May the coming year be full of everything bright and beautiful for you and your family!
Thursday, December 31, 2015
Wednesday, December 23, 2015
Merry Christmas to all, and see you next year!
Can't help myself, folks! I've got to take some time off to be with my family...hope you have a wonderful rest too, and make sure you spend some time thinking about your art resolutions for next year :-)
Monday, December 21, 2015
Crazy for crazy quilting!
I showed you a little sample crazy quilt block that I made for Kathy Shaw's online crazy quilting class, and now I have more! My first original modern crazy quiltlet has no beading, so I hesitated to show it here, but what the heck...it's my blog! It does have a very few sequins, so that's alright. It may not look like a crazy quilt to you, but it follows the rules of having all the seams decorated, and it has additional embroidery motifs for fun. I call it 30 Second Hot Flashes. Guess why? :-)
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30 Second Hot Flashes Cyndi Lavin, 2015 |
My second crazy quilt block is a bit more traditional, but instead of true patchwork, it uses faux patchwork with a single piece of cloth (raw silk), and "seams" that were first basted on by machine, and subsequently have been hand stitched with perle cotton thread. Some of my patches are beaded, and some are not, and it's also not done yet. But this is my last chance to show you before I'm taking a break to spend time with my family. Here's what I've got so far:
Copyright 2015 Cyndi Lavin. All rights reserved. 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.
Friday, December 18, 2015
heART beats from other blogs!
Another Amigurumi Tip
When you put together all the parts of your crochet toy, it is time to commit!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Mastering Beadwork by Carol Huber Cypher is a must-have beadwork book for all avid beaders! See Jean's review of this classic, and consider it for a holiday gift.Everyone will love it!
Art Bead Scene
Check out Erin's adorable Hoots' Family Reunion! So cute!
Alcohol Ink Ornaments
These gorgeous alcohol ink ornaments require nothing more than alcohol inks, compressed air, clear glass ball ornaments and a sense of humor.
Stitch Gingy
So, you can't catch the Gingerbread man, but you sure can stitch him! The latest free chart from Connie Gee's Designs will make a great pillow or ornament depending on the count of the fabric used.
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Great Interweave books for Christmas gift-giving!
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By Sarah Thompson
Interweave/F+W; $24.99
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Simple Soldering: A Beginner's Guide to Jewelry Making By Kate Richbourg Interweave/F+W; $29.95 |
Labels:
Books and magazines,
Metal Fabrication,
Wire
Monday, December 14, 2015
Fast projects for holiday gift-giving!
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Glass vial necklace |
Flower Power button earrings by Rena Klingenberg
Expandable wire bangle bracelet by SoftFlexGirl
Glass vial necklace by Rings & Things
Boot belts by Bohomia
Cup chain bracelets by Jennifer VanBenschoten
Classic charm bracelet by Rings & Things
Transparent ombre earrings by Rena Klingenberg
Resin charms by Ann Butler
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Friday, December 11, 2015
heART beats from other blogs!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a super beading book concerning a brand new technique: Albion Stitch, 20 Jewelry Projects, by Heather Kingman-Smith. This is a wonderful, energizing book for all the beaders on your gift list!
Candy Cane Pattern
A sweet treat for the holiday season that will be perfect for a card, gift tag or ornament.
Felt Ornament
Whip up some super easy felt holiday ornaments with this quick how-to video.
Snow Glittered Cone Trees
Snow glittered cone trees that don't snow glitter all over. Here's a way to create glittered white snow drifts that stay put with heat set embossing powder.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Wednesday, December 09, 2015
Interweave books for Christmas, and a giveaway - part two
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By Elise Mann
Interweave/F+W; $24.95
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By Carol Cypher
Interweave/F+W; $24.95
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Based on years of teaching experience, Carol Cypher presents easy-to-understand instructions with informative sidebars to help anyone master beading techniques. Each of the 13 techniques are explained in detail, and then further explored with projects to enhance the beader's skills and confidence. The 63 projects included here-ranging from bracelets, necklaces, rings, and earrings to findings, closures, beaded beads, and other beaded objects-teach a single project or technique but are arranged to build skills at any level. Suggestions for personalizing and expanding on each project or pattern are also addressed. Learn all the basic beading stitches-from peyote, spiral, vertical and horizontal netting, bead crochet, right-angle weave, triangle weave, daisy chain, ladder stitch, brick stitch, African helix, and more.
GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!
I've got a copy of The Bead Directory that needs to go to a good home! Here's what you need to do...please read this carefully. Leave me a comment here and include your email address. If I don't see your email address, I won't be able to contact you. No contact, no win, and I simply have to go on to the next person. You are welcome to spell it out if you'd prefer, for example, cyndi at mazeltovjewelry dot com. If you tweet or post on Facebook or other social spots about the contest, you can leave a second comment and be entered twice! Deadline: December 16, 2015
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Labels:
Books and magazines,
Giveaways,
Seed beads
Monday, December 07, 2015
Gift books for the holidays
Each year, I like to share a list of books with you that I think are really the top picks from all the books published in this past year. I still think that many of the books from prior years' lists are good too, and if you'd like to see them, they are linked at the bottom of this post. Also, I keep running lists of all the books that pertain to specific topics and media, like wirework, bead embroidery, etc, all linked up at the Books tab at the top of every page. And finally, if you are looking for all of the bead and jewelry books published this past year, just scroll down to the bottom of the linked page and you'll find them all listed by month.
My Top Pick for Everyone This Year:
26 Quick Stitched Elements
by Thomasin Alyxander
by Thomasin Alyxander
For Beginners:
Easy Jewelry Making by BeadStyle
Jewelry Making 1-2-3 by Karin van Voorhees
18 Beaded Jewelry Projects by Dorothy Wood
DIY Wrap Bracelets by Keiko Sakamoto
Fast & Easy Earrings by Erica Swanson
Advanced Topics:
Bead Metamorphosis by Lisa Kan
Beautiful Designs with SuperDuos and Twin Beads by Carolyn Cave
Stitching with Two-Hole Shaped Beads by Virginia Jensen
Advanced Chain Maille Jewelry Workshop by Karen Karon
Decorative Wire Findings by Melody MacDuffee
Beaded Ropes and Chains by Karin van Voorhees
Freeform Wire Art Jewelry by Gayle Bird
Soldered Alchemy by Laura Beth Love
Modern Chain Mail Jewelry by Marilyn Gardiner
Handcrafted Metal Findings by Denise Peck
26 Quick Stitched Elements by Thomasin Alyxander
Bead Play Every Day by Beth Stone
Beadweaving - Beyond the Basics by Kassie Shaw
Handcraft Wire Jewelry by Kimberly Sciaraffa Berlin
Jewelry Design with Knitted Wire by Nealay Patel
Introducing Albion Stitch, by Heather Kingsley-Heath
Chain Mail + Color by Vanessa Walilko
Beautiful Elements by Heather Powers
Oldies But Goodies:
Gift book recommendations for 2014
Gift book recommendations for 2013
Gift book recommendations for 2012
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Earrings to make as gifts - my tutorials
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Chain and pearl earrings |
Dutch spiral
Simple and fast
Right angle weave
Blue hearts and wire
Leftover beads
Chain and pearl
Chainmaille
Hanukkah
Shank buttons and beads
Hammered wire and beads
Chain drop with pearls
Simple polymer clay beads
Chainmaille and beads
Pompoms
Simple lampwork beads
Pink bubbles
Leaves
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Friday, December 04, 2015
heART beats from other blogs!
Back on the Needles
A simple garter stitch shawl is back on the needles in anticipation of cooler weather coming, some day!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's Beading to be done!
Jean reviews a sweet and gorgeous book by Nicky Epstein: Enchanted Knits for Dolls, 25 Mystical, Magical Costumes for 18-inch Dolls. It is a winner!
Accordion Fold Paper Angel Ornament
Use up paper scraps to make this accordion fold paper angel. Hang on the tree or use on cards & gifts. They're quick to make, so why not do a bunch at one time.
Holiday Freebie
Connie's posted a new free pattern that reflects the holiday cheer she feels and she's also offering a great discount in her Etsy shop!
My Kentucky Craft Room
Just before Terry Jeanette of The Tappingflamingo sold their home in Kentucky and moved back to Louisiana, she had to take one last video of her craft room. She shows ideas on how to get organized, and hopes she will be able to replicate the same in their new home.
Art Bead Scene
Check out our last challenge of the year!
Wednesday, December 02, 2015
Interweave books for Christmas, and a giveaway - part one
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By Jean Campbell
Interweave/F+W; $16.95
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By Yasuka Endo
Interweave/F+W: $17.99
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By Melinda Barta
Interweave/F+W; $24.95
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GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!
I've got a copy of Beaded Bags that needs to go to a good home! Here's what you need to do...please read this carefully. Leave me a comment here and include your email address. If I don't see your email address, I won't be able to contact you. No contact, no win, and I simply have to go on to the next person. You are welcome to spell it out if you'd prefer, for example, cyndi at mazeltovjewelry dot com. If you tweet or post on Facebook or other social spots about the contest, you can leave a second comment and be entered twice! Deadline: December 9, 2015
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Labels:
Books and magazines,
Giveaways,
Seed beads
Book review: Country Living's Christmas Joys
Christmas Joys is a lovely coffee table book, just full of decorating, gifts, and food! What could be better, as we start off the holiday season? It's a big lush picture book of inspiration, with a few how to's and some good recipes too. It would make a great gift book for the Christmas lover on your list.
In the decorating section, there are ideas for the front porch, doorway, alternatives to wreaths, entryway, plants, gift tag ornaments, alternative color schemes, lots of table tops, kitchens, bed and bath rooms, lots of trees, garlands, wreaths, and mantels. Many are both clever and budget friendly!
In the gifts section, you'll find pillows, embroidered items, kitchen items, cards and notepads, office items, cookies, candies, breads, infused honey, salts, sugars, and vodkas, and beautiful gift-wrapping ideas.
In the final food section, there are four ideas for themed parties, full holiday dinners, and even more desserts than in the gift section!
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Monday, November 30, 2015
My crazy quilt block is finished
I told you a few weeks ago about the basic crazy quilting online class I signed up for with Kathy Shaw. Well, I'm here to tell you now that it was great. The last part included adding beads, buttons, lace, and other embellishments. It was a lot of fun, but then I found myself balking a bit. Even though I admire really jam-packed CQ squares, it's just not my style. I like space between the elements and to allow the fabric to speak as well. Go figure, because I'm certainly not like that with my bead embroidery! Here's what I added:
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Antique sequins |
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Beads |
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Two tri-colored butterflies |
Since I didn't feel like adding any lace to the block itself, I added a small piece to the bottom of the quilt frame.
Blanket stitch and cross stitch around the edges.
Finished. Not quite as bowed as it looks in the photo, but not perfectly straight either. Who wants perfection?
The pattern of the block, seam stitches, and flowers are all taught by Kathy Shaw, and the overall design is her copyrighted pattern. Please think about taking this course with her!
Copyright 2015 Cyndi Lavin. All rights reserved. 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: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Friday, November 27, 2015
heART beats from other blogs!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
In her ongoing series of great gifts for the holidays, Jean reviews Heather Powers' lovely new book, Beautiful Elements.
Easy Mold Making for Resin or Clay
Do you know how easy mold making is? Eileen duplicated a 3/4" diameter metal pendant of a frog on a lily pad after losing one from a 3-piece set of jewelry. Can you tell which of the 3 is the copy? http://theartfulcrafter.com/blog/easy-mold-making.html
Art Bead Scene
Michelle is hosting a challenge - and she wants YOU to play along!
Crochet Pattern Review
Here is a video review of Lion Brand's free wristers crochet pattern.
December Diamonds
Connie's posted the next two section of the free SAL. There's still plenty of time to get started!
Thursday, November 26, 2015
Book review: Veranda - The Romance of Flowers
If you are familiar with the magazine Veranda, you know that it's all about gracious beauty. Well, here's a coffee table book for you that will help you to drift away into that romantic, gracious, and stress-free zone as the holiday season descends upon us! The Romance of Flowers, by Clinton Smith, and published by Hearst Books, an imprint of Sterling, is an enormous book that you can just fall into and forget all about life for awhile. And don't we all need that from time to time?
There are photos of flowers in close up, floral arrangements set in beautiful rooms, and flowers in lovely still lifes. There is also a running commentary by Clinton Smith about the flowers, the fashions, and the fashion makers...but to be 100% candid, I haven't read it all yet! I got so mesmerized by the flowers that I decided to look first and read later. This is a book that I think I will find myself dipping into a little at a time when I need to refill my well or just grab a few moments of relaxation.
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Recent publications: November 2015
A few new books to get you ready for a new year, featuring a new stitch and some new markets!
Introducing Albion Stitch: 20 Beaded Jewelry Projects by Heather Kingsley-Heath
2016 Artist's & Graphic Designer's Market by Mary Burzlaff Bostic
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Monday, November 23, 2015
Book review and giveaway: Resin Alchemy
Books don't have to be brand new to be good choices for holiday gift-giving! Resin Alchemy was published in 2013, but there are still a lot of people who are excited about the techniques it teaches. My original review is at the link. So, who would be interested in maybe winning a copy, for yourself or to give to someone else?
GIVEAWAY ALERT!!!
I've got a copy that needs to go to a good home! Here's what you need to do...please read this carefully. Leave me a comment here and include your email address. If I don't see your email address, I won't be able to contact you. No contact, no win, and I simply have to go on to the next person. You are welcome to spell it out if you'd prefer, for example, cyndi at mazeltovjewelry dot com. If you tweet or post on Facebook or other social spots about the contest, you can leave a second comment and be entered twice! Deadline: November 30, 2015
Resin Alchemy: Innovative Techniques for Mixed-Media and Jewelry Artists
By Susan Lenart Kazmer
Interweave/F+W; $24.95
Join award winning artist and trusted mixed media master, Susan Lenart Kazmer in this jewelry making book about one of the hottest trends: resin. Advance your skills as Susan takes you through all the steps for working with resin, from basic mixing and pouring advice to more involved techniques including resin casting. Unlock the design potential and take your resin jewelry to the next level with this comprehensive book bursting with inspiration! Create projects that highlight stunning artistic effects with color, found objects, texture, casting, collage, and more! Discover how versatile this material is as you uncover all of Susan's resin secrets.
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Labels:
Books and magazines,
Giveaways,
Mixed media
Friday, November 20, 2015
heART beats from other blogs!
Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a great book for holiday gift giving, Resin Alchemy by Susan Lenart Kazmer. What a fabulous book to own and learn from!
Jingle Bell Wreath Ornament
Jingle bell wreath ornaments are fun and easy ornament to make from wood curtain rings, hot glue & bells. They make great gift toppers or wearable pins too.
Get Edgy
This video review talks about a new book for crochet edges.
DIY Ninja Stars...or Suns...
This video shows you how to make a Ninja Star. Terry made these for a gift exchange on a recent cruise and everyone loved them. One person told her she was excited to use it in her scrapbook of the trip
Art Bead Scene
Claire interviews Kathrin Kniedl - take a peek behind the scenes at her stunning clay work!
Thursday, November 19, 2015
Book review: Chain Mail + Color
Do you love chain maille, or do you find it intimidating? Do you love the sleek minimalism of it, or do you wish there were a way to jazz it up a bit? No matter what your opinion of classic chain maille, I think you're going to be enchanted by Vanessa Walilko's book Chain Mail + Color, published by Kalmbach.
Never fear if you've not tried chain maille before. Vanessa introduces you to three very simple weaves that you will be able to master quickly. She teaches you all the little tricks and techniques to working successfully in the Basics section, and (YAY!) gives you a list of suppliers who carry the various materials that she uses.
The main body of the book is broken into three sections. Once you've learned the weaves, you can then choose to add colorful aluminum scales, disks, or washers to make your designs really pop, but without adding a lot of weight. Oh, and did I forget to mention that the jump rings themselves that you'll be working with are also aluminum? Intimidation gone! You don't have to worry about messing up a precious metal anything.
The colors range from eye-searing and super-fun to more subdued and elegant. Vanessa's style runs more towards the fun, hip, happy pieces. If you do a lot of chain maille work already, I still think you will enjoy seeing how she integrates these shots of color. You can think about adding some of it to your own work. And if you are the type who prefers more quiet color schemes, don't let the bright cover turn you off: you can stick with the metallics and neutrals if you like!
Technorati Tags: bead embroidery,handmade beaded jewelry,wearable art,beads,jewelry,necklace,mixed media,beading
Book review: Beautiful Elements

Even though I would consider this an intermediate book, the thorough Basics section in the beginning, covering materials, tools, and techniques for making jewelry, working with polymer clay and metal, mean that a beginner can play too. If you like Heather's style, grab this book and learn from the very beginning how to make your own findings, links, drops, pendants, and beads, rather than buying manufactured ones that everyone is using.
Heather's book will teach you how to "sketch" on metal, add amazing texture and personal imagery, create your own charms and drops, and make custom beads from polymer clay. Throughout, there are projects to help you practice your new skills. All are made with minimal tools, including all cold connections, so there are really no worries for a beginner!
Check out my review of Heather's earlier book, Jewelry Designs from Nature
This post contains an affiliate link
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
Book review: Jewelry Design with Knitted Wire
Nealay Patel has put together some lovely projects for this new Kalmbach book, Jewelry Designs with Knitted Wire. You might remember that I shared a project with you, using metal mesh as a design element in a necklace named Midnight Sky of Distant Stars. We also looked at using it in the third chapter of Bored By Back Stitch again as a design element. Nealay's take on this material is broader and slightly different from mine, so I was very interested to see what he was doing with it.
Wire mesh in three forms is explored in this book: hollow (flexible, the type I used), flat (stiff), and mesh filled with leather cord. There is a good basics section included, with the tools and special findings you will need to add this material to your repertoire. You probably already have most of them!
There are 32 projects included. Most treat the mesh like an armature: stitch through it, fill it, treat is like soutache braid. But other treatments push a little further: slip it over wire, use it as necklace straps, form it into bezels. This last idea is pretty exciting, don't you think?
This post contains an affiliate link
Monday, November 16, 2015
Starting an amulet bag
I've become convinced that some people are not finished with making amulet bags quite yet! When I asked that question a few weeks ago, it got me to thinking that I had never shared with you how I start my bags, and I really think it's a technique worth knowing.
I am not a fan of stitching a flat peyote stitch piece and then zipping it up when finished. I find it too limiting, and there is absolutely no room for freedom or error. Yes, you will end up with a perfect little bag...IF you get all the counts exactly right. No, there is nothing wrong with doing it this way, but here's the method I prefer and why I prefer it.
1. Start by picking up an odd number of beads. Pick up another bead and pass through the third bead from the end of the first row, pulling the last bead of the first row sideways. Stitch back towards the beginning of the first row, and when there are two beads left, pick up one more bead and stitch through the tail end of the first bead added in the first row (the last bead before the tail) and through the second, turning the first bead sideways like you did at the other end. Stitching through the second bead in the turn is your step up.
2. You will continue to add beads, stitching around the outside of the shape, up one side and back down the other, adding beads between each up bead. In every other row, you will have a bead that sits sideways at the end, and you will need to step up each row.
3. Now here's the great part: after you get the base established, as many rows as you want, you can switch up your beads, increase, or decrease, switch to odd count so that you can simply stitch in an upward spiraling fashion...whatever you want. No worries about zipping up later and not being able to match the sides!
Here is a little bag that I started recently, just for fun. It's not finished yet, but you can get the idea. I used Delica seed beads, because their tube shapes fit together so wonderfully:
This post contains an affiliate link
Copyright 2015 Cyndi Lavin. All rights reserved. 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.
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