My Bookshelf: Mixed Metal Mania

I've got a few new books on my bookshelf that I want to share with you. I'll just share a favorite from the book and save you reading several paragraphs.

Mixed Metal Mania by Kim St. Jean is very comprehensive and full of techniques. What I love most is the discussion of "lashing" or the wire sewing cold connection technique I've used repeatedly with glass and found objects.

If you're interested in lashing and many other techniques, you definitely should pick this up!

Tuesday Tangle: Hooking up Wire

Two weeks ago, I finally ordered the pixie bead tutorial from yoola on etsy. Since then, if you read my facebook page, I've been struggling to get the hang of it.

I thought this would be easy, afterall, I've crocheted since I was a kid but I never did thread crochet which probably would be of more help than the larger yarn I've used.

Right now, I'm at the knotty mess phase. You know, where you can't seem to even get past step one?

So I search YouTube for a few tips and hints. Here's a good one for those of us who are quite sure how that first loop gets started.

Wish me luck as I work my way to step two and three!

Coffee Talk: What's up with the MIA?

It's time to talk folks. I mean, what's up with the MIA, Cindy? You're pretty faithful to the blog and I can't imagine what would take you away.

You're right. What would take me away?

Another website.

That's right, another website. You all know that I have another life as a sign language interpreter. I've found it necessary to develop the business in that field and so it's taken away from the time I have to blog.

The website isn't quite ready to unveil yet. I'm putting all my free time into it. 

While away from blogging, I had to upgrade my iPhone and have discovered a whole range of photography apps. So here's quick snapshot of some of the beads I haven't quite finished. Enjoy your day and I promise I'll be back as soon as I can!

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links!

Did YOU have your doughnut today? If not, go get one and sit down to read the fabulous Friday links!

About.com Jewelry Making
There are lots of recent graduates out there. Here are some jewelry tutorials designed for the graduate.

Art Bead Scene
The trend is bracelets. Check out the cool art bead components ABS found for you!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
t's jewelry "Re Do" time and a giveway of the finished piece

Beading Arts
Wire tutorials and resources galore on Beading Arts this week!

Beads & Books
Michelle shares the bracelet she made with a 4-hole porcelain bracelet bar from Chinook Jewelry.

Carmi's Art Life/World
Carmi features a newly molded pendant on this week's necklace sample.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Look what's sprung up underneath one of Cindy's Red Lotus Pods!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Summer is just days away. Come on over to check out the latest installtion from the Earthenwood Design Team.

Resin Crafts!
Carmi has a four part series on mold making on Resin Crafts blog this week.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews the third in a fine series of books by Marthe Le Van. This one is expressly about rings which you can make in 30 minute or less! And they are OUTRAGEOUSLY gorgeous. Come see!

The Bead Dreamer
Charlene creates a book and an alphabet stepping way outside the box. Don't we all need to from time to time?

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew hosts another great Thursday Giveaway! This time ceramic beads from Golem Studio are up for grabs!

Bead Table Wednesday: Putting it all together

I'm pulling together a black glass mini-dip in a ring length size with a 32mm (1 and 1/4 inch) rich red disk bead and a 12mm Vintaj fairy petals beadcap to make this bold ring.