadle sewing machine and jewelry out of tiny beads and thread, I've had a passion for creating beautiful things. I feel that creative expression is something we all need to really keep in touch with our souls, our inner selves. It doesn't matter if it's just creating a nice flower arrangement or a nice vignette on a table…the important thing is to find a way to create beauty.
I could go on about the details of my life which have taken me to a lot of places, some planned, some completely unexpected. My life hasn’t taken a straight path from one place to another, but followed a lot of twists and turns. The changes in my life have brought a lot of wonderful people into my life, some for a long time, others have shared time with me briefly, but all these connections brought something beautiful to me. I’ve been an accountant, a sales person, a writer, a clothing designer, an office manager and a few other things along the way.
The one constant has always been a need to keep growing and creating. Totally by accident I began this new career in jewelry design. I went to the Milwaukee Bead and Button show and completely immersed myself in fabulous stones and beads. With the help of a good friend, I ended up with a dresser full of gorgeous beads and gemstones. From that point I’ve turned my passion for jewelry, crystals and stones and creative design into lot of fabulous jewelry.
Michelangelo said “Every block of stone has a statue inside it and it is the task of the sculptor to discover it”
I have that same feeling about jewelry. I read books and magazines about jewelry designs and look at a lot of inspirational idea. But when it comes time to sit down and make something, all that goes out the window. My creative process consists of opening all the drawers in my bead cabinet (all arranged by color) and seeing which beads call to me. Then I wait for them to let me know what they want to become. Sounds odd, perhaps, but I feel that each bead has an energy and a purpose and they truly help to inspire. Years ago, I designed clothing the same way, I would layout a bolt of fabric and then would wake up in the morning with a vision of what it was to become. Jewelry is even more intuitive than that, and much more immediate. I pull out a collection of beads, and then sit with them for a while. Sometimes I have an immediate picture of what I’m making, other times it evolves completely on its own as I work. It’s a fun, and often surprising process.
The other part that continually surprises and humbles me is the interaction that happens when my jewelry finds its owner. How to explain this? When the right person puts on a piece, it completely transforms into something much more than it was. I feel a huge “rush” when this happens and know that I’m doing something that is much bigger than what I can understand. I’ve also seen, felt shifts in the energy of the wearer as they connect with the piece. Jewelry is a beautiful decoration, but it can also connect us with parts of ourselves that we may not have fully expressed, or strengthen those that we have.
- My website is:
- http://carolynnau.com
- What is your favorite jewelry making style or medium?
- semi-precious beads
- What best describes your style?
- unique
- What are your favorite colors in making jewelry?
- greens
- What are your favorite beads and stones for making jewelry?
- Lizardite (serpentine) I love the energy of this stone - it's smooth, soothing and just makes me feel good and Carnelian is also just incredible
I'm also working on creating a line of jewelry that can be flexible, holding a focal stone or a BioElectric Shield. www.bioelectricshield.com
The Shield is one of the most important purchases I've ever made, it balances my energy field and deflects EMF radiation and other people's negativity, fear and stress.
Carolyn Nau's Photos
Comment Wall (4 comments)
- At 2:54pm on July 22, 2009,
Paul said…
Not Bad ! The sunsets aren't as pretty over the lake as I'd like...But they'll do ! Take care
- At 1:54pm on July 22, 2009,
Paul said…
- I just love dropping by your page and seeing the beautiful creations you come up with.
I hope you are having a wonderful summer..
Best regards,
Paul Mattson
- At 8:20pm on December 17, 2008,
Paul said…
- Hi Carolyn
You make beautiful necklaces. Its nice to have you as a friend and I enjoy viewing your one of a kind creations....
Merry Christmas !!
Paul and Sandy
- At 6:33pm on October 19, 2008,
Lorri Ely said… - Hi Carolyn. Thanks for joining, and I love your story--I share the same approach to design--letting the beads and energy from the stones inspire me. Lovely work, thanks for sharing!
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About.com Jewelry Making
Jewelry Supply Sales
This time of year, you often see a lot of sales going on all over the place. Some of this is due to the fact that the holidays means people are buying presents and probably making a good deal of jewelry to give as presents as well. Another reason why you see so many sales of jewelry supplies right now is because vendors are trying to liquidate inventory. Once January starts up, a new tax year begins. If they have too much stock left in inventory, this can be a tax hit for them. They want to have inventory as low as possible.Because vendors really need to clear out old merchandise, this means there are lots of opportunities for scooping up some deals. Of course, if you are also running a jewelry business, for example you sell your finished jewelry, then you have to be careful. You also don't want to create too much inventory right before the end of the year and have issues with your taxes. But for those jewelry designers who do this more as a hobby, there are some excellent sales going on. Feel free to add to the list, but here are a few I've seen popping up among various jewelry supply vendors. Many of these sales are only going on for a few days, so they will end very soon:
Artbeads.com is having a 20% off sale right now on orders of $60 or more.
Rings & Things has a 10% off sale on sterling silver components.
Fire Mountain Gems & Beads is having an end of the year bead blow-out sale.
HHH Enterprises is having a 25% off everything sale.
Cindy Gimbrone is having a 15% off sale plus free beads offering going on right now.
Crafts Etc. is have a 50% off one item sale. The shopping cart code is SAVE0912.
Beaducation has a 20% off sale going on for its silver blanks.
These are just a few sales that I've seen going on right now. Feel free to add others you know about as a comment to this post, and remember, many of these sales will end soon.
Jewelry Supply Sales originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Friday, November 27th, 2009 at 10:46:34.
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… ContinueMake It Merry 11/26/09
Happy Thanksgiving, folks. Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.
Snowman Ornament
Sherri Osborn will show you how to create a cute snowman face using a clear, glass ornament. It's a great project for the whole family.
Recycled Pine Cone Gnome
Get a glimpse of this pine cone gnome at the Recycled Crafts blog. It's a cute reason to collect a few pine cones around the yard.
CopprClay Pendants
Try your hand with pendant making this year with a little help from some winter foliage. The Beading Arts blog will show you how.
How to Make Paper
Handmade paper not only makes a great gift for the avid scrapbooker in your life, but you can also create tags and cards for every present on your list. Marion Boddy-Evans shows us how.
Little Town of Bethlehem Cross Stitch
Get down to the true meaning of Christmas with this simple cross stitch pattern from Connie G. Barwick.
Mitten Earrings
Tammy Powley shows us how to make these cute mitten earrings using lampwork beads.
Christmas Stocking
This cute two-color Christmas stocking is a breeze to knit, even if you've never knit a sock before. Worked with bulky yarn on big needles, it will be done and ready for you to embellish in no time.
Advent Garland
If you are looking for something a little different when it comes to counting down to the holidays this year then take a look at this pyramid box garland. Use the free template to make the boxes and decorate them with your favorite festive stamps.
Miniature Gift Boxes
Have a little gift to give? Check out these free printable miniature gift boxes for small gifts or advent calendars from Lesley Shepherd.
Manga Holiday Card
Instead of a traditional Christmas card, you could go with something a little more contemporary this year. Helen South has tips on how to create a manga style card.
Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.
Make It Merry 11/26/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, November 26th, 2009 at 10:50:23.
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… ContinueChain Gang Jewelry
Books are one of the many jewelry making items many of us add to your holiday gift list, so you may want to take a look at a new book I recently reviewed. This book focuses on making jewelry using prefabricated chain. It is called Chain Style: 50 Contemporary Jewelry Designs (Interweave Press $19.95,) and it is written by Jane Dickerson. Along with designs created by the author, nine other jewelry designer collaborated on this title.After reading the review, you may want to add this to your "want list," or consider giving it to a jewelry making friend.
Chain Gang Jewelry originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 11:39:31.
Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/22/09
A Bead A DayDo pearls go with everything? Lisa pairs glass pearls with chain and interesting findings. What do you think?
Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene gives you the scoop on findings worth finding - check it out!
Barbe Saint John
I've been a bad blogger! Find out what's up with Barb and her blog.
Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a brooch with a cameo and other odds and ends.
Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva
Cindy has a new shop on Etsy - the bleeding heart. Check it out!
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows the piece she made for the new book Chain Style, and talks about her struggles with letting go of her published jewelry pieces.
Jean Campbell
Jean kicks off a new era of self-indulgence with a funky Steampunk necklace.
Jewelry & Beading
Gather up some little beaded flowers and turn them into a very special necklace!
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's annual craft fair adventure is over and she share's some photos of the Aftermath.
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Artbeads teamed up with Nintendo DS to create a fantastic virtual learning game for jewelry lovers! Style Lab! Jean shows it off in a youtube clip! FUN for the HOLIDAYS! :)
Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses the virtue of buttons in jewelry-making
Jewelry Junkie Link Love 11/22/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Sunday, November 22nd, 2009 at 12:36:47.
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… ContinueMake It Merry 11/19/09
Welcome to another edition of Make it Merry, where talented crafters share their holiday how-to's.
Advent Candy Tree
Everyone loves counting down to the holidays...add candy to the mix and you've got a fun Advent calendar from Sherri Osborn for the whole family to enjoy.
Pumpkin Cross Stitch Pattern
Use a variegated floss to make a swirling pumpkin that would look great near the Thanksgiving table. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern.
Knit Wreath Ornament
Scrap knitting makes for fun quick projects that are perfect for any skill level. Sarah E. White has the instructions for this cute wreath.
Miniature Glitter Houses
Snowy villages look great upon every mantle and tabletop. Lesley Shepherd has a free printable so you can make your own tiny houses.
Paper Bead Star Ornament
If you're looking for something a little different to do with your paper beads then take a look at this paper bead star. This project is simple to adapt in a wide variety of ways.
Rustic Pillar Candles
'Tis the season for running out to buy candles. David Fisher will show you how to make these festive pillar candles with the perfect finish.
Pear Diamonds Painted Card
This card has an intricate finish, but it is so easy to make. Tina Jones shows us how to create this colorful card from start to finish.
Christmas Apron Pattern
Just because you've got to bake cookies for the whole family doesn't mean you can't look fabulous! Phyllis Dobbs has created this adorable holiday apron, and she's got the free pattern just for you.
Flower Petal Ornament Cover
Sometimes those plain ornaments just need a little dressing up. Tammy Powley will show you how to use seed beads to create this unique ornament drapery.
Paint a Christmas Tree
Instead of paying a premium for a colored tree, Barbara Crews will show us how to paint your tree red to match the latest holiday trends.
Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.
Make It Merry 11/19/09 originally appeared on About.com Jewelry Making on Thursday, November 19th, 2009 at 08:35:26.
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