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Showing posts from January, 2010
Color Bead Strands, Katmandu, Nepal Art Wolfe 12x9 Photographi... Buy From Art.com

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

  Art Bead Scene Meet the pretty girl with lots of brains plus a whole lotta soul! Carmi's Art/Life World After a week at CHA Carmi chooses the sweater surgery necklace as her favorite event. Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva Instead of biting her fingernails down to the nub, Cindy makes Grunge Beads!   Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie looks to the skies for the inspiration for some new cloud carvings Jean Campbell Jean met up with two very cool artists this week: Gorgeous wool designs (including wool beads!); wonderful women. Snap out of it, Jean, There's beading to be done! book review by jean: here's a cool title, harking back to the 60s...Crunchy Granola Charm eBook by Yvette Doss ! Strands of Beads Melissa creates a new necklace design using cute heart beads from Rings & Things A Bead A Day Is it too early to "think spring" or will that make it get here faster? Lisa used her Soft Flex Trios in an atte

In search of a prettier circle

I've always been pretty haphazard about doing circular flat peyote stitch.  Generally, I use the method recommended in the back of both Beadwork and Bead and Button magazines: you start with a small odd-numbered circle and build off of it, each row alternating between adding one bead and two beads for each stitch.  And if need be, you alternate between one and two within a row. It works well for awhile, but eventually it gets kind of messy.  I never worried about it too much, because I'm more into freeform than into precise geometric work anyway, but it occurred to me that maybe I ought to care, just in case... So it was with great delight that I found Jean Campbell's instruction for circular flat peyote stitch in the most recent issue of Beadwork (Feb/Mar 2010).  Here's the thing: it's wicked easy to do and to keep track of what you're actually supposed to be doing, rather than trying to just feel your way and figure it out.  And look at the results:

Recent publications: January 2010

A Bead in Time: 35 Jewelry Projects Inspired by Slices of Life by Lisa Crone Fabric Jewelry Wrapped, Braided and Sewn by Heidi Pridemore and Nancy Zieman  Making Wood Jewelry: Southwest Style by Thomas Freese Bead Quilled Jewelry: New Beadwork Designs with Square Stitch by Kathy King Bugle Bead Bonanza: A Sparkling Collection of Jewelry Projects (Lark Jewelry Book) by Jamie Cloud Eakin Button and Stitch: Supercute Ways to Use Your Button Stash by Kristen Rask Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Jewelry and beading school classes

American Jeweler's Institute in Oregon Arrowmont School of Arts & Crafts in Tennesee Boca Raton Museum of Art - The Art School in Florida Colorado School of Jewelry & Metalarts Idyllwild Arts in California Jewelry Creations Workshop in Florida John C Campbell Folk School in North Carolina Lillstreet Art Center in Illinois Miami Jewelry School in Florida Northwest Gemological Institute in Washington Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in California Rye Arts Center in New York Studio Jewelers Ltd in New York City 3rd Ward in Brooklyn, New York I'm sure there are more schools and non-profit organizations that offer classes. Can you think of any to add?  Leave me a comment with your suggestions and I'll add them to the list! Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Bead Journal Project, 2010

On January 1, 2010 the third season of the Bead Journal Project began.  I was thrilled to get back to it…the discipline of knowing that I have to make something for a series really motivates me. Here’s my piece for January: I've decided to make a bead-embroidered bracelet for each month. Even though January is pretty bleak in New England, I always look forward to each new year…the hope and promise of something new. That’s why it’s brightly colored and sparkly Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading
Kenya, Samburu Woman Wear... Thomasin Magor 12x16 Phot... Buy From Art.com

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

About.com Jewelry Making Catch up on the latest jewelry related podcasts. Tammy found some excellent ones for you to listen to. Art Bead Scene Do You Rock? Here’s your chance to show others that you do! Carmi’s Art Life World Carmi has an easy idea to thank a sponsor. Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva An Emily Dickinson poem describes Cindy’s newest piece of jewelry. Jean Campbell Jean reviews Kerry Bogert’s wonderfully whimsical new wirework book, Totally Twisted. Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done! Want to know what rubber duckies and Autism Awareness jewelry have to do with each other? Check Jean’s site out! Strands of Beads Melissa shows off a new earring design made from beautiful cubic zirconia from Artbeads.com. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Andrew shares the new additions to his bead stash – goodies from Cindy Gimbrone, Diane Hawkey, and Nancy Schindler. Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable

How to get your work featured on Beading Arts

There's really no mystery! If you'd like to share a piece you've made, all you have to do is shoot me an email to cyndi @mazeltovjewelry.com (remove the spaces). Please put beading arts image to share in the subject line. We love to read about things like what inspired you to make the piece and any challenges that you faced, so tell us a bit about yourself and the image that you're sending. Please size your image to 72 dpi resolution, and make it no wider than 600px. I'll gladly share your website and/or blog link along with your image and description. If you'd like to consider sharing an in depth artist profile with us (see Artist Profiles for past examples), just put beading arts artist profile in the subject line. I'll send you the questions that I ask profiled artists to consider...I think you'll be able to tell from those questions whether or not you'll want to do a full profile. If it seems to be too much, you could simply send

Know your jewelry terms

Don't know your dohickey from your whatchamacallit? Well, it's past time to learn. There is a specialized vocabulary for most disciplines, and jewelry making and beading are no exceptions. Here are some resources to help you get your vocabulary straight and up to date! Jewelry making supplies A fabulous chart of terms by Jean Campbell Seed bead finishes, sizes, types, and manufacturers Susan Mandel...bless her! WigJig Dictionary of Beads and Jewelry Making Terms Glossary of Jewelry Making Terms on All Info About All About Jewels Illustrated dictionary FDJ Tool Dictionary Rings & Things Frequently asked jewelry making questions Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

A wild caterpillar bracelet

I made this bracelet for a challenge over at the Wearable Arts forum at WetCanvas a couple of years ago, and just unearthed it recently!  It was actually inspired by a photograph of a fruit and vegetable market in Seattle. The beads running down the center of the bracelet are the same color as Rainier cherries, which figured prominently in the image, and the ribbon yarn colors reminded me of all the other summer fruit bounty in the photo. When you wear this bracelet, the ribbon pieces flop around since they're very lightweight.  It really doesn't look so much like a creepy centipede circling your arm when you see it in real life :-) I wrote up some tips on making these finger-woven pieces awhile back.  The process for this bracelet was quite similar, except that I used short lengths of ribbon yarn to tie the square knots in between each bead instead of using one continuous length of cord. Copyright 2010 Cyndi Lavin. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed fo
Jewellery for Sale at Istanbul Bazaar... Wes Walker 24x24 Photograph... Buy From Art.com

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

  Katie's Beading Blog: See pix of Katie's workshop offerings for the Bead & Button Show in June. Registration opened this week and classes are already filling up! Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei tests the waters with some new bead elements from Pork Chop Show. Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean really thinks Barb Switzer is a super person and editor! She was thrilled when Barb interviewed her last year for the online newsletter, Simply Beads! Strands of Beads Melissa has a fun time exchanging bead stashes with a friend to create a new bracelet. The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Inspired by a lampwork glass champagne-hued Basha Bead and a shibuichi mermaid pendant, Andrew creates a whimsical and sophisticated necklace. About.com Jewelry Making Tammy has developed a quick link list to help you find the jewelry info you need. Art Bead Scene January's Art Bead Scene Challenge is a snowy l

Artist profile: Kathryn Lane Berkowitz

  Artist: Kathryn Lane Berkowitz Business name: Blue Ridge Diva Designs Location: Lincolnton, NC Blog: Blue Ridge Diva Designs Kathryn, how do you describe your work? I see my work as the culmination of the release of my abundant and free flowing creative angst. I am somewhat compulsive when it comes to creativity, and never seem to be at a loss for inspiration. Age-of-Innocence My biggest challenge is choosing which project to start next ! I chose the name Blue Ridge Diva Designs because I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and I didn’t want to limit myself to jewelry and beads, although they are my primary medium. I also enjoy painting, crochet and embroidery. What is your creative process like? The process usually starts with a found object, a color or something that I see or feel that resonates with me. I rarely plan anything from start to finish. I like to jump in and let my muse take me for an adventurous, spontaneous ride. Do you throw all

Jewelry and beading shows with classes

Jewelry and beading classes are offered all throughout the extravaganza in early February in Tucson. Here is some general information on Tucson, including a map: Show guide: an overview Besides Tucson, there are many beading shows throughout the rest of the year that also offer classes. Why should you take a class this year? Why not just learn everything online (preferably for free)? Well, there are actually lots of good reasons to go the hands-on route, and here are just a few of my best tips: you won't waste as much in materials, you'll learn the techniques properly and efficiently, you'll have a chance to have your technique corrected if need be, and you'll figure out which tools and materials you must have as opposed to just want to have! Manning House Tucson, AZ. The Innovative Beads Expo Shows and classes in the northeast only. Click on Beading Classes Bead&Button Show Milwaukee, WI. Click on Classes Best Bead Shows (Crystal Myths)

Beading Arts has a new sponsor

In the sidebar, you'll find some companies that help to sponsor the Beading Arts blog.  Just today, I was fortunate to add a new sponsor, Yehuda Diamond Company .  To find the perfect clarity enhanced diamond, please visit Yehuda, where you'll find both loose and set diamonds.  Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

The White Woman from Rosenegg

I came across a blog full of stories from all over the world, collected by Andrew Wright .  Andrew has also written many of the stories himself as well as posting his versions of traditional tales.  One caught my eye, because it featured a woman in distress, a rescuer, a monster with treasure...and an interesting twist.  If you'd like to read Andrew's version of The White Woman from Rosenegg , you'll find it at the link.  Above is the treasure necklace that I made in response to the traditional elements of the story.  This was made in a similar fashion to a previous treasure necklace that I shared with you.  The instructions for that one, called All the Keys to Emerald City , are found at the link. Copyright 2010 Cyndi Lavin. Not to be reprinted, resold, or redistributed for profit. May be printed out for personal use or distributed electronically provided that entire file, including this notice, remains intact. Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable a
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Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

  Jean Campbell Jean is sharing stories and images this week about her stops in CA. Monterey brought the most creative inspiration of all. Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Looking for just the right clasp? Lorelei reviews a few from Artbeads.com. Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean meets a cool new friend who offers us a great jewelry teaching site! Strands of Beads Melissa is the author of Softflex Company's Spotlight On...Article for January 2010.  The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton A luminous Golden Cloud Series Basha Bead inspires Andrew to create a bracelet ready to take flight! A Bead A Day If you are looking for some unique findings to use in your valentine jewelry (or Twilight jewelry), Lisa uses some interesting domed filligree pieces to house a bright red mysterious bead. About.com Jewelry Making Artfire, Zibbet, Etsy, which of these is the right selling venue for your jewelry? Art Bead Scene

Calls for entries and submissions

Metal clay design contest : deadline 02/01/10 11th Silver Accessories Contest : deadline 02/01/10 Rings & Things : deadline 02/28/10          Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Polymer clay swirl necklace

I spent some time fooling around with polymer clay awhile ago.  One of my favorite things to do was to see if I could mimic the look of some of the fabric and paper projects that I've done over the years.  It turns out that polymer clay is a wonderful material to use to make beads, something that many of you already know! For those who haven't messed around with it much, here's a really easy project to get you going.  All you really need is a couple of colors of clay (I bought Sculpey III), something to use to roll it out, something to cut it, and something to suspend the beads as you bake them.  You could buy an acrylic roller and a polyblade, or you could just use whatever you've got around the house (like an exacto knife) until you decide if you really want to invest in good tools.  None of them are expensive (except for a pasta machine), but I'm a believe in deciding before buying! Here's what you need to know to get going: 1. Condition the clay.  Don
Beads at Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsi),... Izzet Keribar 16x12 Photograph... Buy From Art.com

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie reflects on the past year and sets her goals for the new year Jewelry & Beading It's that time of year! Cyndi wants to know, "What's on your worktable?" Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean is proud and happy about her contribution to Jean Campbell's gorgeous Steampunk Style Jewelry book! Take a look! The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Dark reds and lush blacks mingle together in Andrew's latest necklace design, "The Shadow King." Andrew also announces the launch of his new Skull Shop! About.com Jewelry Making Take a moment to look back at 2009 and forward to 2010. Art Bead Scene Deep hues and bright pops of color highlight a trip to ABS Editor Cindy Gimbrone's studio for a look at a special set of beads for this month's ABS challenge. Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork Diva Rewind: Cindy ventures into moldmaking with a vintage French

Happy New Year!