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Showing posts from December, 2010

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

  Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva Cindy re-reads her KISS post before planning for 2011. Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie reviews a wonderful book about making chain.   Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean gives a shout out for a fab class she took at Beaducation online, which as you will see, will revv up your urge to bead and have FUN!--Happy New Year!   The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Two publications from Interweave Press have hit the stands and Andrew suggests you check them out!   Art Bead Scene Art Bead Scene reviews the different options for accepting payment.   Beads & Books Michelle shares the 10 most memorable blog posts she read in 2010.   Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Plans for the new year?

Like all good goal-setting fanatics, I look forward to each new year with a palpitating heart: will this be the year that I finally get it right?   Probably not, but I keep trying!  I've mentioned before that I set and re-set goals on January 1, May 1, and September 1, but obviously January 1 is my favorite :-) I like to start by re-visiting the major goals from last year.  There were four big ones that I started off with, and I'm happy to say that all of them were addressed in one form or another: 1. Take another class this year in something… anything.  Took an online class with Sharon Boggon 2. Get a light tent or light box and learn to make my photography better.  DH made me a tent and I've been working on getting clearer brighter pictures 3. Work on a book proposal.  Decided to self-publish my book as an e-book , one chapter at a time 4. Schedule a better balance between making and writing.  I think I'm doing much better at this, ...

Shape up your business for the new year

You can hardly even surf the net anymore without running into comments, information, and articles about social networking. Well, the well-known sites like Twitter and Facebook are not all there is to social networking. It starts with many of the things that you've probably been doing all along...like getting to know people through participating in forums, and interacting with others on blogs. Dee Gordon wrote a piece about how important these social interactions are for the success of your own business. You can read her article on Home Jewelry Business Success Tips . Here are some additional social networks helpful for jewelers: Orchid Jewelry Forum Ning Networks Flickr During the first week or so of the new year, I'm going to post a list of many many more social network sites that you might want to check out.  No one expects you to follow all of them...you'd have no time left for making stuff!  But it might be worth your marketing time to check out some ...

Bead Journal Project: bracelet for December

My last bead embroidered bracelet for the year!  It's been a lot of fun making these each month for my contribution to the  Bead Journal Project , but I'm happy to be finished!  Next month I'm starting my 4th year with the project, and this year it's going to be beaded buttons or cabochons...I haven't exactly decided which yet, but either will use the same round button forms as a base. If you'd like to see any of my other bracelets for the year, all previous pieces can be found at these links: January February March April May June July August September October November Here are the instructions for how I made these bracelets. Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

What to do with your glass pendant

So maybe you won one of the beautiful glass pendants that Beading Arts was lucky enough to receive from Auntie's Beads for that purpose, or maybe you bought one of your own.  You know that if enough time goes by, you'll think of exactly the right design to make with it, so you don't want to "waste" it on another project, but darn it all...you want to wear it RIGHT NOW! I know just how you feel!  And I'm going to show you how to have your cake and eat it too.  Here's a design that you can make immediately, for very little money, and none of the materials will be committed.  You can pull the thing apart in a heartbeat and either start over, or better yet, make the design of your dreams that will be permanent! It all starts with a piece of satin cord.  Get one that's long enough to tie behind your neck, in a bow if you are worried about safety.  Tie a lark's head knot around the pendant hole.  Slip both cords through a large-holed bead, an...

Merry Christmas!

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

Beads & Books Michelle shares a handmade polymer clay ornament by Diva Designs and her favorite chocolate candy recipe. (You'll need to keep up your strength if you're going to bead over the holidays!) Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi starts to work with resin cubes she made earlier in the year.   Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva Cindy shares the key to her designs.   Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie gets in the Christmas spirit with a holiday song to inspire three fun projects.   Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Come on over and get the shopping list for the next Blog Reader Challenge!   Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean makes some holiday themed jewelry for Rings & Things! The time flew by as she made these pretty creations!   The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Sue Kennedy of SueBeads offers up a really beautiful assortment of goodies in this week's Thursday Giveaway! Find out ho...

Recent publications: December 2010

  The Big Book of Beading Patterns: For Peyote Stitch, Square Stitch, Brick Stitch, and Loomwork Designs by Editors of Bead&Button magazine Mastering the Art of Beading: Essential Tools and Techniques Every Jewelry Maker Must Know by Genevieve A. Sterbenz Wirework w/DVD: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Wire Wrapping by Dale Armstrong Chained: Create Gorgeous Chain Mail Jewelry One Ring at a Time by Rebeca Mojica Weave, Wrap, Coil: Creating Artisan Wire Jewelry by Jodi Bombardier The Complete Photo Guide to Jewelry Making: More than 700 Large Format Color Photos by Tammy Powley Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Book review and project: Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders 2

I was inspired by one of the projects in Irina Miech's wonderful new book, Beautiful Wire Jewelry for Beaders 2 , to make this pendant bail.  It's not exactly the way Irina did it...I don't like making exact copies most of the time, but I want to acknowledge that the idea of using the two filigree pieces came from her.  She used two pieces that actually fit *into* the hole, so her method of joining them is quite different from mine.  I definitely highly recommend the book for those of you who are interested in expanding your wire repertoire!  It's a beautiful Kalmbach publication, with the great pictures and clear instructions that you know you can expect from them. Irina's book is divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced projects, and with each new section you will be introduced to new interesting elements, tools, and techniques.  From making wire links using beads to wire-wrapping and simple metal fabrication, I don't think that you'll find an...

Simple Pompom Delica Earrings by Wendy Van Camp

Simple Pompom Delica Earrings Wendy Van Camp has written a tutorial for us that would be just perfect for a holiday gift for someone special...or for yourself!  Make sure you didn't miss Wendy's artist profile ! ******************* This is a design that is based on instructions on making the pompom in a cap that you knit. Instead of yarn, I use strands of beads to form the loose pompom on the bottom and then cover a core base with a simple peyote stitch. This earrings are unusual and real conversation starters. I like to make the fringe in stone, but you could easily use glass in the fringe instead. The earrings in the photo are transparent amber delicas and citrine stones. MATERIALS: 2 Glass Cylinder Beads 6x12mm 2 sterling headpins - 2" long 2 sterling ball posts with clutches 2 6mm clear glass rondelle beads (or opaque black depending on the chosen color of delicas) Delica beads 4mm round beads Similade Thread TOOLS: Wire cutters Round nose plier...

Artist profile: Joan Babcock

Artist: Joan Babcock Business name: Joan Babcock Designs Location: Santa Fe, New Mexico Websites: Joan Babcock Micro-Macrame Jewelry Joan, how do you describe your work? I make jewelry in a variety of different mediums including fiber, wire, and metal, but I particularly like working with fiber. I'm best known as a micro-macrame artist and have written 2 books and a DVD on that technique. What is your creative process like? I do a lot of experimenting with the materials. Many times the results are not that great but I always learn something in the process. I've gotten better about keeping a record of the things that work or don't work so I don't have to repeat the same lessons several times. I'm really driven to discover something new, to pursue a fresh idea. I find it boring to repeat the same exact design - then it feels like work, not pleasure. I follow my intuition when creating a new design - I usually start out with a specific idea but I le...

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

  Art Bead Scene It's the ABS annual Twelve Days of free art bead jewelry projects! Stop by and try out the Jingle Berry Lariat! Beads & Books Michelle shares ideas for beaded napkin rings to decorate your holiday table.   Carmi's Art/Life World Carmis makes a button pin much more attractive with a felted background!   Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva Inspired by the snow on the ground, Cindy created a new ring - the Flurry Flower!   Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei has moved her bead studio, yet again!   Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean is delighted to present one of her latest book reviews of a remarkable book called 500 Plastic Jewelry Designs. Come and immerse yourself in the fascination of the heights which can be achieved using this medium through the brilliance of a collection of fantastic jewelry designers!   The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Want to win some lusc...

Yay for Knititall!!

Congratulations to our newest giveaway winner! Knititall has won the cute little Murano glass flower pendant.

Glass pearls from Auntie's Beads

Auntie's Beads has a great selection of Glass Beads overall, and their glass pearls are no exception!  I recently received several sizes of glass pearl strands in the festive holiday colors of cranberry and evergreen.  Aren't they gorgeous?   The luster on them is really nice, and it's a great treat to be able to buy so many different colors so inexpensively.  I feel like holiday jewelry should be big and bold, and high octane when it comes to glitz and color, and these Auntie's Beads glass pearls make the designs affordable too.  I'm going to be looking at the strands of mixed pastels for some spring designs! As regards FTC disclosure guidelines: I have received glass pearls free of charge from Auntie's Beads in order to write a review and/or create a project free of charge for you. I have not been paid for my endorsement as it pertains to the products received. Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , neckl...

Some more jewelry gifts for the holidays

  Five Golden Rings bracelet Whether you want to make something festive to wear to a party or are planning on making jewelry gifts for others this year, here are some great ideas to get you going. I've tried to include patterns here that will be appropriate for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Solstice. Please feel free to add more links (free patterns only, please) in the comments below. When it comes to the holidays, you can never have too many options! Holly Berry Earrings Holiday earring bead patterns for every winter holiday Sugar plum swirls necklace Evergreen star earrings Berry bracelet bead pattern Snowstorm earrings The Eighth Gift Earrings Holiday beaded bracelet Christmas Tree necklace Swarovski Christmas tutorials Beading Daily free seed bead patterns  Sugar plum swirls necklace Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Sprucing up your website or blog with video

It may be that you've decided you need to learn more about the video revolution that's taking place in cyberworld.  Including videos on your site will interest and enchant people, and you can also use your videos that have been uploaded to a social site to drive additional traffic to your site or blog. Nicolette Tallmadge explains just how easy it is to get started, and gives you a list of topics to shoot if you're unsure about where to begin. Once you've tried it a few times you'll probably start to wonder how to make your videos better quality.  Website Video Guide shares 7 tips for better videos which will help you with lighting and sound, camera work, and other ideas to make your videos look more professional.   Finally, you might want to take a look at Jakob Nielsen's article on video eyetracking studies .  Even though the study is older, human preferences haven't changed.  Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads ...

Beaded jewelry as decorations

Have you ever thought of using your beaded jewelry as garlands? How about to decorate Christmas lights or to enhance another gift? Here are some great projects that are fast and easy to do, and will leave your house (and packages) looking elegant and festive! How about these darling little beaded wire trees by Fusion Beads ? I know they look like earrings, but they're for your tree! Small beaded wreathes for your tree? These can be made to be elegant or cute, depending upon the beads you choose. Fun ways to use beaded jewelry at Christmas on the Bead Jewelry Blog . Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Beaded ornament covers

  Victorian beaded Christmas tree ornament Most of the ornament covers you see out there are not for beginners, but the results are spectacular! A really motivated beginner could tackle some of them, and if you'd really like to have a go at it, I'd recommend working through the first one on the list to get the idea of how they go together. From there, dive into the more difficult ones! There are many kits available, and patterns that you can buy. Some beading magazines also have patterns, and if you want to make the really elaborate ones, you're probably going to have to buy a pattern or kit. Still, here's a selection of the free patterns that are available: Beginner's beaded ornament cover Easy netted ornament cover Beaded ornament cover Victorian beaded Christmas tree ornament Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading

Gift Guide for Handmade Jewelry Lovers

All year long, Beading Arts brings you the best, most innovative, creative, and NICEST bead and jewelry makers for you to drool over! Each week this month, those fine folks will be sharing their passion and creativity with you again, and here are the results: special offers and unique gifts for all! Debby Arem Necklaces, bracelets , and earrings made with all vintage beads from the 1940's - 1980's. Many of these items were sold in the Smithsonian Institution's mail order catalog and museum shops during the 1980's. Designs by Erin Unique knitted jewelry, handcrafted from high-quality and sustainable materials such as Sterling silver, organic cotton, and handspun tussah silk. Mirrix Looms Happy holidays from Mirrix Looms! Use code bead10 for $10 off the "Holiday Bead Loom Gift Package" in the Mirrix Store. Tammy Powley's Crafty Princess Etsy Shop Jewelry making supplies, kits, and finished jewelry at excellent prices. Greenpurse Free s...

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

  About.com Jewelry Making Are you feeling blue? Good, because that is the perfect color for beaded jewelry. Art Bead Scene This month's challenge artwork is by John Anster Fitzgerald - who is that you may ask? Come over to ABS and find out!   Beads & Books Michelle turns a ceramic pendant into a Christmas ornament.   Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi creates a very special wooden brooch for her "no knit" scarf.   Cindy Gimbrone, The Lampwork Diva Cindy's been stamping metal and has some thoughtful things to say about Lisa Niven Kelly's book, Stamped Metal Jewelry .   Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie shows that inspiration can come from anywhere, including the bathroom sink!   Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Jean has a new book giveaway! 500 Enameled Objects--a celebration of color on metal--what a divine, mesmerizing book to own and cherish! Please come and sign up for this very special g...

The last Murano glass pendant giveaway for 2010

  Thanks to Auntie's Beads , the next glass pendant giveaway starts today, just as the old contest ends!  This will be the last giveaway of the season, because I want to make sure that these little packages don't get lost in the flood of holiday mail...plus, I want you to get it in time for Christmas! ***FREE STUFF ALERT!!!*** The last pendant giveaway for 2010 is the floral pendant right in the center of the picture ( Murano Style Glass Pendant, Round With Orange Flower, 30mm. ).  All you need to do for a chance to win it is to leave me a comment telling me what you plan to use it for and you'll automatically be entered.  If you tweet or post on Facebook or other social spots about the contest, you can leave a second comment and be entered twice!  Please please please make sure that your link will lead me to an email address, or else I won't be able to contact you.  No contact, no win, and I simply have to go on to the next person.  Deadline: Dece...

More holiday tutorials from around town

  Beaded Candle Bobeches OK, these tutorials are not exactly from around my own town...they're from the blogosphere. There are so many talented people out there making gorgeous beaded gifts, both wearables and non-wearables. Here are some of my favorites...I am simply not going to have time to make them all, so I wanted to share with you! Quick and easy beaded frame Beaded Christmas tree earrings Pattern for a beaded crystal snowflake Stacked wire cuff bracelet Beaded cards Beaded tree Vintage button bangle Gradient button necklace Corsage for Mom Bib necklace  Glitter bangles Washer necklaces Paper bead necklaces: Technorati Tags: handmade beaded jewelry , wearable art , beads , jewelry , necklace , mixed media , beading