Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

 

Art Bead Scene
Did you know ABS has a designer of the week? Join us in a challenge and you could be featured on ABS!

Beads & Books
Does your mood influence your jewelry designs? Share your thoughts!  

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Come see what's on Cindy's bookshelf this week.  

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
A special guest stops by the Earthenwood booth at Rust Belt Market: Cari Cucksey of HGTV's Cash & Cari 


Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Are you ready to sign up for Lori Anderson's next fabulously fun and creative Bead Soup party? Jean has the scoop on what to do to sign up! Jean participated before and LOVED it. Once you have had "soup" with Lori, you just HAVE to have more! It's irrestible. See Jean's blog for the details!  

The Bead Dreamer
We don't always get it right the first time. Charlene shares a rework that results in two necklaces created from one!  

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew shares his plans for the future of his online Shop.  

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy shares her favorite summer necklace design.  

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Jewelry artist: Cathy Stein

Artist: Cathy Stein
Eclectic Design Choices

I love working with cultured freshwater pearls. I especially enjoy using naturally colored pearls in white, cream, peach and lavender. I often pair pearls with crystal, gemstones, coral, metal and glass beads. Unless I have a custom request that I need to find specific materials for, I enjoy picking up what "speaks to me" when I go to market. I find that something else that I already have or will trip across shortly will be a perfect fit for it.

An example of this is the pearl n red coral necklace (shown at the top). The carved red coral beads caught my eye early in the day so I picked out three that went well together. Later that day, I found a strand of very white and well matched pearls and a strand of nice coral branch pieces. I later picked matching pieces from the strand of coral branches and along with the white pearls, the carved coral beads and sterling silver findings, I designed a necklace and earring set. I love the contrast between the bright white pearls and the vivid red coral beads and branch pieces.

The subtle shades of the strand of pearls that I used in this twisted pearl and crystal necklace and earring set complemented two strands of crystals that I had in my stock of materials. I beaded up the strand of pearls taking care to match the colors of the pearls that would be opposite each other in the necklace as well as a strand of the crystal beads with a repeating pattern of the two colors. I combined these strands with a twist and made a matching pair of jointed, dangle earrings using the same materials.

The pendant drop of the peach pearl necklace lay waiting for the right materials to go with it for over a year. I eventually found a strand of naturally colored peach freshwater pearls that picked up the peachy tones in the blister pearl pendant perfectly. I interspersed crystal beads between the pearls to finish off this elegant necklace.




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Jewelry artist: Charles Albert

Artist: Charles Albert

All Charles Albert designs are created using stones that reflect their unique characteristics to complement a woman’s personal style and enhance her individual natural beauty. Every piece is meticulously handmade, using a wide variety of unusual stones from every corner of the globe. Charles Albert pieces have become red carpet regulars and have been spotted on Kim Kardashian, Ke$ha, Mya, Ceelo Green (The Voice) and Adam Lambert. A continuous search for rare and exotic stones and minerals has helped the brand become one of the leading trendsetters in the industry.

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Recent publications: July 2011

A review and giveaway of Margot's book is coming in August...stay tuned!

Pure Silver Metal Clay Beads (Jewelry Arts Workshop) (See all Beadwork Craft Books) (Jewelry Arts Workshop) by Linda Kaye-Moses

Creative Beading Vol. 6 by Editors of Bead&Button magazine

What Can You Do With a Fistful of Felt by Pat Pawlowicz

New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry: Unexpected Combinations, Unique Designs by Margot Potter

Handmade at Home: Button and Bead Jewelry by Deborah Schneebeli-Morrell

Contemporary Jewellers: Interviews with European Artists by Roberta Bernabei

Hot Connections Jewelry: The Complete Sourcebook of Soldering Techniques by Jennifer Chin

Spotlight On Wire by Melissa Cable




Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Yay for Linette!!

Linette, who writes The Kid's Fun Review, is the winner of the turquoise cross that we had up for grabs.  Congratulations, Linette!!

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Jewelry artist: Jacqueline Gikow

Artist: Jacqueline Gikow
ChelseaRainbow

I’m an independent jeweler and the owner of ChelseaRainbow. I design and create jewelry and home decor accessories. I live in New York City, one of the most vibrant urban cities of the world and also the capital of fashion. You may not be able to afford a designer outfit, but you can always find my fashion forward jewelry to update your own looks and my elegant home decor accessories to enhance your home.

Trend forward stones, chains, and beads with bold colors inspire me, and I’m always thrilled to discover a new or unusual color palette. I create jewelry and home decor accessories that are accessible to both casual crafts enthusiasts and serious collectors.

In the past I have had careers in pottery, graphic design and industrial design with a sidetrack into computer programming early on in my work history. Ever since I can remember, art in some shape or form has been my passion. I am a graduate of The College of Ceramics at SUNY with a BFA in sculpture and art history, an MFA in Arizona State University in environmental design, and an MID in industrial design from Pratt Institute. A perpetual student, I am self-taught in handmade fashion forward jewelry with a proficient background as a professional designer. I have also written and had published two hip, smart books: Graphic Illustration in Black and White and Polymer Clay; Creating Functional and Decorative Objects.

I design with fashion in mind. Want a hit of orange to bring you on trend? Check out my “Jewel Tones” section The bohemian look your thing? We have a host of gorgeous bangles and beads for you to update your look. Neutral your thing? We’ve got you covered. Looking for a romantic feel? Look at my “Girly Chanel Style.” Whatever you need to update your look, you can find it here at ChelseaRainbow.

I have always loved jewelry and I love the relationship that men and women have with their jewelry. It makes us feel beautiful, feminine, and powerful. It affects us in many ways, and even if a piece does not cost thousands of dollars, it is still precious to us. 


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Bead Journal Project: June and July

June Bead Journal Project piece

July Bead Journal Project piece

Yay!!  I am officially caught back up!  Will I stay caught up?  Dunno.

June is a mix of matte and shiny beads, in a little softer color than July.  I always associate blues and deep purples with the summer months, and this year June really was kind of soft, with summer slow to get started.  But once July got here...bang!

Since the watch face for July didn't have any kind of frame that I could stitch down, I embedded it in a bottle cap.  First I punctured two very small holes in the bottom of the cap and stitched it to the fabric backing.  Then I added some two-part epoxy resin and the watch face.  The holes were too small for any leakage, thank heavens!   I've posted a step by step tutorial here. 




Link to tutorial
January Button
February Button
March Button
April and May Buttons

Copyright 2011 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 art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

About.com Jewelry Making
Save time and your sanity this holiday season by making some easy metal ornaments now.

Art Bead Scene
How do jewelry projects flow through your studio? Come to ABS and see how they flow through Cindy's studio.  
Beads & Books
Michelle shares 3 tips for making more time for your art.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a fabric brooch with Clover's latest great tool!  

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Studio Saturday lingers into Monday as Cindy finishes up her metal project.  

Resin Crafts!
There is a new open back bezel tutorial on Resin Crafts Blog!  

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be to be done!
Book Giveaway of the FABULOUS book, chains,chains,chains! You can see Jean's review and sign up! Come to her blog and leave a comment for your chance at this remarkable new book!  

The Bead Dreamer
Make or collect beautiful handmade jewelry? Store it just a beautifully with these jewelry storage ideas.  

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew announces that he'll be helping teach three workshops with his sister at ArtFest in the spring of 2012!  

A Bead A Day
Have you ever used Swarovski hot-fix flatbacks to sparkle up a desk accessory? Stop by A Bead A Day to see Lisa's progress on a new project.  

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Jewelry artist: Kelly Mazzotta

Artist: Kelly Mazzotta
KELLYM.Jewels

Above is a new piece I created, Carmel by the Sea.  It's made of irregular Mother of Pearls, flanked with clusters of Sea Green & White Cultured Fresh Water Pearls, pale faceted Aquamarine rondelles, Aragonite rounds, 14k Gold Fill rounds, & Swarovski Crystal- Crystal Golden Shadow briolettes, the top is wire-wrapped Cultured Fresh Water Pearls, and it all comes to the center with a hand-wrapped flower, made from faceted Moss Aquamarine, Aqua Chalcedony & Apatite teardrops, with rows of pale Aquamarine faceted rondelles, green Sea Glass rounds, and clusters of Citrine rondelles coming off each strand. At the bottom of each strand sits a facted gemstone including 2 Swarovski Crystal teardrops, and an Apatite, Moss Aquamarine, Prehnite, & Pineapple Quartz teardrop.

This is the Sonoma necklace, also new.  It is a hammered copper pendant, wrapped inside with 14k Gold Fill rounds, and 1 row outside of Pink Coral rounds, with a second row of faceted Garnet teardrops. It is suspended from a 14k Gold fill chain with faceted Garnet rondelles & wire-wrapped clusters of more faceted Garnet teardrops.

Last, but not least is a pair of earrings called the Tides Earrings. They are 14k Gold fill, wire-wrapped hoops, wrapped with white Swarovski Crystal pearls around the outside. Inside is a gold loop, and a faceted Aqua Chalcedony teardrop.




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Jewelry artist: Lisa Yaker

Artist: Lisa Yaker
jYOUlry


Lisa Yaker is the creative mind behind jYOUlry, a unique type of jewelry where the jewel is YOU. The pieces show here are from a new wedding collection called nuptYOUals. They are pearl fresh water, ivory, pearls with sterling silver links and toggle closure, and your choice of a sterling silver circle or square photo pendant to be customized with your photo.

Lisa, the mother of three boys, believes family photos are treasures. jYOUlry will take those personal treasures and create a stunning photo keepsake of your fondest memories, where the jewel is your favorite person, pet or memory.

jYOUlry's full product line includes jewelry, accessories and gifts for men and women.





Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Advice on book proposals

Do you think that every jewelry book that could possibly be written already has been? Then this post isn't for you!

If, however, you look at the vast array of jewelry and beading books out there and think, "I could contribute to that...I've got good ideas!" then keep reading.

Kathy Cano-Murillo, well known as the Crafty Chica, wrote "How to write a non-fiction book proposal." Let me warn you: it's not quick or easy. But if you are bursting with things to say and ideas to share that haven't been said or shared before, Kathy's article is a good place for you to start.

Kathy knows what she's writing about. She has seven published craft books. So far!


Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Giveaway: Cross from Auntie's Beads

Although I like this piece a lot, I haven't been able to come up with a project in a reasonable amount of time.  My stuttering brain is your gain!

***Free Stuff Alert!!!***

Would you like to have this cute little Squared cross pendant?  It's about 1-1/8 inches across...not too big, not too small.  Just leave me a comment below and tell me what your personal favorite gemstone or other bead material is and you'll automatically be entered to win.  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 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: July 26, 2011   



Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Jewelry artist: Michele Palenik

Fine Silver Replica coin with Jadeite, green pearls, and a peridot CZ on Fine Silver center piece

Artist: Michele Palenik
Purple Cloud Studio

Freeform stick pearls with Labradorite, Replica Silver Spanish coins (part of an Odyssey Marine collection for roll-out of Pirates of the Caribbean 2 in Disney!)

I am a one-woman studio and produce one-of-a-kind, mixed media Art jewelry pieces, Keepsake Memorial Jewelry for both human and furry family members, functional fused glass table ware, as well as a host of other products! Every day is a new day in Michele-land, but I truly love what I do and want to keep on doing it. I see art as a vehicle to entertain, teach, heal, or just beautify the world we inhabit. At the end of the day, I am thankful for the ability to create without boundaries...always learning something new!! I aspire to create things your family will fight over in your last will and testament!!

Mermaids Purse center piece in Fine Silver with golden pearls, iridized glass crow beads and smokey Swarovski dangles

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Jewelry Artist: Ros Gourvitz

Artist: Ros Gourvitz
Scottish Lily Jewelry

Scottish Lily Jewelry is a collection of handmade wire wrapped Jewish wire kippot, delicate stud earrings, bracelets, necklaces, and rings that was founded two and a half years ago. I absolutely love customizing my work to suit the wearer and often find myself creating beautiful one of a kind pieces with birthstones for my customers. I am inspired by nature, culture, things that are happening in my life at the moment, and a bit by trends.

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Bead & jewelry blogging round-up!

 

A Bead A Day
Over at A Bead A Day, Lisa is looking for input on how much bling to add to a desk accessory with her new hot-fixing jewel tool!

About.com Jewelry Making
Don't blow off Christmas in July. Instead, use this time to make some awesome beaded ornaments. 


Art Bead Scene
Come take a look at ABS Editor Cindy Gimbrone is up to in her studio this week!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has found a few new ways to use Apoxie Sculpt!  

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Cindy reviews Hot Connections by Jennifer Chin.  

Resin Crafts!
Resin Crafts Blog received a very pretty samples kit...and turned it into a unique wearable.  

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is excited to show what she received (not her finished design however!) from Michelle Mach for the "Mostly Metal" challenge which Michelle is hosting!  

The Bead Dreamer
Use a finding in a different way. Try Charlene's chandelier earrings made from bead caps. A tutorial with photos shows you how.  

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew reveals the mystery component for the July Reader's Challenge!  





 

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Jewelry artist: Hisano Takei

Artist: Hisano Takei
Pearl Paradise

Hisano Takei has a background in metalsmithing and jewelry making. During her graduate studies, she came across the art of felting and began to incorporate her jewelry designs with wool. From industrial felt sheets to tufts of Merino wool, Takei creates one of a kind wearable objects that are sensual and elegant. She is also an instructor at community colleges.

Her latest pieces include freshwater pearls that are sewn into a wet-felted ring. Only the wearer knows the preciousness of the ring. It is the translation of feeling beautiful within, while contrasting the traditional idea of wearing jewelry: to show off your gems.

The Pearl Band Ring combines the preciousness of pearls into non-precious material using the form of a band ring.

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Jewelry artist: Anne Renée Timmons-Harris

Artist: Anne Renée Timmons-Harris
BeadBear

My introduction to beads and jewelry came early. Our family's German landlady had come to America after narrowly escaping the Nazis. She had rescued her personal collection of antique Venetian glass and African trade beads, and she kept them in several small trunks that looked just like a pirate's treasure chest. We admired them together; Mrs. Kaplan shared her knowledge of bead designs and the history of beads. She passed her love of these exquisite works of art to me.

My father me named so that my initials would spell “art”. My domain name is based on my craft, designing jewelry with beads, and my name given to me by my Cherokee grandfather, "Bear".

Why do I design one of a kind jewelry? Because I'm not designing for everybody. I'm designing just for you. I want you to have something that speaks to your heart, that allows you to feel really good about yourself and whatever you're doing. I want to make the piece that gives you the extra confidence to make that presentation, sing that song, argue that brief; make that sale, get that promotion. I want them to be absolutely wowed by you. I want to make your “magic amulet”. I want to have your precious just ready and waiting. I want to create your valued treasure that you can wear and enjoy for years to come.

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Michelle Mach's "Mostly Metal Challenge"

NOTE: I just found out today that all of Michelle's kits are gone :-(    BUT, she is promising to host more challenges throughout the year, so subscribe to her blog so you won't miss out on the next one!

My fabulous friend Michelle Mach is hosting a challenge that caught my eye!  I couldn't help myself...I just had to get in on it!  Although the kits are almost gone, there may be a few left, so don't delay in contacting Michelle.  I got a shiny brass filigree kit, and my first step will be to wipe the shine right off those pieces if I can ;-)  I can't tell you what I'm going to make or who else is participating...Michelle wants it all kept under wraps until the big Blog Hop reveal day August 16th!

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Technology and jewelry

There's an older article in  National Jeweler Network newsletter which is still extremely relevant today, and it poses an interesting question:

Technology bypasses jewelry, but what if it didn't?  Jan Brassem, the author, notes that the gorgeous designs he sees designers coming up with are not making it into mainstream department and retail chain stores. Unimaginative buyers? Too hooked on using previous sales figures so that all their stock begins to look bland and unimaginative? Too afraid (for their jobs) to take a chance?

Understandable, but sad. "The computer always trumps beauty and appeal, " Brassem writes. But what if it could be different? What if technology could be harnessed in the service of the jewelry industry to come up with new new applications for sales (like 3D web technology) and even brand new innovative categories of jewelry?

For the techno-saavy among us, I recommend reading Brassem's article. I've given you the direct link above, but I have had some difficulty in getting it to work each time. If you have trouble with it, simply go to the home page and search on the article or author. It's worth reading!

Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Yay for Lola!

Lola, who writes Bead Lola Bead, is the winner of the fabulous Lark book, 30-Minute Rings!  Congratulations Lola!



Technorati Tags:handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading

Free form peyote necklace

Caribbean Sunset??

I thought that this free form peyote necklace would be a fun one to introduce during this month when we're celebrating gemstones and pearls here at Beading Arts.  The seed bead work is the perfect frame for your gemstone beads, especially if you mix them up into a sort of "bead soup" like this example.  I had a few of these and a few of those, and somehow they all ended up working together well in this piece.  As usual, I'm lacking a name for it, but I'm thinking about Caribbean Sunset...what do you think?

Materials and Tools

Assorted seed beads, size 11/0 and 15/0
Assorted accent beads, both small and large
Nymo D beading thread
2 hammered oval links

Beading needles
Scissors
Chain nose pliers

1. Use mostly size 11/0 seed beads for the base strand.  Make a loop of seed beads around one of the hammered ovals and tie a knot.  Create your base strand of beads, a bit longer than you want the finished necklace to be, alternating seed beads with an occasional accent bead.  Place the larger accent beads near the middle of the strand.  Finish off the other end by making another loop of seed beads around the other oval link and tie a knot.

2. On your second pass, begin peyote stitch with seed beads between each accent bead. 

3. Continue free form peyote back and forth across the necklace, adding more accent beads and forming bridges with seed beads around the larger accent beads. 

4. Clean up your thread ends as you go: knot the end a few times around a nearby strand thread and work the end with your needle back and forth through some of the seed beads.  Clip the ends flush.

5. When the necklace is just about as full as you want it, add a couple of passes of size 15/0 picots to each edge of the work.  I used gold to give the piece more sparkle. 

6. Use your chain nose pliers to make one of the ovals narrower.  Use the pliers to bend the end over to form a clasp.     

Copyright 2011 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.