BFF Beading Friend Friday: MELINDA ORR

 

 

Come on in, grab a seat - one of my favorite artist is in the house!

It's Melinda Orr, of Melinda Orr Designs - Perfectly Imperfect Metal Jewelry and Components!

                                                                           

·         Melinda Orr lives in Northern Central PA

·         She is happily married to her High School sweetheart!

·         They have 2 Daughters at PennState and Freshman Son

·         Melinda loves her cats….Cozmo and Wanda with babies

·         She is an avid tennis player, perennial and veggie gardener,  and enjoys gourmet cooking,  photography and pottery!

BFF: What do you do with beads?                                                                                        

     Melinda: I work primarily in metal (copper, bronze, brass and silver) ~ original shapes, textures and patina concepts…with accents in leather, Artisan beads, etc.

BFF: How would you describe your role?

     Melinda: I would have to say, I am a component and jewelry designer…I love to create original metal designs and design jewelry around them.


BFF: How long have you been working with beads?
      Melinda: 8 years


BFF: What is your style?
    
     Melinda: I’m not sure I have a style….I would say earthy, rustic ….I’ve been trying to figure that out…..

BFF: Why do you design the way you do?

     Melinda: My jewelry motto is “Imperfectly Perfect” I love that my metal shares the dents, patina flaws, messy wrapping….it’s so me…I feel this fits me perfectly.  There’s something about vintage meets new ~ a perfect marriage….it feels right to me ~


BFF: Favorite metals?

      Melinda: Copper & Bronze

BFF: Favorite color palette?

     Melinda: I love them all…least favorite would be black ~

BFF: Your best technique(s)?

     Melinda: Would have to be texturing and patina

BFF: What else would you like to try your hand at?

     Melinda: Casting silver jewelry…I have no idea if I would like it or not ~ I especially love that I can create components fairly quickly and work them into a design in the same day ~ and afford it too.

BFF: Other artist/designer(s) you admire? Any special reason why?

     Melinda: One of my all time favorites is Cindy Hoo of At Fallen Leaf Creek….I love the feel of her work and beading…Her photography just takes you there….I am a quiet admirer and have never got the nerve to comment on her blog ~ I would love to have the opportunity to meet her in person one day  ~ I think we would have a lot in common.

BFF: Where do you want to be in 5 years from now?

     Melinda: Seriously…alive! I am a breast cancer survivor for 2 years now…I have this hidden fear of more to come…so I live each day to the fullest, I try to give back to others with sharing ideas, spend time with my family as much as possible and am working on a new website to give back to cancer victims and survivors with a unique jewelry line ~ Hoping to have it up in the Fall of 2012.

BFF: Favorite quote or saying?

     Melinda: Imperfectly Perfect….It’s what makes you …well…you! I try to embrace my flaws, and flaws of others….those quirks are what make me smile ~ .

BFF: Any advice you'd give to new artists who are just beginning in your medium?

     Melinda: You just have to start…anywhere….make a lot of ugly stuff…and pretty soon you’ll think…oh….the would look great if I just did this.  All of the sudden, you’ll have something spectacular!  It will never happen if you don’t get in there and keep trying new concepts~

BFF: Favorite blog that you like to follow?

     Melinda: Probably is the Beading Gem…I think Pearl Blay is an amazing woman and she has this amazing talent to share jewelry themed articles and how to’s …I’m so busy right now, I rarely get to follow any regularly ~ But I hop over there more than anywhere else. 

BFF: What online groups or social media outlets do you belong to? 

Melinda: I created the Facebook group ~ Creative Bead Chat to fill a void of Facebook jewelry related chatter where we could feel good about sharing our work as well as sharing technique with those new or learning new techniques…In three months it has grown to 800 talented members and we add new members daily. I make it my first stop every morning to see what everyone’s chattering about, help answer questions and see all the amazing component and jewelry designs. It’s a great place to connect with component Artisans in all areas including clay, glass, metal, beads and more. It’s also a great place to ask questions…so many are willing to share good info…It’s an open group and all are welcome to join. www.facebook.com/creativebeadchat my only rule since day one…treat others as you would like to be treated….not sure I even needed to have a rule…everyone is so kind and helpful .

BFF: If you had all the money in the world, what would you buy?

     Melinda: I would create more research on curing cancer and save a bit for my huge family (over 60) and buy an estate on water where we could all gather, grill wonderful food, chill with wine,  and spend time together like I did when I was a kid.

BFF: As a child what was your favorite cartoon or TV show? Why?

     Melinda: Probably the Brady Bunch…I was a girl….who didn’t love it ? I have no idea why….maybe because we only got one channel on the farm where I grew up…one of the few shows I had access to.

BFF: Favorite toy as a child? Why?

     Melinda: Haha…probably my brothers matchbox cars…I would carve roads on the bank in front of our farmhouse….I would be gone for hours….just creative play.

BFF: Favorite subject in school? Why?

    
Melinda: Hmmm….all I remember is that I really disliked History…the rest I loved especially Spanish…but had really wanted to learn German but it wasn’t offered in my small school.

BFF: What was your favorite YEAR of your life thus far? Why?

     Melinda: Honestly…they have all been so full…but probably 1998 when my son was born.   I didn’t think I would ever have children…he was/is precious….I also gained 2 amazing daughters that year….and a prayer had been answered with this amazing husband and family ~

From the first day I laid eyes on Melinda's work I was IN LOVE!  From reading her blog I could sense her generous nature.  But today I learned much more about what really makes her stand out. I  hope you enjoyed this as much as I did, thanks so much Melinda!

*********************************************

Melinda’s Contact Information:

Melinda Orr Designs

Blog:  www.orrtec.blogspot.com

Website:  www.orrtec.etsy.com and www.facebook.com/melindaorrdesigns

                                                           

 E-mail: orrtec@gmail.com

Mailing Address: 425 Berriman Hollow Rd, Muncy PA 17756

Telephone : (570)916-6545

TIME TO HELP OUT!

ABS - Art Bead Scene is sponsoring a giveaway!

Its all in an effort to get the word out about the 7000 Bracelets for Hope project. Their goal is to have 200 of their readers donate a bracelet this month. To amp it up ABS has gotten together with a bunch of sponsors and together they will be having giveaways on Mondays during July.

 

This week's generous sponsor is Melinda Orr. She has donated a collection of wonderful beads, findings and components that have a $35 retail value.    

NOTE: On Friday, July 13th, Melinda Orr will be the featured artist on BFF "Beading Friend Friday" - right here on this blog.

So how do you enter? Help spread the word about 7000 Bracelets for Hope and ABS's goal by blogging, posting on your facebook page and/or tweeting to your peoples! Then go to Art Bead Scene and leave a comment telling them how you are helping to get the word out about this great cause!

You can find Melinda's work in her Etsy Shop, Blog and on her Facebook Page.

 

  

BSBP Sent: Here's what I cooked up!

UPDATE (Saturday, 7.7.12) NO soup yet and I am starrrvving! Guess I gotta go to the grocery store if I want any today! :(

So it's safe now...my BSBP partner, Jenny Vinberg of Sweden, has received and posted the Bead Soup that I sent her. Now I want you to get a look at it too!

 

 

So here are my ingredients...

 

 FOCAL Bead (handmade),

 

 

 

A few extra beads (handmade),

 

 

 

                                                          A little extra to spice it up,  

 

And the clasp (handmade).

 

 

 AND then just to make Jenny smile,

I added a few magnets I made...

 

And my kids think I can't cook...

                                well maybe just not in the kitchen!

BFF Beading Friend Friday: MARTI CONRAD

                                                                                  

This week’s featured artist is Marti Conrad of  Marti's Buttons-n-Beads. 

  

 

Here are the basics:  

• Marti’s real name is Martha.
• Marti lives in a small town in West Virginia.
• She has been married for over 30 years.
• When I asked about children her response was, “Step man, step woman! “  I take it that means she has a grown stepson and stepdaughter,  haha.
• She has two pets, a Japanese Chin rescue dog, named Millie; and a rescued  Tuxedo cat, named Quincy.  She didn’t say it but from reading her posts I can tell that the rescue of animals is a very important cause to Marti.
• Her other hobbies and interests are too many to list.

Now that you have the basics,  let’s  dive in and find out more about Marti’s artwork -

.

BFF: What do you do with beads? (weaving, stringing, lampworking, polymer, etc)

Marti:  Mostly just make stoneware beads, pendants and small items.  I want to start making wind chimes just as soon as possible.  I am not really a jewelry maker, but I've strung some of my beads and sold them around here

BFF: How would you describe your role in the beading world?

Marti: Happy crafter?  I just cannot call myself an artist…frustrated one maybe...

BFF: How long have you been working with beads?

Marti: Since 2006/2007.  I started out making stoneware buttons to have extra money to buy vintage buttons, I love collecting buttons and other things too!  Did some beads and have been busy making them since. 

BFF: What is your style? And what attracts you to this style?

Marti:  I'm not sure I really have a style just yet.  I love using stoneware clay, taking old buttons and nature -inspired things, leaves and such, and using them for patterns and texture. I also just love picking up an item and trying it out on my clay.  Some of my favorite textures come from my dogs brush and comb, bones and rocks!

BFF: What are your favorite metals to use?

Marti: My favorite metal is silver…copper is second for me.

BFF: What is your favorite stringing medium to use?

Marti: I started out using a monofilament to string with, but have used silver and copper wire since.

BFF: What is your favorite color palette?

Marti:  I love colors.  Purples are my favorite right now, but I've run the gamut. 

   

BFF: Your technique(s)?

Marti: I work  in stoneware clay as opposed to earthenware because I found earthenware too soft.  I would chip it too easily.  And I've never tried porcelain because the old kiln I have wouldn't reach the temps needed. 

BFF: What else would you like to try your hand at?

Marti: I don't need anything else to do!
    (Editor’s note: Now really do any of us need yet another craft? Kudos to Marti who is able to fight the temptation, wish I could!)

BFF: Other artist/designer(s) you admire? Any special reason why?

Marti:  There are so many excellent clay artists that inspire me and make me want to do better every day in my work.  I don't want to list any one in particular because there are so many and I wouldn't want to leave anyone out! 
       (Editor’s note: She admires me, OKAY?! She just didn’t want to hurt ya’lls feelings!)

BFF: Where do you want to be in 5 years from now?

Marti: Happy with what I'm doing and healthier.

  

BFF: What’s your favorite quote or saying?

Marti: so many…Scriptures are my favorite, and anything about animals that touches my heart.

BFF: Any advice you'd give to new artists who are just beginning in your medium?

Marti:  Keep at it…you will only get better as time goes on.  Read and learn everything you can about your craft. 

BFF: What is your favorite blog that you like to follow?

Marti: Again, there are just so many.  I enjoy Jean A Wells, Love My Art Jewelry, etc...

       BFF: What has been your favorite Blog Hop or Challenge?

Marti: ?  Beads of Clay, BOCPAT, ButtonBytes, Bead Soup Cafe, Creative Bead Chat…again…too many!

Quirky questions often give us a better understanding of the real person behind the artist, so here goes…

      BFF: If you had all the money in the world, what would you buy?

Marti: I would build one of the best Humane Society Buildings (but we are off to a great start with ours here in Ritchie County, WV) and staff it with vets and techs and staff to take care of and help all the animals in this and surrounding counties…after that, my family needs would be taken care of.  As it is, we are all doing okay, but with all the money in the world…that would be my dream come true.   

BFF: As a child what was your favorite cartoon or tv show? why?

 Marti: I was never big on cartoons, my brother watched them, so I had to…lol…my favorite show as a kid was probably Roy Rogers because he had such a beautiful horse and he was one of the good guys!  And Lassie, but Lassie always made me cry!

BFF: Favorite toy as a child? why?

Marti: My stick horse, because I've loved horses for as long as I can remember!

BFF: Favorite subject in school? why? 

Marti: Did anyone ever have a favorite subject in school?  hmmm…I guess my favorite was science, art and reading…I wasn't great in school!  Math and grammar were killers for me! 

BFF: What was your favorite YEAR of your life thus far? why? 

 Marti: I guess this one!  My little clay business is keeping me busy and I love working with clay.  Everyone still living is healthy and happy right now, and so I am too!

Words from the artist , herself:

 “I have a wonderful life and have been blessed with a great husband, family and friends.  And getting online has had its great advantages as well!”

   Thanks Marti for sharing... 

Contact Info for Marti Conrad:

Business Name: Marti’s Buttons-n-Beads

                   Blog: http://marticsclay.blogspot.com

                   Purchase her work at: http://www.etsy.com/shop/MartiC51

                    E-mail address: martic52@gmail.com

                   Mailing Address:  Marti Conrad, 219 So. Court St., Harrisville, WV  26362

      Telephone Number:  304-643-2754

 

NOTE: COMMENTS for this edition are shown on the BFF page. You cannot leave comments here, but you can on the BFF page.

My BSBP Partner! Jenny Vinberg

I am particpating in the 6th Bead Soup Blog Party, with a reveal date of July 28th!



My Bead Soup Blog Party partner is from Sweden!





She is Jenny Vinberg of Shyme Designs.When she isn't teaching she is designing jewelry and she is really talented. Here are a few of her latest designs, aren't they beautiful?

You can learn more about Jenny by visiting her at -

Jenny's Blog: http://shymessmycken.blogspot.se/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShymeDesign

Etsy Shop:http://www.etsy.com/shop/shymedesign?ref=em