Red Door Creations | Sioux Falls Jewelry and Art

Prairie Palette Exhibit

2012-04-05T20:01:48Z

I am so proud of our church for supporting and funding the music and arts ministry! Myself and two other artists have our drawings and paintings on display in the Sacred Grounds room at church. Sacred Grounds is a place where people meet to visit, put a puzzle together or have a cup of coffee while reading the Sunday paper. We will have our work on display until the end of May. The church is also an inspiring meeting place for Prairie Palette, which is the art group I founded. The building is historic and it was built out of pink quartzite stone. I love looking at the stained glass windows and one window with a scene of the moon reflecting in water was the subject for my last drawing. I put the drawing on a postcard and mailed it out to my mother-in-law, who was recuperating from knee surgery in a nursing home. She said she loved it and she wants me to send more!

Associated Press Article

2012-03-08T21:36:18Z

This article appeared in Forbes, Business Week, Yahoo News and other media throughout the world in October of 2011!

"South Dakota Woman Creates Jewelry Out of Corn
by Kristi Eaton

Sioux Falls, SD- Tara Barney doesn't think food, feed or fuel when she sees row after row of the corn South Dakota harvests each year. She thinks fashion.

Using corn kernels in a multitude of colors as beads, Barney creates necklaces and earrings to sell at stores and museums across the state and online.

"It pretty much embodies South Dakota, " she said.

The state harvests more than 400 million bushels of corn each year, and boasts the Corn Palace, a tourist attraction known for colorful exterior murals made of corn and other game.

Creating the corn jewelry, Barney said, is also a way to convert waste materials into something new or of better quality. Much of the colorful corn the Sioux Falls woman uses for her pieces was originally going to be fed to cattle. Barney contacted the farmer who grows the variety of colors for the Corn Palace in Mitchell and instead of giving his leftover to his livestock, (he sold four bushels to her for $20).

"It's grown, raised, picked, harvested, made all in South Dakota, and that's kind of a rarity, " Barney said.

Barney starts by separating the kernels from the corn cob. She then clips the sharp edges off the kernels and drills a hole in each kernel before stringing them like beads. Many of her pieces combine kernels with contrasting glass or seed beads. Making one $20 necklace can take a lot of time and work, said Barney, who sells the pieces as part of her arts and crafts company, Red Door Creations.

Still, working with the colorful corn has personal appeal. Barney's family used to grow it in their garden when she was growing up in South Dakota and Iowa. Barney recently held a class at the South Dakota Agricultural Heritage Museum in Brookings to teach others how to turn one of the state's most abundant crops into a fashion accessory.

Carrie Van Buren, one of the museum curators, asked Barney to offer the class after learning about the jewelry.

"I mean, how much more agricultural can you get in South Dakota?" she said. "Combining agriculture and jewelry was just too much to resist.".,..

South Dakota Magazine Article

2012-03-01T19:33:32Z

This article was featured in the "We Make It" section of the March 2012 issue of South Dakota Magazine:

"Tara Barney has handcrafted jewelry with stones and metal for over 20 years, but her Elegant Corn jewelry line began as a light hearted entry to an art exhibit. Today corn necklaces and earrings leave her Sioux Falls studio so quickly she recently hired her first employee to satisfy demand.

Growing up on an acreage 10 miles west of the state's largest city, Barney's family frequently planted colored corn in their garden. The memory resurfaced in 2009 when the Horse Barn Arts Center hosted an exhibit called "The Prairie," which invited artists to interpret the Great Plains through various motifs. "I remembered the colored corn and wondered what would happen if I paired it with glass beads and called it "Elegant Corn" as a joke, Barney recalls. "I tracked down the farmer who grows corn for the Corn Palace and I bought four bushels for $20. I entered my first necklace made with brown corn and tan glass beads and it sold. Then I knew I was on to something."

Creating corn jewelry is a labor-intensive process. Barney scrapes each ear of corn by hand , and then cuts a fine hole through each kernel using a jeweler's drill. Between 50 and 80 kernels, alternated with colorful beads, go on each necklace.

Even though corn is a natural product, Barney says it's as solid as a rock and won't deteriorate. "People think you need to treat it but you don't," she says. "Each kernel has a hard coating, like a nut or any other seed. People have been making jewelry from nuts and seeds and other natural things for thousands of years."

Barney also scours the state in search of other natural decorations. She creates pheasant feather earrings and necklaces made from pine cone leaves, which are collected by a friend on the Pine Ridge reservation. Barney
s jewelry is available through her website, www.reddoorcreations.com.

Sioux Falls Woman Magazine Article

2012-02-02T11:39:37Z

This article was written by Thea Miller Ryan and featured in the Artistry Revealed section of "Sioux Falls Woman" in the February 2012 issue.

"Finding yourself in "Forbes Magazine" isn't something many South Dakota artists can claim. Last year, Tara Barney had her creative jewelry made from corn put her in the news. Not only was she in "Forbes," she also made "Business Week" and many other publications around the globe.

"Corn jewelry is my favorite type of jewelry to create," she said, "because when you combine corn with glass beads and semi precious stones, the possibilities are endless."

She uses dried South Dakota corn, similar to the corn used on Mitchell's famous Corn Palace, combined with semi precious stones to create the one-of-a-kind, popular pieces. But her jewelry isn't only of the maize type- come of her work includes non tarnishable craft wire wrapped around South Dakota agates, embellished with beads.

Tara has trained with several artisans in metal smithing and beadwork techniques, in addition to some formal art classes in South Dakota and Colorado.

Her jewelry creations can be found at Rehfeld's Art and Framing, Aviena Vintage and the Center for Western Studies in Sioux Falls. The Corn Palace in Mitchell, the Agricultural Heritage Museum in Brookings and the Ingalls Homestead in DeSmet also carry her work. She'll also have her work for sale at the 32nd Annual Artists of the Plains Art Show and Sale Feb. 17-19 at the Holiday Inn City Center, Sioux Falls."

Contact: www.reddoorcreations.com

Learning to Knit

2012-01-22T14:47:56Z

I took a knitting class about four years ago at a store called Yarn Knit. I remember it felt very awkward to get those two needles to produce a stitch! My finished piece was a lopsided square which I gave to my son for a teddy bear blanket. After that, I bought a very helpful book called "The Knitter's Companion" by Interweave Press. However, I learned to knit by practicing with my friend Margaret while we were working at the Horse Barn Arts Center that winter. She was very patient with me and we had a lot of laughs during slow days when there weren't many visitors! I made scarf after scarf and donated them all to the Giving Room at our church. The Giving Room is a place where people donate gifts for children to buy for family members at Christmas time. Each gift costs $1.00. My son loves shopping there every year! Unfortunately, I have not learned how to read patterns yet. So far, I make scarves, Cozy Wraps and shrugs. I invented the Cozy Wrap, Button Scarf and shrug patterns myself. I did make one hat with Margaret's assistance and it turned out pretty good for the first time. I think when I pick up my next pattern, it will be for a long, warm cloak to wear during the fall. Post a comment about your knitting experience here!

Quartzite Swirl Necklace

2012-01-14T22:37:30Z

Our giveaway this week is a quartzite swirl necklace. The contest is on our Facebook business page and all you have to do is like, comment, share or invite a friend and each time you do your name is entered. The drawing will be this Friday at 9am.

Quartzite is second in hardness only to diamond! In Sioux Falls, SD we love our quartzite so much we build with it! It comes from quarries in the area and many beautiful buildings have been built with it. It's color ranges from pink (like the stone in the picture0 to a deep purple. Quartzite is so plentiful in our area, we use it to gravel our driveways and streets. I always have my eye to the ground looking for a good chunk for a necklace!

Contest!

2012-01-10T18:52:17Z

This week we are having a contest to promote the Red Door Creations page on Facebook! On Friday at 3:30 pm we will be giving away a beautiful corn bracelet made by Gabrielle. It is easy to enter. All you have to do is go to our page on Facebook and like, share or comment. Your name goes in my old straw hat each time. This week the focus is on corn jewelry in honor of our upcoming article in the February issue of Sioux Falls Woman. The article also showcased an agate necklace I made, so the focus in next week's contest will be agate jewelry! So far we have 16 new fans and I want to welcome each of you the Red Door Creations. Be sure to check out our web site www.reddoorcreations.com to see all our products and services!

Corn Key Chains

2012-01-09T17:58:03Z

Would you look at me?! I'm actually blogging for the second day in a row. I just gave myself a pat on the back! Today I posted our new product, corn key chains, on Facebook and I got my first order! Yippee! I have to thank Gabrielle for these designs. I had originally designed the "Raindrop" key chain with 20 gauge wire, but after talking it over, we decided the wire was to rigid. Gabrielle came up with the "Corn Rows" and "Raindrop" design using our flexible beading chord and wa-la! New products were born! I just contacted the South Dakota Corn Growers to see if they would be interested in buying some of our products wholesale to use in their promotional events. Afterwards, I immediately sent up a prayer! This could be an awesome opportunity for us!

How to Make a Corn Bracelet

2012-01-08T15:18:25Z

Tools: needle nose pliers, crimping pliers, wire cutters
Supplies: two packs of corn beads from www.reddoorcreations.com, two colors of size 8 seed beads, beading chord (we like Beadalon seven strand), lobster claw clasp with matching jump hoop, crimp beads

To begin: Use your wire cutters and cut an 8 1/2 inch strand of beading chord, thread two crimp beads onto the chord and the lobster claw clasp, loop the beading chord through the lobster claw clasp and crimp beads, squeeze crimp beads closed with the crimping pliers

Next Step: String one bead of your first color onto the beading chord and snug it up to the clasp, string one bead of your second color onto the beading chord, string one bead of your first color onto the chord (For example: yellow, copper, yellow), feed five kernels of corn onto the chord, repeat pattern until you can wrap the bracelet around your wrist

Final: End with the same beads you began, thread two crimp beads onto the chord and loop through the jump hoop, squeeze crimp beads together with crimping pliers, trim excess beading chord with your wire cutters

Enjoy wearing your corn bracelet made with South Dakota grown corn! You should be able to find your supplies at any hobby store that has a jewelry section, however, I always encourage people to shop their local bead store. It is important to support your local small businesses! If you are in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area, I recommend the Bead Company downtown on Phillips Avenue, which is where we by all our supplies! See our bracelet example on our Facebook business page Red Door Creations.

Prairie Palette

2012-01-04T09:49:47Z

I founded a drawing group seven months ago called "Prairie Palette" and we currently have six members plus two high school kids we mentor. The group meets every Monday at 10 am at our church here in Sioux Falls. We already had one exhibit at the Museum of Visual Materials and I invited my parents car club and all the members invited friends and family. We had a good turn out with a crowd of about 75 people! We are planning another show in March in the "Common Grounds" room at church, which is where the congregation meets to have coffee, socialize, play games and read the paper. The drawing group is where I met my assistant, Gabrielle, who now works with me at Red Door Creations. I am able to maintain my drawing skills with this practice once a week and the group is a great way to get out and socialize, since I work from home. I really look forward to this weekly gathering with friends!

New Addition

2011-12-20T19:44:20Z

I want to welcome my friend, Gabrielle, to Red Door Creations! She is my first official employee! She is an artist I met at Drawing Group and she is working toward getting her teaching certificate. She has become a wonderful tutor for our son, Jacob, in spelling and reading and she is a natural with jewelry making. A true Godsend! We are busy working toward my goal of another 100 corn necklaces! We think, we can, we think, we can!

A Helping Hand

2011-12-07T19:13:50Z

For anyone in the Sioux Falls area looking for good, free advice on writing a business plan, you should contact Mark at the Small Business Development Center! He emailed me a business plan template which will save me a lot of time and be much more efficient, since I can just plug in the information.

He offered to review my business plan and do my projections! I will be handing my paperwork in for the PASS program through Social Security on December 29. This is the first plan of its kind that my rehabilitation counselor has worked with, so she is not sure how fast the paperwork gets processes and the funds are delivered.

All I know is that I want to get mom and Margaret on the payroll ASAP for all their hard work and dedication. I couldn't turn out beautiful, unique corn necklaces at this rate without their help!

Business Plan

2011-12-01T17:08:16Z

Not many people are aware that I am disabled. I have deformities in my spine and a short leg, so I suffer from chronic pain. I go to the chiropractor once a week, I get antinflammatory injections, I do my exercises, I use traction, and I wear a lift in my left shoe. Needless to say, I have some obstacles to work around. I have been making and selling fine art and crafts since 1990 but I have really focused on turning my hobbies into a profitable business these last four years.

My rehabilitation counselor, Holly, told me about a work incentive program for people with disabilities. I need to complete a business plan which I will do with some help from Mark at the Small Business Association. When the paperwork goes through, I will be able to purchase two tables that can be pushed down or pulled up depending on my needs. With my condition, it is actually better for me to work standing up.

I have been fortunate to have friends and family help me keep up with the demands of my business, but I will need to hire a part time worker in January so I have more reliable help. This is all very exciting!

Wire Cuff Bracelets

2011-11-09T19:07:50Z

I learned to make Wire Cuff Bracelets at my favorite bead store, The Bead Company, downtown on Phillips Avenue in Sioux Falls, SD. What a fun class! The other students used beads on their bracelets but I had some amethyst stones with holes drilled in them, so I decided to make a birthstone bracelet. I was born in February. I liked the look so much I stuck with the stone idea and people really seem to like them! To see a picture of my birthstone bracelet, go to www.reddoorcreations.com. The bracelet is fairly simple to make. You start with two feet of 20 gauge wire, create a hook clasp at one end. Then you measure and bend the wire to approximately seven inches and wrap the excess wire around the clasp, forming a round end for the clasp to slip through. I use a 22 gauge wire to wrap the rock beads around the form. These bracelets would be a funky alternative to a traditional mother's bracelet! Custom order one today!

Spiral Necklaces

2011-10-30T20:10:36Z

I learned to make spiral necklaces when I lived in Fort Collins, CO at a store called the Bead Cache. This must have been around 1994 and I fell in love with the pattern so I've been making them ever since!The basic stitch for this spiral is an odd count tubular peyote. What makes the spiral necklaces so much fun is the texture achieved by using seven shapes of tiny glass beads. The original example was bunched together and held by a beaded chord. I have experimented with the design and prefer to stretch out the necklace as it spirals and I often weave a ribbon through the necklace so it ties in back. I just bought black beads for my next spiral necklace which will be given to my photographer, Deb Parks. I love doing work in trade!

Industry Booming

2011-10-21T21:25:14Z

Our little cottage industry is booming! My friend, Margaret, and I took turns drilling corn. Today we worked with orange and red and the necklaces are beautiful! Mom, Margaret and I each strung necklaces. Each one is unique and we are going through beads at a fast pace, so I'll have to go see my friends down at the Bead Company for supplies tomorrow. I know what I'll be doing this weekend: finishing putting clasps on necklaces and making earrings to match. Life is good!

Natural Materials

2011-10-20T13:17:15Z

Whenever I can, I like to use natural materials in my jewelry creations. Today I'll talk about three materials. The first one would be obvious: corn! I purchased corn from the farmer who grows corn for the Corn Palace in Mitchell, SD. The corn comes in these rich colors: blue, green, yellow, black, orange, red, brown, and white. When you combine corn with glass beads people think the corn kernels are stone!

The second material is pine cones. I paid a Native artist from Pine Ridge to send me a box of pine cones he picked up on his property. These pine cones are as large as your hand and when you separate the leaves from the pine cone, they make great accent pieces.

The third material is stones. I love rock shops! I have a friend who is a rock hound here in Sioux Falls. He travels around the state collecting agates, which he takes home and cuts and polishes. It is so much fun to rummage through a bucket of South Dakota agates looking for pendant pieces! I also like to use Sioux quartzite chunks as pendants. It is a stone with pink and purple colors found in quarries in this area.

My friend, Lisa, visited an amethyst mine and the Great Lakes on vacation last summer. She brought me a bag of amethyst chunks and Lake Superior agates! My mind has been working on designs for these pieces!

What's in the Name?

2011-10-19T12:32:07Z

The front door of our house is in the name Red Door Creations! We moved into this house five years ago and the previous owners had painted the doors red. I decided to go with the theme. The line drawing of the door in our logo is a representation of the actual red door. I chose the word "creations" because it covers all we do in fine arts and crafts. So there you have it! Red Door Creations!

Help is on the Way

2011-10-18T19:55:53Z

I was feeling overwhelmed this week with orders so I put out the word that I needed some help. Two people answered my call! I am very thankful my friend Margaret will be coming over tomorrow to drill corn for jewelry and beads. My mom will be coming over on Thursday to help string necklaces with black corn for the Corn Palace. In exchange, they get to make jewelry for themselves and for gifts using my supplies. What a great trade and a big relief for me!

Red Door Creations.com and/or .net

2011-10-17T14:21:41Z

We are both! We started out with .net but our friends at Complete Media discovered .com was available so we bought it! We will keep both domain names so you can find us easily. As they say, "It's a .com world!"