La Bella Joya

Sliver of Silver

2012-02-11T07:05:00.000-08:00

This one is small, way smaller than what I'm used to.

We'll call it dainty.

I wanted the silver to look like it was blooming and growing up from the center stones and this was my first time setting a faceted stone.

The design was hand-drawn (you'll excuse the imperfections) and hand-cut (practice makes perfect).

It was a bit of a challenge knowing how high to cut the bezel to show off the facets.

I was also stumped by the back of a stone that didn't lay flat.

My solution was to make a little cradle to sit the stone in while I burnished the bezel.

The pendant itself only measures just under an 1 1/2", strung on dainty oxidized silver chain.

A mix between Art Nouveau/Art Deco and Victoriana, it's definitely so far my favorite.

More silver coming soon...

Moving Mountains

2012-02-09T06:53:00.000-08:00

When this little piece of Crazy Lace landed on my doorstep it reminded of a mountain.

I set it on a piece of tracing paper, long side down and drew a tiny moon, a little cloud and a drop of a star cresting over the edge, peeking out behind a plume of Agate ripples.

But when I'm out in my little work shed alone I let my mind meditate and wander and just hover over the things that I've faced in the past month, the past year, personal mountains that I've overcome and some that seem impossible to scale and I couldn't stop thinking....

"Truly, I tell you, if you have faith and do not doubt...you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea' and it will be done."

So, I set the mountain sideways.

Forced over by faith and fire. I've seen mountains move before and I know that I'll see them move again.

It's not perfect, but then I don't think the first ring should ever be perfect.

I'm still getting used to the color of silver on fire and how much pressure is needed to shape and form the edges, and the impatience of a pickle pot.

And always in the back of my mind a price tag knowing that it's a precious metal and even so a few little strips will have to be sacrificed to give way to the whole.

But that will all come in time.

In the meantime. I'm moving mountains.

New Tutorial! Beaded Beads!

2012-02-05T15:04:00.000-08:00

One of my goals for a while now has been to create a beaded bead. I love the challenge of beading in 3D. It really is a lot of work to figure out a way to weave shape into a piece and keep it from being too flat like bracelets can often be.

This bead uses rondelles and faceted czech glass as a base and then the bugle beads and seeds are woven off of the ends to create a diamond shape.

It is hollow and you can run an eye pin right through the center to string them.

I've just listed it in my shop so you can pick up the instructions yourself!

The listing is here if you'd like to see more!

Enjoy the last bit of your weekend!

Some Good News and Bad News

2012-02-04T07:16:00.000-08:00

First, the good news...

I'm gonna be in a book!

(Well, not me really, the beads)

Three of my pieces were chosen for the Lark series Showcase 500 Beaded Jewelry.

This was a photo only submission and I'm so excited to be a part!

I remember back in April of last year when I submitted, it was not the easiest submission process. They didn't accept online submissions which have become so easy to do, so I had to actually take the photos, save them on CD, fill out a form for each photo and the whole time I'm working on this I'm thinking...wow, this is a long shot.

Well, it was worth it! I'm so excited and can't wait till the book comes out in August.

My three pieces are The Queen's Crown Bracelet which is

made with lots of faceted czech glass and bugle beads.

Tumbling Tiles which has really been a pretty popular bangle and a good way to get your feet wet if you've never worked with Tila beads.

Also, La Catedral which has been extremely popular and also happens to be my favorite design of all my bracelet designs.

I hope you'll keep an eye out for the book come August, it promises to be a great collection of some of the world's best beadweavers!

Okay, for the bad news...

I'm sure you've already guessed but I've decided not to try to continue with the fashion blog hop this year. Getting sick really sucked the energy out of me and I realized that I don't want to take on any kind of deadlines whether I set them for myself or not.

I'm trying to limit my limits on my creative time (did that make sense?).

Thanks to everyone who expressed interest and who knows, maybe, maybe down the road we might do a special something.

So, enjoy your weekend, I hope it's relaxing and creative and also fun!

-Marcie

The Woven and Wrapped Bracelet - Free Tutorial!

2012-01-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

I've gotten such great feedback from my Looking Glass Pendant Tutorial and I've really enjoyed looking at all the great versions of that design that you all have created. It's nice to see you really running with it and making it your own.

So, to keep with the inspiration, I wanted to give you another free tutorial. This time a bracelet!

The one is easy peasy and recycled!

I created the Indigo version you see in this photo as a gift for my sister for Christmas.

It worked up so quick and looked so good that I knew I wanted to make one for myself, so this time around, I photographed the steps to share with you!

I hope you enjoy!

Skills:

To create this bangle, you will need to know how to do Peyote Stitch and you'll need to know how to zip up a Peyote tube.

Materials:

- A hank of Color Infusions Memory Thread in color of your choice (I bought mine back when everyone was buying this stuff, I'm so glad to finally get to use it!)

- A metal bangle (This one is one of those cheapos that I've had forever so don't feel like you have to go out and buy one, hence the upcycling! Make sure the width is around 5mm so that you can cover it completely with one hank of the thread)

- 3 different colors of size 11 Japanese seed beads.

- Nymo Thread (or Fireline)

- E6000 craft glue (or similar strong craft glue).

- Size 12 beading needle

- Scissors

Instructions:

1. Put a pea size amount of glue on the inside of the bangle. Wrap the thread around the dab of glue a couple of times. (Tip: keep the thread on the shuttle and pass the entire shuttle through the bangle as you work to avoid knots.)

2. Make sure your wraps are tight and close together. You will have glue seeping out between the cracks, don't worry about it, just wipe away the excess with your fingers (yes, this is a messy job).

3. Keep on wrappin!

4. Yep....still wrapping...

5. Whew...getting closer....

6. Light at the end of the tunnel!

7. When you have about 1/4" remaining, add another drop of glue. (Again, messy but don't worry, we will hide this later!)

8. When you come to where your thread meets the thread where you started, snip the thread leaving 3 or 4mm.

9. You may need to snip a little more, but use your fingers to press the remaining thread down against the bangle until it is as flush as you can get it and then wipe away the remaining glue.

10. Set the bangle aside, the glue will dry while you work on your peyote tube. Get out your beading needle, thread and beads. I've chosen a yellow mustard color, a lime green and a matte frosted sienna.

11. String on an EVEN number of beads in a random color pattern. I did 30 beads for the Maize bracelet and 20 for the Indigo. It really depends if you want a small strip of color, or a large, but just remember that you will use this to cover your gluey thread connection, so make it large enough to hide that.

12. Work in Peyote stitch, after you've threaded your beads, thread one more and pass through the second to the last bead that you just added. String another bead, skip one and pass through the next. Continue working peyote in this manner.

If you've never done peyote, fear not....found you a great video here.

13. Keep working in peyote. If it starts to curve, don't fret, just keep working, trying to choose beads that are the same size as you work.

14. The strip will eventually pull itself straight as you work.

15. Check your piece as you work to see that it will wrap around your bangle and also that it will zip up. To determine this, count the beads along the width of your strip, they should be an even number in order for the strip to zip up.

16. Wrap the piece around the inside of the bangle and over the glue connection that you made.

17. Here's a better photo:

18. Begin zipping up your peyote tube. This means that you will not add any beads, but use those from both rows to lock them together.

Check out this really clear tutorial here for further instructions.

19. When you have finished, knot the threads together. I always go back down through the thread path that I just went through again to reinforce the join. Weave the tail thread and the working thread into the beadwork, knot two or three times and trim the threads.

Voila!

You're done!

This project is only limited by your imagination.

Try a few variations:

- Mix up the color scheme. Use a contrasting thread with contrasting beads.

- Create two or three peyote tubes and wrap them around different sides of the bangle.

- Try a bigger bangle and use more thread. You'll probably have two gluey connections, but make two peyote strips to hide them.

- Make a few bangles in coordinating color schemes and wear them all or one at a time.

-Create a peyote tube with a chevron pattern for a funky tribal flavor.

These make great gifts. They're easy to wear and easy to make and the best part is the price.

I'm sure I didn't pay more than about $5 for the materials, and the results are well worth the time and effort.

I hope you enjoy creating these bangles and if you finish one, I'd love to see your version, so send a photo my way!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Artisan Clay Design Team Reveal

2012-01-27T06:21:00.000-08:00

First off, I'd like to thank all of you for your sweet comments on my previous post, your encouraging words were so kind.

These past few weeks have been a real struggle for me because I've been feeling bad on and off and I know I'm still not 100%. Yesterday was one of those days, I tried to do too much too fast and ultimately ended up feeling sick again.

I wasn't able to finish my piece that Kristie sent me, so I'm showing you the components that I pulled together.

I created this little embroidered drop to hang from the bottom of the pendant and pulled together lots of green jade to compliment the colors of the pendant Kristie sent.

Hopefully, if I'm feeling better this evening I can sit down and finish up the necklace to show you over the weekend.

In the meantime,

I hope you'll follow the links below to see what everyone else created this month with Kristie's awesome pieces.

(I know the links aren't the inlinkz, but I never can get the HTML code to work!)

Artisan Clay

Sand Fibers

Staci Louise Originals

Jenn Judd Rocks

Sue Beads

For My Sweet Daughter

Feelin' Much Better...

2012-01-25T06:52:00.000-08:00

I'm still not 100% and I feel like I've lost half of January, but I'm definitely getting better and I've got a few new pieces to show you!

I didn't feel like doing much while I was sick and actually two of these pieces were created before I got sick. The first is a long embroidered pendant that I've woven into the shape of a flower.

The stones are deep green jade and I've surrounded it with my favorite mustard/burnt sienna color combo.

I've hung it from some pretty long chain for a little drama.

I've listed it in my shop if you'd like to see some more pics.

You can find it here:

Green Spring Pendant

This next one has a Morrocan vibe.

I've used this gorgeous vintage lucite navette in a marquis shape and surrounded it with lime green faceted glass and deep cobalt blue seed beads with flashes of bright gold.

I added some transparent czech leaves for a little added architectural shape and I also really like the transparency of the leaves and I think they really add a depth of color.

I've also put it in the shop here:

Morrocan Spring Pendant

This one was inspired by this tiny little sleeping fox bead that I purchased from Rebekah Payne.

I wanted to create a really textural pendant and I used this gorgeous piece of Birdseye Rhyolite with these great colors running through it and accented it leopardskin Jasper and Mookaite.

Here's an up-close of this cute little fox!

I also created a beaded chain for this one which is very unlike me, but I felt it needed the added bit of drama. This one is also in the shop here:

The Sleeping Fox

Last but not least is a really large and chunky piece that I created for myself.

The center medallion is a tooled leather mandala in this gorgeous universe in a flower design.

I purchased the mandala from another artist (I have not taken up leather-tooling in case you were wondering).

It didn't need much, but I did want to add seed beads to it (I'll add seed beads to pretty much anything).

I created this halo of seed beads using a combination of brick stitch and peyote.

I really, really like the finished piece, and this one is mine (sorry!).

I still haven't decided what to do about the fashion blog hop.

I'll let you know by the end of the week.

I'm still working on feeling good and I need to get my bead soup out to my partner (yikes!).

Have a great Wednesday and stay healthy!

I'm out...

2012-01-18T05:38:00.000-08:00

I've caught some kind of stomach bug that's been hanging around for a while. The nausea has me pretty much down and I don't feel like doing anything.

So, until it's gone...I'm out...I'll let you know soon about the Fashion Blog Hop, but right now, it's not looking good. ;(

I hope you guys are a bit healthier than I am!

Fashion Inspiration Blog Hop: Baby, It's Cold Outside

2012-01-05T05:36:00.000-08:00

If you've been around for a while, you'll remember Margie and Me, my monthly challenge to myself to stretch my color comfort zone and create outside of what I would consider my "norm" when it comes to color combos. Well, after a few months it turned into a shared challenge and I enjoyed seeing the cool creations coming from the fresh fingers of the artists who stopped by to create with me.

Well, for 2012, I've decided to bring back the color inspiration and this time instead of focusing just on color, we're going to focus on creating accessories for a whole outfit (a la Project Accessory).

I do this all the time, especially when gift giving, I'll purchase a sweater or top to give and create a stunner of a bracelet/necklace/ring to go with it.

I'm calling this one Fashion Inspiration Blog Hop and I'm calling in the likes of Roberto Cavalli, Christian Dior, Gucci, and Emilio Pucci to help me out (not that they'll actually show up, but ya' never know...)

Here's the idea:

Every month, I'll pick two outfits from two different designers.

I'll try to stick to a theme (probably seasonally appropriate) but choose drastically different color combos so you'll have some wiggle room (just in case one of the combos is in your comfortable color zone).

You'll have four weeks to create a piece (necklace, bracelet, ring, hair accessory, you choose) to go with the outfit you've chosen.

You can choose to create for one outfit, or both!

At the end of the month we'll do a little hop to see what everyone has created and what inspired you to make what you did.

I want this one to be a little more than a color challenge.

I want you to look at the outfits and think about overall design.

Does it need to be soft and romantic or abstract and modern?

What would you add to the outfit if you were wearing it?

(Now, obviously, these are world class designers, and we aren't, but use your imagination and let the creativity flow!)

Here are the designs for this month and the theme (I wanted to go with something that reflected the cold winter weather):

Baby, It's Cold Outside

Christian Dior
Fall 2011

Sonia Rykiel
Fall 2011

Two very different looks, but both designed for cooler weather and with some sassy color combos.

One a little more casual, perhaps a "day" look while the other is a little more upscale, a fun and funky party dress.

Here are the rules:

-If you want to play along, leave me a note in the comments with a link to your blog.

-Deadline for design is February 5th. Post a pic of your creation on that day.

-On February 4th, I'll post the list of everyone who is playing along so we can all link back and see what everyone has created!

I do hope you'll join me.

Margie and Me was such a wonderful challenge and I loved the things that I created as a result and I know many of the participants did as well.

If you have any questions, leave those in the comments as well.

Good luck and I can't wait to see what we all create!

*All photos were obtained from the New York Times Fashion Runway Slideshow.

Happy New Year! Out with the Old, in with the New!

2011-12-31T06:09:00.000-08:00

Last day of 2011!

Wow!

Where did that year go? I was just sitting in the drive-thru with my sister yesterday talking about how we feel like we totally missed the whole year!

Well, 2012 is upon us for better or for worse.

I found this little comic about the Mayan calendar and thought I'd share.

Oh, and also in anticipation of the new year, I started the cleaning!

I'm destashing a bunch of magazines that I've collected over the past two years.

I have a lot of doubles, and so I'm passing them your way.

I've listed the whole lot (there are more than you see here) and priced them at only $2 each (plus shipping).

A couple of them are in mint condition, but all of them are in good condition.

If you've always wanted to start beadweaving, here's a chance to get a ton of projects for pocket change. (It probably ends up being like 15 cents a project)

If you'd like more information on how to purchase, here is the listing:
Destash Mags

I'll keep checking back throughout the day to change the listing as they sell.

Have a great weekend, all and

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Earthy Pendants

2011-12-29T06:04:00.000-08:00

This week I've been in my little workspace working away with colors and shapes that aren't terribly familiar to me.

This one started life as a bracelet, but wound up a pendant.

When I look at it, I can't help but see the tall Totem Poles of Alaska, and so I've appropriately named it the Totem Pendant.

The shape is entirely new to me, but I'm really liking it.

I'm pretty sure you'll see some new and interesting shapes coming from me this year.

I also acquired a tube of peanut seed beads over the holidays.

I was stumped as to what to do with them. I'm not much of a stringer and I'd mostly seen them stacked on top of each other to create that Jenga-like effect.

But, like I said, Jenga was not speaking to me, so I embroidered with them instead. (stick with what you know, I say)

It turned out marvelous.

The effect is earthy and textural.

I call this one River Rocks, because is reminds me of the chunky gray stones that line the earthy yellow clay of the Tennessee River.

I added copper dangles that move like a little waterfall to finish the effect.

They are both in the shop.

The Totem Pendant

and

The River Rock Necklace

I hope you enjoy the rest of your week!

It's here!

2011-12-25T06:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Thank you all so much for your support over the year!

To you and yours I wish a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

New Work AND New Tutorial!

2011-12-22T06:33:00.000-08:00

I call this one Balancing Act.

Pulled in different directions at once and in the middle, the challenge of staying balanced.

The challenge of not letting one thing become an obsession, but of holding all things in perfect balance and each one receiving the attention it deserves.

And like the daily pull, it's either up and down...

Or left to right...

you choose.

I've actually chosen to list this one in my shop.

It's the first piece of jewelry I've listed in months.

There's no way it will reach you by Christmas (unless you live at my post office...in which case...)

But, it's in my shop, waiting for the right person to wear it and own it.

You can find it here: Balancing Act.

Also, I finished the tutorial!

I decided to name my pendant La Rondella (Thank you, Louise!).

The word is actually Italian and means "The Washer", and no, I don't know if it means the kind you put clothes in, or the kind that you use to build thing, but either way, they are both round.

I created a peacock version as I did the tutorial, just to make sure everything worked.

I've listed it in my shop.

You can find it here:
La Rondella Tutorial

Christmas is oh-so-close and I'm so excited! I hope you are too!

If you need any last minute gifts, I also have gift certificates listed in my shop. They'll arrive as PDF files that you can print out and package in a cute little envelope for gift giving.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Marcie

Submitting to Bead Magazines: The Technicalities

2011-12-19T09:11:00.000-08:00

Earlier, I promised you some tips for submitting to beadweaving magazines. Well, I'm here to make good on that promise.
In this post I'm going to tell you everything that I consider before I submit a design to a magazine and everything that I do while working on the design to send it to a magazine. These are all the things that I'd wished someone had told me when I started submitting. It would have made the process so much easier.
Please note, this information is primarily for seed bead addicts and those who like to weave bead to bead, though I'm sure the information has applications for other crafts, so glean what you need from these tips.
I hope this information is helpful and that you'll truly be encouraged to submit your original designs in the coming year.

1. KNOW THE MAGAZINE.
I've said this before, but it's worth repeating.
You are way more likely to get your work accepted if it's along the same lines of the kind of work that the magazine already publishes.
Now, by this, I don't mean that publishers want repeats of things they've published in the past, but if you look at the types of designs that land in the project pages, they are sparkly or shiny or brightly colored, but with a clean design that doesn't have your eye jumping all over the place.

Elegant, sparkly rivolis from mountainshadowdesign

Also, think about the specific magazine that you're interested in.
Does it lean toward more elegant pieces?
Are there simple designs among the pages or are the designs more complicated and time intensive?
Is there a certain section of the magazine for designs incorporating other techniques or a section that wants quick designs with a short material list.
After you've completed your design, play matchmaker to find the perfect fit for your creation.

2. KNOW THE LINGO.
Jargon: the language, especially the vocabulary, peculiar to a particular trade, profession, or group.

Do you know what it means to "pass through" or to "pass back through"?
Can you tell the difference between an Iris finish or an AB finish?
Can you spot a Charlotte?
Do you know how Peyote and Brick are similar?
And why does a design become more complicated when you have to go up in size?

Miyuki Tila beads, two holes, a pain for technical editing.

These are all things you'll need to know when writing your instructions and in order to talk intelligently about your design.

At this stage, when you're trying to get published, "Stick your needle in a pile of beads" just won't cut it. So, read, read, read the instructions to previously published projects, even if you don't actually work the project, it will help you get a feel for exactly how the project instructions are written.

3. KNOW THE THEMES.
Aaah! I just found out that Beadwork Magazine no longer publishes themes for their magazine!
Bummer. I really enjoyed challenging myself to create something that fit into their color or design schemes.
Oh well, we'll make our own...k?
Most jewelry magazines are published bi-monthly, which means that they are naturally focusing on a season or theme by default.
For example, you're probably not going to see an elegant, sparkly collar in the middle of July.
Nope, sparkly collars are for Winter and July brings bright colors and funky shapes.

These Czech Rounds scream caramel popcorn and fall fairs.

When you're working on a design, think about how the shapes and weave fits into the month of the issue that you're going for. Also, think about how making the design fits into the issue. For example, in the summer, I want a quick design, because I'm probably not spending a lot of time in the house. In winter, I'm probably more willing to tackle a difficult design, which means submitting something time-intensive and labor intensive might be a better design for the fall/winter issues.

4. KNOW THE GUIDELINES

I've had beaders ask me this before: Do I have to submit illustrations for my pieces if I try to submit to a magazine?

The answer: I dunno. Does the magazine want illustrations?

It really does depend. I've written for magazines that specifically ask you not to send in illustrations, and then I've written for one that required me to send in my own.

Be sure to check, check, check the guidelines and if you're not sure, write a quick e-mail to the editor whose name is on the guidelines.

Initial idea sketching for the Arab Architecture Cuff that appeared in the June/July 2011 issue of Beadwork.

But, this is my suggestion. Take a photo of each step as you complete it. That way, if you do get accepted, you can send in the photos for clarification with your piece. It helps the technical editor to see exactly what you're explaining in your instructions.

Also, when you're writing your instructions, be as thorough as you can. I really do feel for tech editors, they have a hard job as they have to take into space considerations as they edit.

Don't feel discouraged if they have serious questions about the way you've written a step or if they hack it to pieces. They're trying to make your project perfect for their readers.

Oh, and another quick note on guidelines. Follow them to the letter. If they want e-mail, send them

e-mail. If they want a CD, send a CD. If they want you to stand on your head while writing your instructions in pig latin, then start practicing your headstands now. They are waaay more likely to accept pieces from someone who followed the instructions completely.

5. KNOW YOUR DESIGN

By this, I mean, make 2 or 3 versions and 2 or 3 colorways. Make a version and write down each step as you go. Set it aside for a couple of days and then come back and follow your own instructions to make the 2nd version. Think as you work.

Do your instructions make sense? Are they clear for someone who's never seen your project before?

Are the materials labeled correctly?

Also, think about the colors you choose. Do you have a good contrast? Are they colors that would work well in a magazine? Do they fit the feel of the design that you're trying to convey?

My last design in Beadwork, Chelsea's Gift, was a one shot deal. I had only one version. (Mostly because my sister doesn't really need two necklaces that look exactly the same) But, it was bead embroidery, which I could do in my sleep (while on my head speaking pig latin), so when I wrote those instructions, I referenced another similar project to help me with my writing.

Oh, and on the same topic. When you write your submission e-mail. Be confident. This is your project and you created it, be proud of it.

None of this:

"I really, really hope you like it, and I hope it's good enough to make it into your magazine."

This instead:

"I am submitting my piece to be considered for the February/March issue of your magazine. It's a delicately woven necklace featuring right angle weave with peyote embellishments. The embellished edges reminded me of tiny hearts, so I created a soft pink version perfect for Valentine's Day. Thank you for the opportunity to submit to your magazine and I look forward to hearing from you."

Okay, those are the most important things for now.

They'll definitely at least get you on the right foot for getting published in 2012 (or 2013).

Now, let me say this: I am not a professional magazine writer and I've only been published in two magazines for my beadwoven pieces.

However, I did go through this process with each of my published pieces and these are the things that I worried about and wrestled with every time I wrote a project.

I hope you'll keep this information handy and that it will help you as you design and work toward publication. I'll leave you with the links to a few magazines that I know for sure will accept bead woven pieces:

Bead and Button Magazine

Beadwork Magazine

Bead Unique

Bead Magazine (from the UK)

If you've got any questions that I didn't address here, please feel free to drop those in the comments.

Good luck designers!

Thank You

2011-12-12T06:22:00.000-08:00

For inspiring me to try bold finishes and bright metallic colors that have an edge.

For showing me that every bead has merit and just because it isn't round, doesn't mean it can't be beautiful.

For not being afraid to weave the unexpected into an otherwise expected piece.

I think I'm a better designer because you've challenged me, even if you didn't know it. ;)

This is my newest design, an open pendant, reminiscient of a Christmas wreath (so appropriate right now). The base is a sturdy weave of Tila and Bugle beads. (Two beads that I'm beginning to love more and more for their usefulness as the bones of a structure.)

I've overlaid a layer of sparkly seeds and faceted Czech glass.

The plan is to create the tutorial and share the inspiration, but first, I need a name.

What do you think?

Something about wheels, circles, wreaths, rings?

I also did a little embroidery last week.

Very tribal, wood, copper, jasper in forest tones with deep reds and burnt oranges.

Oh, and I've almost reached 600 sales which means that there will be a giveaway soon, so stay tuned!

It's crunch time and I'll be working on family gifts all week.

Enjoy your holidays!

Oh, and seriously, if you have an idea for a name, I'd love to hear it!

Are you ready?

2011-12-10T06:17:00.001-08:00

Your submissions that is...

Ya' know, for 2012?

Did you know you've (almost) already missed the deadline for the Spring issues?!

You know how big I am on submitting to magazines!

It's so exciting to see your creations in print and thanks to the internet, sooo easy.

I've rounded up the info for Stringing Magazine today and if one of your goals is to get published, well, you better get on it!

SUMMER 2012

1. Bezels

2. Crochet Hoops

3. Wooden Pendant

4. Turquoise Rounds

It's gonna be an earthy issue, here's the guidelines. (NOTE: You've missed the e-mail deadline, but if you get movin' you could have something on its way to Colorado by Dec. 19):

We’re looking for 3 projects for each of the four mixed-media topics mentioned above: resin, metal stamping, polymer clay, and filigree wrapping. These should be simple projects that show beginners what they can do once they know how to do those four techniques. If you’d like to send photos of your relevant jewelry for us to evaluate, please email them to stringingsubmissions@interweave.com by December 5, 2011. All physical submissions are due to our office December 19, 2011. Find our address at the end of this email.

Project Themes:

For the rest of our projects, we’re looking for jewelry that would fit in the following three categories:

Jewelry made with fiber
Jewelry made with turquoise (stone) beads
Jewelry made with wood and/or nut beads

What you can do:

If you’d like to send photos of your jewelry for us to evaluate, please email them to stringingsubmissions@interweave.com by December 5, 2011. All physical submissions are due to our office December 19, 2011. Find our address at the end of this email.

FALL 2012

1. Clasp

2. Lampworked Discs

3. Silk Cord

4. Oversized crocheted beads

Issue Theme:

Bead Buyers Guide—We will showcase our favorite products from the following 9 categories: clasps, glass beads, ceramic beads, metal beads, natural beads, plastic beads, chain, tools, and unique findings (such as connectors or bails). This buyer’s guide will be published in lieu of our usual Bead Beat and Beads to Buy product sections.

Project Themes:

We’re looking for jewelry that would fit in the following five categories:

Jewelry with multiple strands
Jewelry that uses a clasp as a focal
Jewelry featuring oversized beads
Jewelry featuring silk cord
Jewelry in earth tones

What you can do:

If you’d like to send photos of your jewelry for us to evaluate, please email them to stringingsubmissions@interweave.com by February 16, 2012. All physical submissions are due to our office March 1, 2012. Find our address at the end of this email.

WINTER 2012

BEAD STAR!

I was a little stumped by this one. I'm not sure if they are still accepting submissions for Stringing or if Bead Star will be published in lieu of Stringing....hhmmm, might want to contact the editor as the deadline gets closer.

Issue Theme:

The top winners of our annual Bead Star contest will be published in this issue.

What you can do:

Enter the contest! For complete rules, visit www.beadstar.com in January 2012.

Project Themes:

We’re looking for jewelry that would fit in the following four categories:

Jewelry made with fire-polished beads
Choker-style necklaces
Jewelry with a lacy look
Jewelry with a geometric motif

Okay, I'll leave with some last bits of info:

First of all, this is just for Stringing Magazine which only accepts submissions using basic jewelry making techniques. I'm planning on doing a Beadwork post next week for my seed bead buddies.

Secondly, you need to go here to read the details and fine print, and also if you'd like my super-detailed post on magazine submissions, you can go here.

I've included everything I think about when I'm getting ready to submit to a magazine.

Feel free to print any of this info out, along with the dates if it helps you get motivated!

Have a great weekend and I hope you get a chance to work on some new designs and who knows maybe next year those designs will show up in print!

BTW: Beading in Circles

2011-12-07T05:21:00.001-08:00

It's a mess.

And...I feel like I'm beading in circles (both literally and figuratively).

I don't feel inspired by the beads.

I really want to work with metal...hammering, sawing, heating, and even though my neck is feeling better after a few trips to the chiropractor, I don't want to try to do something that's gonna make it feel bad again (i.e. hammering, sawing, heating).

Argh....like I said,

It's a mess.

Easy Peasy Holiday Decorating

2011-12-03T06:02:00.001-08:00

I've been seeing some of the most beautiful gift wrapping supplies on Etsy lately.
And I always think...what's the purpose of buying such beautiful ribbon and wrapping paper? It inevitably ends up on the floor in a messy heap at the end of the day and then makes its way into a trash bag just to take up precious garbage space.

And then it hit me.

Why not use those amazingly gorgeous gift wrappings as decorations?

Here's what I'm thinking....

Buy a bee-yoo-tee-full bowl large enough to be a table centerpiece.

(This one is awesome because the outside of the bowl is decorated. That's what you're gonna see when you're done.)

This bowl is from OwlCreekCeramics.

Take these little boxes, you can get them from any online jewelry retailer, or I get mine at my local Michael's. I'd say about 20-25 would do ya' and make sure you get various sizes. The effect will be prettier.

Now, here's the fun part....

purchase some gorgeous wrapping paper.

Make sure you buy your style and also, it doesn't have to Christmas oriented (remember, they're gonna be little gifts) and it can be small papers because you're wrapping small gifts.

Do you like vintage papers?

How about funky modern prints?

(These are PRINTABLE! Instant holiday decorating!)

Formal Elegance?

Go crazy. Mix and match vintage and new, or stick to one color theme. Or maybe go all stripes or all prints or all trees. It's up to you.

But, after the paper you'll need...

ribbon!

There is no end to the gorgeous ribbons and twine you can find on Etsy.

Here are a few of my favs...

Lovely paper ribbon from thegildedbee.

Striking gold twine from the same seller.

Frosty white trimming from SuppliesbyAyca.

A collection of Holiday Yarn from LondonTierney.

Oh, and then last thing....

If you want to, grab a couple of gorgeous gift tags and write notes like Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings on each one and tie to your packages for a little extra cheer.

I love this little package from SunriseFiberCo.

This little tag from phytotherapy is adorable.

Fill your bowl with your little packages and use as the centerpiece for your table. It will be different and gorgeous and low enough that you could probably leave it on the table and see everyone while you eat!

Oh, and when you're done? Pick the whole thing up and store it in a plastic rubbermaid container. It will be clean and ready to go next year and you'll get way more enjoyment out of your gift wrap and fancy ribbon.

I'll leave you with a little gift wrapping inspiration from Pinterest and a very Merry Christmas!

Color Theory - Analogic

2011-11-27T06:32:00.001-08:00

I've been working on Christmas gifts for the holidays this past week.

I've been digging through little vials of seed beads and pulling out chunky stones and tiny charms that I've had forever and laying them out and mixing and matching shapes and colors to really create some fun designs.

But one of the areas where I really love to get creative is color mixing.

So, I thought I'd share some color tips with you this week for your Christmas creations and show you a collection of bits and pieces that reflect great color mixes so you can see with your eyes what a good color combo really looks like and challenge yourself to get creative with color.

First up in the color combos is the Analogic combo.

This simply means that you're pulling colors from the same side of the color wheel in an almost monochromatic combination.

In the example below, I've chosen this deep crimson red as my main color and then allowed the wheel to show me some colors that would be in an analogic color scheme moving left or right along the color wheel.

Here's an example of a combination of bits and pieces that would create a great necklace using this deep crimson red as the main color. I've also tried to focus on a woodland theme to create continuity within the piece. I've pulled in soft pink with the glass beads, orange with the copper chain, and brick red with the little foxes. (clockwise from top left):

1. Copper acorn charms

2. Soft dusty pink picasso beads with flecks of crimson

3. Copper chain (this pulls in the orange)

4. Bright red faceted jasper (a different finish to a bead can almost look like a different color.)

5. Deep Crimson leaf pendant from Humblebeads (this was my main inspiration)

6. Tiny little fox charms from Rebekah Payne

This next grouping lies along the blue/green section of the color wheel.

You'll notice I chose colors that would be considered very dark, that lie along the outside of the color wheel. These colors contain more "black" if you will and less "white" so they have a deeper shade. I also chose dark chain to mimic the depth of my color choices. (clockwise from top left)

1. Butterfly Charms from Fallen Angel Brass

2. Midnight Willow Leaf Pendant from Humblebeads

3. Mottled Picasso Beads

4. Chain from Fallen Angel Brass

5. Ceramic Beads from Greece

6. Flower Bell Beads from Cascadia Beads

This last grouping is collection of pieces lying along the orange/yellow section of the color wheel.

I would consider this a "tight" analogous combo because the colors are extremely close to each other on the color wheel. (As opposed to the blue/green combo which represented a bit more movement along the color wheel)

To create interest, and keep the colors from blending in to one another, I've chosen different finishes and textures on the beads. (clockwise from top left)

1. Antique brass rolo chain

2. Hand carved wooden beads

3. Brass Bird charms in ochre patina

4. Antique Brass Ball Head Pin

5. Butterscotch Mustard Glass Beads

6. Copper Leaf Pendant from Humblebeads

I hope these combinations have helped you to see the possibilities in an analogic color scheme. Using the same or extremely similar colors doesn't have to be boring. Look at it as an opportunity to play with texture and finishes.

Try mixing and matching bead shapes or pick a theme such as the forest or woods as I've done here.

Accent with chain and charms and choose one great focal to truly highlight your color choice.

Now it's your turn.

Visit the color wheel and experiment with the analogic color scheme.

What's your favorite color?

Can you see the variations between the light and dark shades?

Think about how using light vs. dark can evoke a season or mood with your jewelry.

Experiment and play around to create your perfect pieces this holiday season and even if your combinations never become jewelry, try bagging them together and storing them with similar colors for quick and easy pieces in the future.

You never know when you'll need a quick handmade gift.

I hope you enjoy your handmade holiday this season!

New Tutorial! The Woven Line

2011-11-26T04:57:00.000-08:00

My newest design is a long time coming.

I actually started working on it sometime in September, but as I said before the work is slow go, however, I just finished the second color version yesterday and put the finishing touches on the tutorial last night.

This one is also Right-Angle-Weave based (I'm slowly coming around to the merits of RAW) and uses bugle beads for a strong foundation and fire-polished czech glass for the shimmer and shine.

And of course, there are options.

In the version below, I've created a long bracelet (choker-length) and wrapped it around my wrist for a bit of a chunkier style.

This version is the basic weave. One time around.

There are slight differences between how I created each bracelet.
(Can you find the subtle change?!)

The final version has a lovely weight and feel on the arm.

Oh, and the best part?

It's one continuous stitch, one long sinuous stitch.

Click the pic to take you to the tutorial:

Oh, and guess what?

Just to celebrate, I'm extending the Buy One Get One Free Offer in my shop!

New Bracelet included!

Have a great weekend!

Today's the Day!

2011-11-25T05:51:00.000-08:00

Buy One Tutorial, Get One Free!

Today only!!

Simply purchase your tutorial and leave the name of the second that you'd like (of equal or lesser value) in the notes to seller and I'll send both your way!

Happy Crafting!

Black Friday Deals!

2011-11-23T05:54:00.000-08:00

I decided to get in on the Black Friday deals by offering a deal on my tutorials this Friday.

For 12 hours only, from 8am to 8pm on Friday (Eastern Time) I'll be having a BOGO sale on all tutorials in my shop!

Which means you can purchase the instructions to create a sparkly shiny holiday bracelet....

And pick up the instructions for a dark, Spanish-inspired cuff for free!

Or, purchase the instructions to stuff someone's stocking with a little Bollywood Bling...

And add a beadwoven persian tile to their finger for free!

You could adorn your neck with a chunky stone pendant hung on a low chain...

And gift bright, bold Carnival pendants to all your co-workers for just the price of beads!

On Friday, all my tutorials will be Buy One Get One of Equal or Lesser Price for Free.

When you purchase your tutorial, simply leave me a message in the comments to the seller telling me exactly which tutorial you'd like for free and I'll send both of them your way!

So, if you're looking forward to creating your gifts this Christmas, this is the perfect opportunity to get your supplies on the cheap!

Happy Thanksgiving and I'll see you on Friday!

Handcrafted Christmas

2011-11-22T04:56:00.000-08:00

Just dropped by to let you know that the instructions and resource information for making the above necklace is currently in this issue of Beadwork:

If you're a beadweaver extraordinaire, but have never tried your hand at embroidery, I highly recommend this little project, it's just simple enough to help you get your feet wet, but the results are fantastic, and you can switch up Heather's initial bead to create a personalized gift.

Also, look what I found on Etsy yesterday?
You know what I'm thinking?

I'm thinking to use this tutorial around one of these stars with some chalky pine green and rusty red beads for instant Christmas ornaments.

(You'll have to get a bit creative with the beadwork because I'm sure the points of the stars would present a challenge, but I know it's do-able!)

In other news, I'm working on a new tutorial and am hoping to have it released by the end of this week. I'm still struggling with some muscle spasms in my neck, so I'm taking it slow, but I do so enjoy creating new designs.

I hope you have a fantastic long weekend with the people closest to you and some lazy down time just for good measure.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I highly recommend....

2011-11-13T20:54:00.000-08:00

London in winter.

I will admit....I was skeptical about going.

I'm not sure why, I guess my expectations weren't very high.

Boy, was I ever wrong.

The weather was crisp, but enjoyable with a scarf and hat.

The city was full of surprises around every corner.

It's truly ancient, but clean and orderly.

The language is familiar.

(A fact you take for granted until the waiter appears at your table.)

The traffic patterns are completely different.

Honestly, how many times have you looked left first when crossing a road?

The history is old, and you begin to feel like things are done the way they are done because they have been done that way for years.

Oh, and she's not far from a few other sights as well.

(2 hours later and we were in Paris where the buildings and people were different and the world was much, much colder.)

I highly recommend London in Winter.

The lines are shorter.

The days are grayer (but there's no need for sunglasses).

The food's not bad (though I highly recommend sticking to ethnic).

The architecture is old, old, old.

The parks are beautiful and the lines are short.

The transportation is easy to navigate.

The surprises are endless.

There is never a shortage of things to do.

Thank you, London, I had a wonderful time.

Across the Pond

2011-11-02T06:08:00.000-07:00

It must have started in the 90's when the re-runs began airing on AMC.

I remember being glued to the t.v. (I couldn't have been older than 15) cross-legged on the floor soaking in the genius of a detective that existed only in stories.

via Pinterest

I remember the blue carbuncle and the hounds and the lady who almost captured the detective's heart. The dancing men, and the red-headed league.

Moriarty and Watson.

via ParaNoire

It's almost impossible to pick a favorite mystery and how?

It's also next to impossible to read the adventures and not picture Jeremy Brett running through the streets of London cane waving wildly in the air.

via Pinterest

He was the definitive. Always will be.

(Not that Robert Downey Jr. didn't do the best he could!)

via Pinterest

And if you start digging you find he shared a lot with the detective.

A tortured genius not quite right in body and soul.

via Pinterest

I'm leaving tomorrow to visit my Dad and this time we're meeting halfway in Sherlock's city.

(Hopefully the cold and riots will stay away)

Only a handful of days, but one of them will involve a visit to 221B Baker Street.

via Pinterest

My only regret?

via Pinterest

I'm pretty sure the good detective isn't at home. ;)

Artisan Clay: Walk Down Memory Lane

2011-10-28T05:59:00.000-07:00

This month the Artisan Clay Design Team is doing a fashion show a la Paris or Milan.

So here's my collection rockin' the runway (from youngest to oldest!)

I hope you like!

The first up is my most recent piece that we saw last month called the Clock and Dagger.

In case you didn't catch last months post, The blue shard that the whole pendant hangs on is a button!

I riveted two textured sheets of copper and clock pieces to the front to create a very industrial, steampunkish pendant.

This second piece was heavily inspired by the arte deco shapes from architecture from the 20's. I wanted to capture the sharp angles and tight curves of arte deco and still find that layered look as well.

(Hint: If you want two pieces of metal to reflect themselves perfectly, cut them out at the same time by taping them together!)

Okay, now we're going back in time a bit.

This piece is an embroidered pendant that I created around a connector from Kristie that I turned into a cab.

Same thing with this one in just softer colors.

(To convert a connector to a cab, just snip the metal connectors from the edges, and file them down until they are flat against the new "cab")

Because Kristie's pieces are porous, they hold really well with E6000 if you're embroidering.

Now going waaay back in time. This was the first embroidered piece that I ever created with Kristie's work.

It's a big chunky pendant featuring one of Kristie's glass cabs. The inspiration was water and really tall high waves.

I really like this piece and I've had it for about three years and it still looks great and is totally wearable!

Be sure to head on over to Kristie's blog and check out the runway shows from the other designers!

Have a great day all!

Giving Handmade

2011-10-21T06:11:00.000-07:00

I find that most of the people who give handmade also make handmade.

I know this has been true for me.

Every year when Christmas rolls around, I like to buy one item for my fam and then make an item for some matchy fun.

It saves some money on my part to make half of my presents and then the other half is used to support independent designers.

I've been doing some shopping and thought I'd put together some great combos featuring artist-made items from Etsy and jewelry created using my tutorials.

I'm still shopping and "favoriting" so this is by no way my complete shopping list, but I loved these combos and thought I'd share!

This warm orange combo features a dress by BrokenGhostCouture and my Charlotte's Path Bracelet.

I love her dress. It seems so light and it's all upcycled and I think with some warm tights and a chunky sweater you could switch it up for fall.

This next combo needs a soft black 3/4 length sleeve and a dark pair of jeans.

I've paired my La Catedral Bangle in Garnet with this super soft scarf from Windsongknits.

The great thing about giving accessories is that they can be worn with anything!

This next pair is one of my favorite colors.

I love this bright teal/turquoise combo.

My Arc Pendant is combined with a petite geometric ring from Little Cherry Hill.

Now, this one is not for everyone (neither in price nor in style). The first time I saw this dress I thought it was gorgeous. It has such presence and hearkens back to a medieval/guinevere-esque time when there really were knights in shining armor.

The dress is from Dig for Victory and I've paired it with Shooting Stars bracelet which captures the olive green of the skirt and the bright brass of the bodice.

This one is a fun, bright geometric combo. I think the detail lines of the bodice are so interesting and I like the contrast of the curves in my Carnaval Pendant with the triangular shapes made by the stitching.

The top is from Out of Line and is available in a few different colors.

I hope you're planning on supporting independent designers this season and I hope you enjoy spending some free time creating your own gifts for friends and family.

To make it a little easier for you, I'm holding a special sale!

TODAY ONLY...

Purchase any tutorial from my shop and receive another tutorial of equal value absolutely free!
Simply purchase the tutorial and in the notes to the seller, give me the name of your second tutorial!

That's a BOGO for all you beadweavers out there!

Visit my shop here.

So spread the word and take this opportunity to get a jump on Christmas gift making!

Have a great day!

Chinook Jewelry

2011-10-16T15:16:00.000-07:00

My sister has been into long necklaces with little clusters of charms and mixed media pieces in easy colors. I'm having a great time pulling out the orphan beads and components floating around in my stash to create these charm necklaces that are light and easy to wear and reflect her personality.

So, when Mellisa of Chinook Jewelry sent me a couple of lovely ceramic pieces, I knew they would look great combined with a few other components to make one of those necklaces.

I used this gorgeous purple and pink button and combined it with a cute little ruffled beadwoven charm, an antique brass key and a round charoite round.

These are simple to make and look great as little clusters.

Try making a few of these to give as gifts this year by raiding your stash to create interesting and unique pieces. They are the perfect gift that combines color and meaning to create a necklace that's custom made for the wearer.

Mellisa has some gorgeous ceramic pieces in her collection that would make beautiful jumping off points for these little cluster necklaces.

To show you some options, I've put together a couple of collages with some color combos inspired by Mellisa's gorgeous pieces and the people I'll be creating for this Christmas.

The first is a bright and gutsy mix for the wearer who's not afraid of a little color and tends to walk to their own beat.
The Professor

(clockwise from L to R)
1. 6mm Crab Agate Rounds

2. Altered Patina Key

3. Black Brass Rollo Chain

4. Mellisa's Buttered Rum Spanish Leaf

5. Vertigris Copper Links from Missficklemedia

This next grouping is a warm fall mix with a safe color palette but funky shapes and a steampunk theme that hearkens back to days gone by.
The Architect

(clockwise L to R)

1. Mellisa's Aurora Borealis Jigsaw Pendant

2. Hammered Copper Links

3. Antique Copper Gear Button

4. Acrylic Faceted Nugget

5. Textured Antique Copper Chain

The last is an intense mix of the deepest blues with a floral theme that captures the lightness of summer but is just deep enough to wear year round.

The Gardener.

(clockwise L to R)

1. Mellisa's Cobalt Floral Oval

2. Chunky Blue Agate

3. Pewter Leaf Pendant from Mamacita

4. Gunmetal Oval Chain

5. Hummingbird Charms from Missficklemedia

So, who will you be creating for this Christmas?

Will you be using bright reds and oranges or deep dark blues and violets?

Will floral shapes dominate your bead table or are you looking for symmetry and geometry?

I hope these combos have sparked your imagination and happy creating this holiday season!

You Can Too.

2011-10-15T06:06:00.000-07:00

Remember this tutorial?

I told you it was easy.

That it didn't take long.

And that the results made perfect gifts.

Yamani agreed and sent me two pictures of a gorgeous set of earrings and a chunky bracelet that she made.

What are you waiting for?

Get beading!

Guessing Game

2011-10-13T06:04:00.000-07:00

It's been so long since I've done one of these, but they are sooo fun!

All of these items have been put together with a theme.

Now, it's your job to guess what the theme is!

(HINT: think way back)

Visit the treasury here to leave your guess.

Have fun!

The truth about free patterns

2011-10-09T06:41:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Craftsy?

It's basically a show-n-tell site for designers who create patterns and create from patterns.

I was invited to drop a few of my creations onto the site by one of the site admins and I've made some new bead buddies and loyal customers through the experience.

I highly recommend checking it out if you're looking for great patterns for a handmade Christmas (oh, and they don't just do jewelry...).

Well, recently on the Craftsy blog, Stefanie addressed the issue of free patterns and why not all patterns can be free. I really think she hit the nail on the head when she mentioned all the different reasons why designers can't just keep cranking out free patterns.
(Definitely a must-read)

I remember having the same discussion about a year ago when I found out someone was e-mailing one of my projects out willy-nilly to whomever wanted it.

Their argument was that art should be common knowledge and that you should be willing to share what you know with everyone and not expect compensation.

This kind of thinking is totally foreign to me, I was taught that nothing came from nothing and that hard work and good work had its rewards.

It really is a disservice to a designer who works so hard to create what he or she creates.

When I create a pattern I take the following things into account:

- the hours it takes to edit the designs and illustrations and write the copy (some of my designs can take up to 20 hours for just illustration editing alone!)

- the cost of the materials (sometimes for two or three versions of the designs)

- the hours I spend making two or three prototypes (yes, designing is trial and error)

-the time it takes to photograph and edit photographs

-the cost of listing each design on Etsy (and the small chunk Etsy takes out for the sale)

These are just a few of the considerations, not to mention sending out patterns and addressing questions from my customers.

I've never really taken the time to sit down and explain why my tutorials are priced what they are and I've often thought myself, why would someone purchase a tutorial from me if they can buy a magazine from interweave for $6 and get a whole gaggle of tutorials?

In the end, I think it comes down to a few things, my customers like my style and want to wear my creations, they like the idea of having the designer "on call" if there are any problems, and they trust that my designs are well-written and illustrated and easy to follow and reliable and that when they're finished they'll have a piece that looks just like mine (albeit with a few color variations).

So, thank you to those of you who have purchased my designs to make and create and who have been kind enough to honor me and the time and effort that goes into each design.

In return, I'd like to give you something.

I've thought long and hard about this and I'm making some changes to the permissions for my patterns.

I still request that you don't make versions of my designs to sell online.

However, if you're doing an outdoor or indoor handmade market this year and would like to offer a few versions of my designs to sell, I don't have a problem with this.

I only ask that you label your pieces:

Created by: (your name)

And one more thing, I encourage you to try to create your own designs. Pick a stitch that you love and play around with it to see what you come up with (and be sure to label those pieces Created and Designed by: Me!)

Enjoy your Christmas designing and be sure to check out Craftsy in the meantime for some great gift projects.

Thanks again for your support!

Enjoy your weekend!

Artisan Clay: The Clock and Dagger

2011-09-30T05:33:00.000-07:00

This month, Kristie sent us buttons.....buttons....wha??

To be fair, she let us pick our poison, and I chose the long skinny blue button right in the center of this picture. (I suppose I was feeling a challenge)

Here's my creation:

I must say, I love the way it came out. It's very Pirate Steampunk-ish.

Kind of a cross between Sherlock Holmes meets H.G.Wells meets Jack Sparrow.

I took Kristie's button, sawed and distressed two thin sheets of copper, riveted them to the two center holes of the button and then riveted them together along the outside.

The center is a clock gear and a watch hand (both of which spin!) and I hung it from the outside rivets with a couple of Elaine Ray beads that were hanging around in my stash and some deep copper chain.

I wasn't planning on listing it, however, if you know you'll be shopping this Christmas for a Steampunk Pirate and want to pick up a funky necklace with some moveable watch gears that also has secret time travel powers, you can convo me here.

Enjoy your weekend and drop by Kristie's blog to see all the other artists' creations from her design team!

MIssFickleMedia Update

2011-09-27T05:41:00.000-07:00

Okay,

I talked to Shannon yesterday about the oval links and she told me she's been having trouble with her supplier and doesn't know when she'll be able to get some more links in. (Boooo!)

So...

I thought I'd show you one of my other pendants that I created with her links to give you some options.

This pendant uses the same exact method as the oval pendant from the tutorial (see previous post) but with some slight differences.

What you'll need for this pendant:
- A MissFickleMedia connector (25mm)

- Size 8, 11 and 15 beads in whatever colors you choose

Follow the instructions from the previous tutorial with these changes:

1. Round 1: Add a size 8, size 11, and size 8.

2. Round 2: Add a size 11 of a different color in this round. (or try the same color for a different effect)

3. Round 3: Alternate between adding two size 15's and one size 11 in the same color.

4. Round 4: Add one size 11 in your fifth color.

If you'd like to suspend a bead in the center, use an eye pin and slip it onto the connector between two beads. Create the loop at the top of the pendant as you did for the oval pendant, and hang your pendant!

You really can't go wrong with this method, you get the fancy look of beadwoven jewelry with clean lines and simple shapes that are very modern. (To be honest with you, I like big grand pieces, but when you've got beader's ADD, this is a perfect project.)

Let me say, if you really, really, want the oval look. Go ahead and search on Etsy for "metal oval links" or "metal oval connectors". I did find a few that had color to them, but I honestly can't recommend a product that I've never used. Artbeads.com and Fusion Beads also has some untreated links that are just solid copper or silver.

Oh, and stay tuned because when I talked to Shannon, I put in an order for a handful of her 16mm links! I asked her to put together a custom order for me. I've got three each of these gorgeous links headed in my direction and plans to work some pendant magic!

Have a great day all and thanks so much for your response to the tutorial,

I'm glad you enjoyed it!

Free Jewelry Tutorial! - The $10 Handmade Christmas Gift

2011-09-24T06:02:00.000-07:00

Christmas is close y'all.

I know the economy stinks and everyone is trying to find a way to give really special and unique gifts for less money and handmade....by you that is....is the way to go.

I've had quite a few requests for a tutorial explaining my secret behind the Looking Glass Pendant that I created a while back.

So, I thought, why not make a free tutorial explaining exactly how to create it.

This one is simple, and I mean even-if-you're-not-a-beadweaver simple.

I've given you steps, pictures and even cross-section illustrations, so you can do this.

I completed this one in an hour and It's unique and interesting, and you can make the whole thing for about $10 and an hour of your time.

Ready?

Here's what you'll need:

- MissFickleMedia oval connector (you could also use her round links)

- Size 8 Matte Gun Metal Japanese Seed Beads (A)

- Size 11 Japanese Seed Beads Metallic Iris Purple (B)

- Size 8 Raku Plum/Teal Iris Japanese Seed Beads (C)

- Size 11 Matte Pewter Japanese Seed Beads (D)

- Size 15 Silver-Lined Dark Teal Japanese Seed Beads (E)

- Wildfire beading thread (or Fireline, but do not use nymo)

- Size 12 beading needle

- one jump ring (any size)
-chain of any color and size that you'd like

*Please note: Change it up! Don't like turquoise or purple? Shannon has the coolest colors of links that you could use to combine colors.

Here's how you'll do it:

1. Cut a length of thread 5' in length and tie the thread onto the oval connector using a double knot and leaving a 6" tail.

2. String 1A, 1B, 1A.

*Pass your needle through the connector from the back and up through the second A bead that you added. This will form a loop around the metal connector, and hook the second A to the metal edge. Pull tight so that the size 11 beads pops up between the two size 8 beads.

3. String 1B and 1A and complete step 2 from the * above.

Complete step 3 until you have gone completely around the metal connector. You'll be working in a clockwise direction.

4. When you come to the end, string just 1B, pass down through the first A that you added in Step 2. Loop your thread around the metal connector and come back up through that same A. Pull tight.

5. Pass back through the B that you just added. String 1C and pass through the next B. Continue in this manner working around the connector (flip it over so you're not working in a counter-clockwise direction.) After you add the last C, pass through the B and the first C that you added.

Tip: Try to use "fatter" beads in the curves where the gaps between size B beads are larger and skinnier beads along the edges where the gaps are smaller.

6. If you are in a curve of the pendant, add 2D (choose slimmer beads) and pass through the next C. If you are along one of the edges of the pendant, string only 1D. Continue around the pendant in this manner, adding 2D along the curves of the pendant where the gaps are larger, and 1D along the edges where the gaps are slimmer. When you come to the end, pass through the C and the first D that you added in this round.

TIP: You'll have to be very intuitive. If the bead feels like it's sitting too tight in the gap, take it out and choose a slimmer bead.

7. String 2E and pass through the next D (or 2D if you're in a curve). Continue in this manner around the pendant until you have completed the last outside row and pass through the 2D.

8. Pass your needle through the beadwork until you have exited from 2E that are sitting at the top of the pendant. String 5B and pass through the next 2E. This will create a loop on top of the pendant that you'll string your jump ring on.

Pass your needle into the beadwork, knot the thread around some of the threads in the beadwork. Do this two or three times with the working thread and the tail thread. Trim the excess.

And you're done!

String your pendant on some chain. You can wear it high or low, or even attach a little charm in the center.

Try making it in different colors. Try using one of Shannon's round links instead of the oval. (The upside to the round link? Because there are no sharp curves, the beading will be much more even, no adding two beads instead of one.)

(Look closely at the silver beads in this photo. Do you see how I have doubled them along the curves of the oval. This will account for the extra width between your C beads as you come to the curves.)

I hope you enjoy creating and giving handmade this holiday season.

Also, if you'd like to continue creating presents with beadweaving this Christmas.

My shop is packed full of tutorials here.

Shannon's shop, MissFickleMedia, is also packed full of goodies for making gifts.

Enjoy your weekend all!

High Fashion Inspiration

2011-09-22T05:17:00.000-07:00

I normally avoid the drama of reality shows.

That said...my favorite Friday morning activity is catching up on Thursday night Project Runway.

I find the process of creating with limitations to be so inspiring and I'm a sucker for a good color mix or flawless execution of a design.

So, I often find myself perusing the fashion runway for inspiration on shape and color and I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you.

I tried to pick a good selection of color combos that I saw popping up in all the designers work, and also to pick some of the more "wearable" fashions that us plebians would consider more accessible.

(notice I didn't use the word affordable!)

First up is a Fall 2011 design from Italian design house Etro.

Why this works:

My mother (artist extraordinare) always told me that the darker color should be on the bottom giving the eye a base or foundation and the lighter colors on top, it draws attention to the face and

it creates balance and keeps the design from looking too top heavy.

I'm going to agree. Especially on this look.

I love the flow of dark to light from the bottom up and the dark sleeves add a nice contrast without being too heavy.

In jewelry, however, you might want to work it backwards. Have the necklace fade to darker colors as it makes the turn around the neck, drawing the attention toward the focal pendant or bead which hands just below the face of the wearer, again drawing attention to the face.

In this design from Gucci, the palette is very understated.

Just two colors with a gray foundation to avoid overkill of the teal.

(Very Katherine Hepburn if you ask me.)

This is a great tip if you have a very intense focal pendant that is full of eye-catching color. Don't try to create a necklace that competes with the focal. Make the necklace simply a backdrop using a neutral color to really show off the brightness of the focal.

This next one is Dior and my favorite color palette of the bunch.

This garnet, almost plum color is gorgeous on its own, but the lime green really adds interest to the whole ensemble.

I think that's a great tip, the next time your monochromatic design feels a little blah, try adding a pop of color from the opposite side of the color wheel for a little flash.

Also, if you'll notice, the designer has mixed finishes in this outfit, the sheen of the satin dress contrasted with the soft brushed wool of the coat.

Try mixing fabric beads with lampworked beads to achieve the same look.

Another Christine Dior features that same plum color mixed with a deep almost royal blue.

I'm really partial to tailored styles and I like the cut of this jacket.

This is another very simple color palette, but by keeping the colors both very dark and intense, the mix is pleasing to the eye and very balanced.

I think this would look good in a stripe, maybe of differing widths in a cuff.

This last design is from Pilotto and is a twist on the classic red/black color scheme.

In this dress, the red is a more muted softer rust and the white neckline is almost a soft gray.

By softening up your colors, you create a palette that is less harsh and more pleasing to the eyes.

I also added the deeper rust to the color palette for a little additional depth.

I hope you found one or two of these palettes inspiring and I think there's a lot to be learned about color and balance from these top designers.

Each of these photos can be found here as part of the Fall 2011 collection and I created the color palettes on my own to inspire you to try your own designs inspired by high fashion.

What are you inspired by these days?

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Fall Soup

2011-09-17T06:23:00.000-07:00

I was so glad to get my soup from Patty Miller.

She sent me such a beautiful copper pendant, some gorgeous coral rounds and czech glass.

Her pendant and toggle were handmade by her, etched and patinaed and I really fell in love with the richness of the color.

I wanted to create a warm piece with beautiful colors and I really love the resulting piece.

Thank you Patty!

I hope you all enjoy hopping around and visiting soups today.

Thanks Lori for putting the whole thing together!

I had so much fun with my soup and I'm looking forward to the next installment!

Be sure to stop by Lori's blog for the list, and by Patty's website for some beautiful copper components.

Have a great weekend!

A very real question...

2011-09-15T05:06:00.000-07:00

First of all, thank you for your sweet comments on my necklace yesterday,
they definitely made me smile. :)

I'm so enjoying working with metal, and if you're thinking at all about getting into it, I highly suggest it, it's definitely worth it.

It is a slightly more expensive hobby than beading, but you are truly only limited by your imagination.

My question is this:

What are your thoughts about silver vs. copper?
Do you own any silver jewelry?

Do you own any copper jewelry?

Which do you like more and why?

Have you recently purchased either?

I bought a sliver of silver not long ago about the size of my palm to use for rings and swallowed hard when I saw the purchase price.

I'd like to buy more but I'm in a debate with myself based solely on the cost.

I'd just like to hear some other opinions.

Thanks again for your comments, and for those of you who asked, I won't be selling this piece.

It's really my first completed piece of jewelry, and I think I'll be wearing and enjoying it this fall!

Have a great day guys!

Something Solid

2011-09-14T05:25:00.000-07:00

I wanted it to look like it was falling.

Like it had tumbled from the low-hanging branch of a majestic forest king.

A tree that was perhaps the last of its kind.

And I had been lucky enough to stand under that tree at that moment to catch the last remnants of what would soon be forgotten.

It's solid through and through. Each little leaf point cut by hand.

A solid piece of creek jasper sporting all the colors of the northern hemisphere in October.

Polished and rubbed by hand with little creek jasper dangles
that move like autumn leaves floating from autumn trees.

No, it's not silver, it's copper.
But I'd make it copper again even if I had the choice.
Besides, I'm not accustomed to accepting another's definition of "precious".

Something solid.

A Book Review

2011-09-10T06:46:00.000-07:00

First off, allow me to say that I am probably a little biased when it comes to this book review considering the author is the one and only person I've ever taken jewelry-making classes from.

However, I also spent a little over three years as a teacher whose job was to make information accessible, understandable, and organized, so I know a good textbook when I see it, and this one is excellent.

The book is

Jewelry Lab: 52 Experiments, Investigations and Explorations in Metal

by Melissa Manley

I was so impressed with the way she organized the book.

It contains 52 "labs" designed to act as a springboard for the beginner metal artist.

Each lab will teach you a basic skill in metalworking and they become progressively more challenging as you work through the book.

In the first few labs, you're working with just hands and hammers manipulating metal into shapes and creating beautiful textures using found objects.

(I remember Melissa telling me one of her favorite textures for metal was concrete!)

From there, Melissa teaches the basics of etching, rolling, soldering, and riveting.

She also explains how to use non-traditional objects in jewelry to create the found look that has become her trademark.

At the beginning of the book, she explains materials and tools and at the end, she leaves you with charts and resources that will end up being your best friend in the studio.

I highly recommend this book if you're just becoming interested in metalworking, it's like a full course of Metals 101 for a fraction of the price.

The most common response I've heard from others who have purchased her book is a resounding
"I can do this!" and you can.

It's a beginning point, a springboard to creativity and I suggest buying a little notebook to keep with you as you work through the book, to give yourself space to jot down your own ideas and paths that you want to follow using her techniques as your base.

Thanks Melissa for such a great resource for us beginning metalsmithers and for taking the guesswork out of working with metal!

For more info, check out her sites:
Blog: http://melissamanleystudios.blogspot.com/

website: http://melissamanleystudios.com/

From Amanda:

2011-09-06T04:55:00.000-07:00

"I have been thinking about what I've learned from your patterns, and I think it's mostly been about color.

Color is one of the things I love about working with beads, but I have dealt with it in a very conservative way, mostly using similar colors and shades. Your designs use contrasting colors in a very elegant way, and that's been a great challenge for me as I work with them.

I have felt that most when making La Catedral - every time I go round the bangle I am adding colors or shades, and it makes me feel like a painter, using a broad palette to get a beautiful end result."

Thank you.

Here and There

2011-09-02T20:33:00.000-07:00

Just wanted you to know that the instructions for making this:

and this:

also this:

and if you're feeling gutsy, this:

Also, if you want to make this:

here's a bigger photo:

Hope these color combos inspired you!

Also, there are only two days left if you'd like to purchase a piece of jewelry from my shop and for the next two jewelry purchasers, there is a 25% refund waiting for you.

On September 6th, I'm deactivating all my jewelry listings. If you want something, now's your only chance.

Enjoy your Labor Day Weekend.

Thank you isn't enough...

2011-08-30T04:50:00.000-07:00

Just a note to say we made through the hurricane without any problems.

12 hrs. without power was the worst and then the game of pick-up sticks the next day!

Also, Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you...

to the sweet ladies who have taken little pieces of my creative journey off my shelves and made them theirs, I can't thank you enough.

I reached 500 sales yesterday and my offer still stands...

If you purchase a piece of jewelry in my shop, I will refund you 25% of the purchase price.

This offer is only valid for the next four customers and only until September 5th (whichever comes first).

Thank you so much, from the bottom (and top) of my heart.

Transformation, Transition and Peace

2011-08-26T06:12:00.000-07:00

As I write this, my world is holding its breath.

Anticipation hangs in the air like a palpable cloud and the raw force of wind and atmosphere stands poised to barrell through my front door.

via lewfoster

The trees know it, their roots push deep gripping the packed clay, white-knuckled against driving winds and pelting rain.

The sea knows also, she swells to make room for surging tides and waves that will slam into loose sand pulling everything into her abyss.

The people know as well, water, food, power all well-stocked and ready for days on their own.

Irene.

Did you know the name means Peace?

Peace - "freedom from any strife or dissention"

It is a true description of my mind in preparation for her arrival.

via Pinterest

You see, it started this summer with the addition of a new set of skills.

Learning how to create with flame and stone.

The manipulation of metal into shape and form.

And once again my mind is filled to the brim with ideas, shapes, and possibilities.

This summer also brought growth.

Of a little boy on a bike and a little girl with a crayon, and the realization that I am needed to usher in more growth.

The healing of a woman who is my rock and her slow and steady march toward whole.

And as summer has begun to crawl into autumn, the change has become as palpable as Irene's arrival and I am fully aware of the need for more change and transformation.

The need to move from a path that I've been walking to a different path, one slightly more narrow, but much more rewarding.

There are books to be read and games to be played.

Languages to be spoken and bikes to be ridden.

Papers to write and proof-read and homes to be cared for.

There are letters to be drawn carefully, first as sticks and then as swirls.

There are colors to be learned and tests to be taken.

There are dogs to walk and entire planets to be discovered.

And I? I am needed...needed for all of this...and more than that, wanted as well.

via Pinterest

So as the world closes its doors to August and opens its windows to September I do the same.

You won't see me around here much anymore.

I'm leaving the keyboard for something more real, something with deeper substance and the precious time that I have will be jealously guarded and used in creation.

I have felt the desire to create again, this time with fire and flash of flame and with the stolen moments that I have I want to be free to do so.
To pour out my heart into my hands and watch it become silver and stone.

My little beads that have taken this journey with me for three years are becoming less and less the star of the show and though they still stand as little reminders of what I can do when determined, they have become a stepping stone left behind in a path of learning.

My shop will remain open until September 5th and the pieces of my heart stocked on its little shelves will still be there for you if you'd like them, but they will be the last.
On September 5th, everything will dissappear with the exception of the tutorials (I still believe firmly in knowledge shared) and my offerings of beaded things will be no more.

I'm sure little pieces will find their way to the shop in the future, but it will not be beads.
My heart is being pulled in a different more firm direction, and I must follow.

I still have commitments to keep and my embroidery class will still go on as planned, but I'm re-evaluating my time spent and where it should be spent and making decisions accordingly.

Thank you for your support in the past and even now.
It has truly been an honor to create for those of you who have trusted in my ability to teach and have wanted my offerings as part of a collection of adornments that could have come from any number of talented artists.

I'm off now to move porch furniture and tie down a trampoline and wait for the waves of wind to wash over my city and my home.
May your autumn begin and continue as mine has, with a wave of peace.

New Tutorial!

2011-08-24T06:04:00.000-07:00

Finally put the finishing touches on my

Arc Pendant Tutorial!

It includes the materials list for the Teal version, and a new garnet version that I created just for the tutorial.

You can find the tutorial here.

I've also added it to my listing for my Pendant Tutorial Bundle, so you can buy two pendants and get the third absolutely free!

That listing is here.

Happy Beading y'all!

On its way...

2011-08-22T04:48:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow, there will be a new tutorial in the shop.

A pendant this time, in the most beautiful upside down romanesque arch.

In a new colorway to complement the first two.

On its own, or part of a team.

However you'd like it.

Stay tuned.

Class is in session...

2011-08-19T04:55:00.000-07:00

My online class, Embroidery Made Easy is in full swing and already I'm enjoying it!

I've got three wonderful students this round and they are so eager to learn and have definitely brought their own goals and aspirations to the class.

It's been a joy to see their interest and enthusiasm and I'm looking forward to seeing their finished products.

via Pinterest

The class project is a pendant, but by the end of the course, they'll have all the tools they need to create one of a kind pieces of embroidered jewelry just bursting with color and originality.

So far, I've got my three students for round two, and I've got one open space for round three.

I'm not giving any specific dates for start times because I'm waiting to see if the class really does take the planned one week or if we need to stretch a little to fit all the information in.

If you'd like to be a part of the class in the future, please contact me via e-mail: abney_m(at)yahoo.com.

Send me your full name and e-mail address that you'd like to use for the class and I'll let you know what round your in.

If you'd like more information, please click here.

Also, hopefully you'll see some new work from me next week. I've been battling some neck and shoulder issues so I've been taking it slow. Looking forward to creating again when my body is ready.

Enjoy your weekend!

My Bead Soup Partner

2011-08-15T04:48:00.000-07:00

This round, I was paired up with Patty of Cabari Beads.

I was delighted to find that she does some of the coolest things with copper and lampwork beads.

These little lampwork hearts are just the cutest!

I've already sent my beads out to her. (I hope they make it there!)

I can't wait to see what she does with my little collection of goodies.

I was also very inspired with all of the copper I've been working with lately and it really influenced my color palette.

(Of course, I forgot to take a picture!)

I hope everyone is getting their soups and the creative wheels are churnin'!

Have a great Monday!

Sign-ups are here!

2011-08-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

Okay, today is the day!

If you're interested in my online bead embroidery workshop/tutorial, today is the day to sign up!

I'll need you to send an e-mail to

abney_m(at)yahoo.com

with the title

"Embroidery Sign-Ups"

be sure to include your full name and the e-mail address you would like me to use to contact you.

Sign-ups will remain open until the end of the day tomorrow.

After I have received all the sign-ups, I will contact you with more information.

Thank you guys!

If you'd like to know more, please click here.

I used to be anti-cab...

2011-08-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

I still am if your intent is to do bead embroidery around it.

I can't stress enough how much I like a well-cut bead for an embroidery focal....

however....

if it's going to be set in stone...

I'll take a cab.

These are amethyst drusy.

They're itty bitty droplet sizes that will become a ring for my little sis with a February birthday.

Banded agate in a perfect dome that reminds me of the ocean hitting the sand.

It's also destined for the finger of another little sis and will probably be worn all fall.

This Crazy Lace Agate was purchased in answer to a request for pink from the third little sis.

(They are all forever at a loss for pink...I seem to be the only one in the family with no true love for the color!)

This little sis doesn't wear rings or bracelets, so it will inevitably become a necklace.

This?

Picasso Jasper.

Mine and gorgeous.

It will be a necklace definitely, I'm just waiting on it to get here.

These days I'm feeling not quite so anti-cab...

I do believe it's the possibilities...

Now...if I can only find the time!

Enjoy your Wednesday!

Changes...

2011-08-09T05:12:00.000-07:00

I've been spending a lot more time outside in the little work shed, late at night, with the deer that I can hear rustling the leaves in the trees out back, and the creepy crawlies that find their way into my workspace under doors and through little holes.

My seed beads sit quietly neglected indoors while I'm away pounding, sawing, hammering, heating...

On Saturday night, it all came together perfectly, and I completed my first ring made with stone and copper and earth elements.

It was just a practice stone so it's a little knicked and banded and a tad irregular, but it's not the quality of the materials that makes this so important...

It's the feeling of accomplishment and pride in watching it all come together, and being able to do it on my own.

And no, it's not silver and yes, I wore it all day and ended up with a little tinge of brussel sprout green around my finger...

but it's okay, because I made the brussel sprout green ring and will probably make three or four more before I decide to go in for the kill and buy silver. (or I'll wait too long and it'll be $60 an ounce)

Either way, I feel blessed to have been given the opportunity to learn something new and I can't wait to see what else lies in wait to be created from my hands.

In the meantime, my sisters and I have been on a little cab shopping spree, so you will see a little more metal and stone around here and probably a tad less seedies (but, shhh, don't tell them that!)

Fusion Beads Sale!

2011-08-07T04:27:00.000-07:00

Today only, Fusion Beads has put its little faceted 7x5mm teardrops, drilled top to bottom, on sale!

(These are just a few of the colors I think are amazing!)

So if you have my Shooting Stars Tutorial...

or my Bollywood Bling Ring Tutorial...

then take the opportunity to save some money on buying supplies!

You will need:

25 teardrops to make the bracelet as is (5 per star if you'd like to create components)

4 teardrops for the bollywood ring.

If you'd like either of these tutorials and don't already have them, my shop will be back open tomorrow morning, but I wanted to give you the heads up on the sale as it ends tomorrow at 4pm Pacific Time!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Studio Saturday: Found

2011-08-06T05:13:00.000-07:00

I am amazed by artists who work with found materials.

Craftsmen who can see an object not for what it is, but for what it should be.

Antique documents create patterns trapped in silver by PinkCrowStudio

I think that that little piece of "found" is so lucky to be given new life and a new chance...

Tree nuts from Costa Rican rainforests frame the butterfly in Kokeliko's belt buckle

to become something more than just the pages of a book, or the gears of a machine...

The frame? An antique cake mold...from Sanctumornamentum

but to be worn and loved and take on a meaning that is so much deeper than their intended purpose...

You must read ReactionDesign's reason for filling this vessel with batteries.

to be saved from a landfill long after they've been used up...

Part of a motherboard...via Bitterfruitjewelry

and to become a small part of a whole that's creative and imaginative and brings an unconventional smile to an unconventional face.

A puppy dog to hold your jewelry by Reclaim2Fame

What's your little piece of "found"?

The Modernization of an Art Form

2011-08-03T05:33:00.000-07:00

I've mentioned before how I find it disturbing when I hear other beaders say that beadweaving is no longer "in" as an art form, and that no one wants to purchase beadwoven work and it's impossible to sell beadwoven jewelry.

I don't think that the problem is the art form itself.

I mean, isn't that like saying that knitting is just too old an art form and no one will ever want knitted pieces? (The magazine aisle in my Barnes and Noble says otherwise).

I'm sure the Greeks also told Michaelangelo when he started working on David...."Hey Mike! Sculpture is sooo yesterday!".

Well, it didn't stop him and it shouldn't stop you either no matter what your art form.

It's just another part of the challenge.

Can I take an ancient technique (sewing, knitting, mosaic, metalsmithing, etc...) and create something modern, fresh?

I believe you can.

These pendants, I'm calling them Arch Pendants were created using the pattern for my La Catedral Bangle. The pattern was definitely tweaked somewhat to create the arch, but for the most part it's the same pattern.

A modern shape from an ancient technique that most definitely is not out of style.

And just for good measure, I created another bangle.

This one in shimmery copper.

That makes three of these that I currently have in my possession.

I've got plans to make more.

The beadweaving is so therapeutic with these and repetitive.

The structure is sturdy as well and they feel very architectural when worn.

I've listed the pendants in my shop, in Teal and Copper.

Also, the Copper Bangle is in there along with the Tutorial in case you're one of those artists who's all hung up on creating things using ancient techniques that you can only find in dusty books amongst other ancient writings.

Embroidery Made Easy: UPDATED INFORMATION

2011-08-01T06:34:00.000-07:00

First of all, thanks everyone for your sweet comments on my piece Friday!

I'm glad you liked the design and as for how I riveted...

The good old fashioned way...little tubes of copper, a drill, and a center punch. (It's the way I was taught, so it's the only way I know how!)

Okay, I promised you all the information for the online course about bead embroidery that I've been working up, and here's the rundown of all the information:

This online tutorial is unlike any tutorial that I've done before. It's very similar to an e-course with lessons, videos, written explanations, photos, and all the knowledge about bead embroidery that I've accumulated and discovered over the past three years in a blog format.

It's a bead embroidery workshop that you'll do from the comfort of your own home, using your own materials and creativity to create easy, wearable pieces of embroidery that can be completed in one to two hours.

Here's what you'll find in this course:

- Information on materials...beads, focals, thread, foundation...that you'll use to create your pieces. Along with websites to help you find your materials easily.

- Step by step instructions on the stitches you'll need to create your pieces, including two stitches that I've developed on my own which combine beadweaving with bead embroidery.

- Photos and videos taken by me to illustrate the techniques that I use in my own embroidery.

- Interaction with me and the other students in the class through postings so that you can ask and answer questions. I've changed the format a little to give you more time to explore the techniques on your own, and required a little less interaction so that you have time to create.

- Specific instructions to create the class project: The Sound of the Sea Pendant

- Information on expanding your knowledge to create embroidered pieces that can be worn as bracelets, rings, and even headbands.

WHO:

- I am capping the number of students in the class to 3 so that I don't feel overwhelmed with the number of students and it will be first come first serve.

- If you don't get in the first time, don't worry, I'll offer it again for those that missed out.

WHEN:

*I'm moving the start date because my dad is popping in for a visit and we'll be busy vacationing with him! So..

- The official start date for the class is ~~August 10th.~~ August 19th.

- Sign-ups will start on August 12th so that you'll have a week to gather materials and prep for the class.

- The class should take no longer than one week to finish.

WHERE:

- The class will be hosted on Blogger. You will need an account with Blogspot.

Note: You do not have to have a blog, just an account through blogger so that you can comment and access the material.

- You will also need an account on YouTube as the videos will be accessible only if you have an account. (Because YouTube is owned by Google, if you have a Google ID, you should be able to access both Blogger and YouTube)

PRICE:

*This is also where I've made a significant change!

- The price will be up to you.

The truth is, I understand that right now, it's economically difficult for everyone, but creativity doesn't bow to the economy and I understand the desire to learn something new and to grow in your creative reach.
I've also been so blessed by your support in the past and I wanted to extend that back to you, so for this online tutorial, you'll be able to pay what you can at this time.

I've really thought long and hard about it this weekend and decided that this was what I wanted to do.
After you've signed up and reserved your spot, I'll give you more information on how to pay.

Thank you all for your support up to this point, and I can't wait to share what I have learned with you and watch you creating your own beautiful pieces of bead embroidery.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Artisan Clay Design Team Reveal Day

2011-07-29T05:34:00.000-07:00

I knew when I opened the box that I was in for a challenge.

I've honestly never bought and/or owned a donut of any kind...ceramic or otherwise, so I knew this was going to be interesting.

I didn't want to do beads.

Mostly because I'm trying to develop a new set of skills, and the best way to do that is to practice, practice, practice.

So, I pierced and sawed two little medallions out of a copper sheet, sanded and patinaed and then riveted them together, using the tension and tightness of the sheets to hold the donut in place.

I was really inspired by art deco architecture.

I like the lines...how they kind of arch and flow...it reminds me of a suspension bridge with passengers trying to stare up out of their car windows to get a better glimpse of the details.

I'm also so pleased with how the little tube rivets came out. I finally broke down and bought a good set of tools for making tube rivets and it was well worth the $20 that I spent on it.

The rivets came together so easily and I'm so pleased with the little flairs around the edges.

I've put this little ode to American History in the shop.

I call it Suspended.

I do hope you'll check out all the creations this month from Kristie's team.

Thanks for stopping by!

Stellar Obsession

2011-07-28T04:46:00.000-07:00

My sweet little nephew has developed an obsession for all things astronomical.

I think it was my fault.

I brought home the giant book of planets, galaxies, moons and nebulae that has had him enamored for the past week.

The Eagle Nebula

To tell you the truth, I think we're both enamored.

And it's starting to creep into my creative mind, I can't help it....

Flat sheets of copper are becoming nebula when I'm not watching, emerging from under a jeweler's saw and exploding into the air with flames of dust and gas.

Capturing the heat of a thousand stars and the infinite bigness that is our universe.

My first set stone...

in honor of nebula with a thousand suns and a little boy with a stellar obsession.

Wednesday's News

2011-07-27T06:00:00.000-07:00

The newsletter goes out today!

Here's a sneak peek of what you'll find in this issue:

I've also added some important information on my bead embroidery tutorial called Embroidery Made Easy.

If you haven't signed up for the newsletter, be sure to do so, it goes out this afternoon!

Open for Business, Closed on Sunday.

2011-07-25T04:07:00.000-07:00

I came across something interesting a couple of weeks ago.

It was an online shop with....business hours?

I thought the point of online was that it was open 24 hrs.!

But I started thinking,

it makes perfect sense...

the shop owner simply didn't want to do business after 7pm EST time and because it was her shop she didn't have to.

So, yesterday I put my shop on vacation and didn't think about it all day.

It was nice not to think about sending out tutorials on time or worrying about missing a transaction and I found myself passing by the computer more than once and not checking my e-mail at all.

But, what if I miss a sale?

I figured, anyone who really wants a piece of mine or a tutorial will come back and get it later, and they'll know that they can come on Monday when the shop will re-open.

It was a true weekend with no "work" involved.

So, from here on out, my shop will be closed on Sunday and will re-open on Monday morning.

It will say so in the announcements and I'm planning on going back and working it into my shop policies.

I hope you all had a wonderful and restful weekend and that you have an equally wonderful Monday!

Studio Saturday: Where I've been

2011-07-23T04:44:00.000-07:00

Now is normally the time of the week when I get to show you all the new things I've been diligently creating. The beautiful pieces of embroidery, the set stones lovingly oxidized and polished by hand....

yeah...I got nothin'.

The metalworking has been a slow and creeping process. It seems so easy when I'm at my teacher's studio. The solder flows fluidly, the seems line up perfectly...and then I get home and wonder how many times you can actually pickle a piece of metal and not change its molecular composition.

Anyway, when I'm not working on metal, I've been working on another little project:

A bead embroidery e-course!

I field a lot of questions about my bead embroidery and it dawned on me that I could pass on all that knowledge at once when a wonderful bead buddy suggested to me that I create an e-course!

Here's what the course will contain:

- Instructions for creating bead embroidery projects from start to finish

- Videos, created by me, illustrating every step of the process

- Specific instructions on creating my Sound of the Sea Pendant:

- Information for bead embroidering in headbands, rings, bobby pins, pendants, bracelets, anything you can imagine.

- Specific edging techniques including picot and the chain edging that I've used above.

- You'll also be able to ask and answer questions about the process while trying out all the stitches.

It'll basically include everything I've learned and created in my process of working with Bead Embroidery.

I'll post more information later about the specifics of when it will start, cost, etc., but for today only I've opened it so that you can have a little sneak peek at the course site.

Click the link to take you to the sneak peek:

Embroidery Made Easy

Have a great weekend all and I'll keep you posted next week for more details!

No News Wednesday

2011-07-20T05:02:00.000-07:00

No news today.

Last night was mostly frustrating and unfruitful.

Couldn't get the solder to flow...messed up a tube rivet...just frustrating all the way around.

Un recuerdo...

2011-07-19T05:46:00.000-07:00

A reminder...

of the intention behind our creation...

of being purposed...

of being bella...

Studio Saturday: New Tutorial!

2011-07-16T05:12:00.000-07:00

Okay, yes, it is a new tutorial, but not published by me.

This one is currently in the Quick and Easy section of Beadwork for the Aug/Sep issue!

I totally agree with the fact that it should be in the easy category, but there really ain't nothing quick about it. It's like my Fire and Ice Cuffs design in that it takes a lot of perseverence to get all the way through the pattern enough times to create the little pieces for the bracelet.

It really does look great when you've got it finished though.

It's wide and kind of chunky and you're only limited to your imagination when it comes to the colors.

It features 4mm round gemstones which are probably my favorite size gemstone and about the only ones that you can beadweave with.

It also has the instructions for the three-bead herringbone toggle that a lot of you had asked me about previously.

Just as a side note: In case you're thinking, "Didn't she create that ages ago?"

The answer is yes. The date on these photos is October 10, 2010. Almost a full year ago, which, if you're interested in submitting to a magazine, is something to think about.

If I publish a tutorial myself, I can usually have the tutorial completed within one to two weeks of creating the design, however, if I decide to submit it, the process could take anywhere from six months to a year.

Beadwork is not as seasonal as some other magazines like Stringing or Bead Trends.

What I mean by that is that they are always looking for good submissions and a beadwoven piece can usually be transformed by simple color choice into something appropriate for the season.

(Unlike a Stringing piece that may have a snowflake pendant or art beads in the shape of autumn leaves)

So, if you decide to submit to a beadweaving publication, definitely look at their submission guidelines to see in general what kind of pieces they are looking for for each issue, but also, create two versions of your piece in very different colorways so that if they choose it, they can see it's potential regardless of the season.

Have a great weekend all and be sure to check out the newest issue of Beadwork, it's on newsstands now.

Oh, and also, I'm still taking submissions for my Customer Gallery! I hope you'll check out the work of the lovely artists who have submitted so far, and if you've created a piece from one of my tutorials (even if it's out of a magazine), I'd love to have you as part of my Gallery!

Enjoy the weekend!

How to Fail Gracefully.

2011-07-14T04:55:00.000-07:00

I blame it on the technological age.

Instant gratification and perfect results have taught us that failure is unacceptable and that something should be done right the first time no matter how difficult or arduous the task.

Or...maybe it hasn't taught us that and we've just come to expect it.

Either way, it's hard to fail at any task and I think too often we equate the failure of an activity with the quality of the individual.

Untrue.

Sometimes it's the necessary result because there are very few lessons learned in success.

Most successes are just another attempt after a string of failures.

So....how to fail?

First of all, don't get angry...it serves no purpose.

Secondly, figure out what you did...go back and think about the steps you took to get there.

Third, try to figure out what went wrong...if nothing comes to mind, then try changing something to see if you get better results. (remember what Einstein said..."The definition of insanity is doing the same thing twice and expecting different results.")

Fourth, write down what you did...it may be the lesson you needed to learn.

Fifth, try again...eventually you will succeed.

I think the most important step is the fifth one.

I'm also learning that just because I've learned how to do "A" pretty well and could probably do it in my sleep, that doesn't necessarily mean that I can do "B" and the two are probably not as closely related as I had previously imagined.

Metalworking is hard and the more I try, the stronger my admiration for metal artists grows.

Try something new today, and don't be afraid to fail, there are lessons to be learned.

all photos via antontang