Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Talk It Up Tuesday....A Different Bead Stash


I just got back from a beach vacation at Sauble Beach. There's nothing like the beach, the sound of the waves, walking on the squishy sand in bare feet and getting out of the heat. It was a blessed 10 degrees cooler near the shores of Lake Huron. I feel really re-charged after a week of doing nothing but reading and walking along the beach.

It's a bead-magpie's ritual to seek out local bead shops and then share the stash you brought back. My bead shop was the beach and my husband and son made fun of my handfuls of pebbles and delicate shells I brought back to dry in the sun. I say, take a good look at them and tell me if you don't see what I do....


Ok, so maybe a few of you are giggling.  I did make a legitimate purchase on a trip to a local artists co-op in Owen Sound. I picked up a clay coffee cup I was smitten with. I love the color of the glaze and the slight sparkle it has to it. When I got home, I went to the cupboard and cleared out 6 unused coffee cups and replaced them with this one.



I didn't spend alot but I came home with some real treasures - a different bead stash but one with more meaning.

Monday, August 30, 2010

Mad AT Monday!

Yup, it's Mad AT Monday and who am I mad at?

YouTube!

That's right, but not for the reason you might think.

Ok, so last week, I spent several hours creating my first ever video for Studio Saturday. Turns out YouTube videos are tagged private automatically and unless you have someone other than yourself test it, you won't catch it. Arghhhhh....proudly, I went off on vacation and was internet-less while the readers of ABS were mightily frustrated trying to watch my private video.

So, if you were one of the frustrated few (I have few but dedicated followers! Insert inspiring quote about how a small group of people is still awesome here), I post the video today on my blog and announce that it's been fixed on ABS.


Saturday, August 28, 2010

Friday, August 27, 2010

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links!

Wanting to keep the HalloweenMas in mind while I'm off enjoying an end of the summer vacation. Don't forget to sign up for the newsletter!



A Bead A Day
Do you like to mix crafting with jewelry making? Lisa is looking for crafty ideas for using a filigree pendant to create a unique piece of jewelry.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy announces her first About.com jewelry making video.

Art Bead Scene
While Art Bead Scene Editor, Cindy Gimbrone is on vacation, she's left us a gem from Studio Saturday - her box of inspiration!

Beading Arts
After receiving a wonderful package of crystals from Auntie's Beads, Cyndi set out to make a bracelet that would show them off!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi was at CHA in Chicago and has a fabulous post about Prima Marketing. 

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
While Cindy's off enjoying the bead-ch, let's get ready for the upcoming HalloweenMas newsletters by checking in on a re-wind. It's Barbe Saint John's magic with Cindy's Calaveraz.

Carmi's Art/Life World
The new Katiedids components are responsible for Carmi's new pearl necklace design.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei shows off her loot from her Bead Fest Philadelphia trip!

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Jean is totally WOWed by the fabulous Margot Potter's latest book: scroll down to read the truly intriguing review of this unique book--it is SO worth it!

Monday, August 23, 2010

Missing Monday and Links!


I was having wayyyyy too much fun this past weekend and I missed the Silly Saturday post - so here are my missing links from the bead blogging world....


A Bead A Day
Do you have plenty of beads in all the right colors? Lisa is exploring the meaning of the color purple and discovers she might need to do some bead shopping!

About.com Jewelry Making
Have you ever thought about expanding your jewelry business but need a little mulla to do so? Then you may want to learn more about this jewelry grant.

Art Bead Scene
It's the Art Bead Scene Monthly Carnival Blog! Join us as we embark on an exploration.

Beading Arts
Chapter three of Cyndi's e-book is available for download! "Dimensional Beading" looks at how to use textural stitches in your bead embroidery!

Carmi's Art/Life World
This week Carmi makes a floral tribute necklace with fabric flowers.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
This week Cindy's Mad for Monday is about the frit.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows the results of her experiments with Ice Resin and LEDs... Light! Science!

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Jean reviews Making Mixed Media Art Charms and Jewelry: not to be missed!

Strands of Beads
Melissa unveils her new Saturn charm.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
For this week's Thursday Giveaway, TWO winners will walk away with beautiful bead sets created by Gaea Ceramic Beads.

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Wednesday Wire: Double Dip Charms

While I'm working on the fall free projects, let's take a look at the free projects I have available on the blog. Here's one of the fastest and easiest ways to use the Double Dips.




Materials:

1 Double Dip in Coral

Tools:

Round nose pliers
Flush cutters that will cut up to 18 ga wire
Chainnose pliers
Optional: steel bench block and chasing/planishing hammer


Directions:

1. Cut the Double Dip in the middle so you have equal length.

2. Make a wrapped loop using the round nose pliers. Please note the 18 gauge wire is dead so it's easy to wrap.

3. Optional: Hammer the loop a couple of times on each side to work harden.

The 18 gauge copper wire gives these charms an ethnic feel. Enjoy!

Monday, August 16, 2010

Mad for Monday....Soft Flex, Flex Your Creativity: Steampunk


Soft Flex, Flex Your Creativity Contest is seeking submissions in the Steampunk Style. This sounds like a great opportunity to submit a creation I've been working on for awhile and use my Bronze Gears and the Industrial Nuts.



If you've been thinking about getting out your spool of Soft Flex, now's the time to do it!

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Friday, August 13, 2010

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links




About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy found some inspiration by way of some very cool clasps!

Art Bead Scene
Get your inspiration on for the August Art Bead Scene Monthly Challenge. Think "Sunrise."

Beading Arts
Do you like art charms? Visit Beading Arts and sign up to win a copy of a brand new book on making them!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi pulls out her buttons to make a jeweled attachment for sweaters.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy previews an upcoming newsletter series, Happy HalloweenMas. Sign up for her newsletter to find out what it's all about.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie joins some up with some hacker friends to play with LEDs and Ice Resin

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Jean continues her analysis of the jewelry designers whom she admires--wait!!!--loves! with some of her favorite seed beaders and weavers on "The Jean's List"!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Do you have a collection of lampwork beads nobody ever sees? Embrace simple, easy designs to showcase your glass treasures! Andrew shares five quick projects to inspire you to finally wear them!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

A New Creative Journey....

I talk alot about creativity and admire those who forge ahead and live a creative life. My son (aka "The Teen") is just embarking on his own creative journey. I'm proud of him for venturing onto a new path of his own making.

Here he is singing one of his original songs called, "Hindsight."

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

Wednesday Wire: Wire Projects for HalloweenMas!


Here's a peek at another wire project I'm working on for the HalloweenMas newsletters coming up. I'll be sending out 8 newsletters chock full of free projects and ideas for Halloween and Christmas beginning in mid-September. If you haven't signed up for my newsletter, click on the link to the right.

If you have any problems, please feel free to email me. I can easily add you to the newsletter list.

HalloweenMas is coming!

Monday, August 09, 2010

Mad for Monday: Frit Part Deux

Ok, my friends, the once in a blue moon hit last week and I completed something in short order! Last Monday's Mad For was about the luscious color palette I had put together in frit. I went online and ordered a few sample packs from Val Cox Frit in Fairy Dust and Champagne Rain.


And then I spent yesterday at the torch creating variations on the Double Dips and Glass Links...




There's a slight reaction between the Fairy Dust and the Avocado (yeah, don't know why they named it "Avocado" - it's not green, it's taupe.) It creates a slight outline between the frit and the base glass that I like very much.

What do you think, my friends?

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Friday, August 06, 2010

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Californigaytion
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical HumorTea Party

A Bead A Day
Lisa's exloring the concept of "happy jewelry"! Stop by and share your thoughts on expressing happiness in your jewelry designs.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has spotted several celebrities who have new jewelry lines and wonders what you think about this.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene gets creative with storing supplies.

Beading Arts
Metal clay is a great material to have in your jewelry-making repertoire!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi whips up a one hour brooch project with left over chain.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy learns that the fourth time can be a charm.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie's friend David Erk Nelson shares a free project from his upcoming book Snip, Burn, Solder, Shred...a stuffed Cthulhu sock toy!

Katie's Beading Blog
See 3 bloggers' ideas for painting metal, stringing crystals and making custom toggles using my new components.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei visits a cool lampwork artist in Atlanta, and tries her hand at making a bead.

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Jean explains a bit more about "The Jean's List", an ongoing selection of her favorite jewelry designers selected from all types of jewelry!

Strands of Beads
Melissa is giving away one of her new fine silver charms this week. Enter now!

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Wednesday Wire: Happy HalloweenMas!

Ok Gang, last week I showed you one of my Skully Bowz beads and asked you what you think I'd make. Those who guessed a ring were right!




I'm in the middle of creating free projects for my fall newsletters - HalloweenMas! If you sign up for the Newsletter, you'll receive weekly free projects that combine Halloween, Day of the Dead and Christmas themes so you can make your gifts in advance and have a truly Handmade Holiday!

The sign up is along the right side of the blog. Happy HalloweenMas!

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Fun Color in Crochet




Ok gang, I just had to show a picture of this! Magda Sayeg of Knitta, Please! made this Smart Car Cozie for a festival in Italy. It combines crochet (my fav!) with another fav, the Smart Car and supplies loads of color inspiration. It's in the spirit of yarn crafts in unexpected places. LOve it!

What about you?

(Photo Credit from the Talking Crochet! magazine newsletter.)

Monday, August 02, 2010

Mad for Monday - Frit!



I'm not a slave to fashion or anything but every so often, I figure I better check out what colors are in style. Honestly, if you've done any shopping lately, I don't know how you can miss the orchid, mauve, deep blue that is out there. Every shirt or blouse I've liked is either orchid or mauve. People have commented on it too, as if it were something I was trying to do. Heck, it's the only color available!

Sometimes I feel that way about glass too. The color palette is dictated by the glass manufacturing companies, meaning you only can get what they make. I don't think any of the factories take a look at the Pantone color palette when they make glass colors.

I add to the palette by using frit. I hopped on over Val Cox Frit to select a few frits that would match the Pantone fall color palette.

First, there's Bittersweet, a deep chocolate brown.


I contrast the Bittersweet with Fairydust, a cool greenish-blue.


Then I'd tie the colors all together using Champagne Rain, a mix of browns, tans and creams.


I'd put the frit on a neutral glass color like white, ivory, black or even taupe. What do you think of my color palette?

Sunday, August 01, 2010