Lampwork Diva aka Cindy Gimbrone

Minding the Business: Be Inspired. Be Brave. Digital Art Pep Talk

2012-01-04T07:00:00.047-05:00

This is a digital collage I made using PhotoShop Elements 8, a Wacom Bamboo tablet and Digital Expressions. It's a visual peptalk to encourage me to step forward and do something of the things I've been dreaming and talking about for a long time. The colors are strong and saturated like a stiff cup of coffee to get me going. A self portrait is paired with one of my favorite glass beads to remind me of my creative self. Text phrases are bent into crowns so I can wear who I am proudly. The entire collage brings together phrases that encourage me to live and work in my own skin.

I know I'm not the only one. You probably feel like this at least sometimes. You might want to make Peptalk Collage for the days when you can't reach your best girlfriend to talk. Making the collage made me think, made me create, made me smile and made me brave.

Eunice Kennedy Shriver puts into words what I need to tell myself when I step out with fear:

Let me win, but if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.

Let me be brave and I wish all of you to be brave but most of all, I want us all to win our dreams.

2012's Mantra: Do and Follow Through

2012-01-03T07:00:00.035-05:00

I've got a mantra for this year in the spirit of KISS (keep it simple, stupid!):

do and follow through

My two weakest areas - stop talking and DO and make sure I FOLLOW THROUGH. I might get to the doing but then I don't always follow through.

I've got an idea to help myself. I don't like to write to do lists because if I do, there are 35 items on it. I find 35 items overwhelming and then I move into procrastination or "what's the use" mode. So, I'm going to limit ANY list to only 3 items.

Yes, I said three - 3 items.

Hopefully that will help.

Hopefully.

So here is item number one:

Post book reviews for next week or so. I like to actually try the projects in each book I review so you get an honest feel for what the book offers. I've held off on the Jewelry for the New Romantic because I don't have many of the beads called for in the projects. I used to use beading wire quite a bit when I first started beading back in 1997 but moved away from it. This is a good reason to re-familiarize myself with what beading wire has to offer.

Jewelry for the New Romantic

I've ordered resin clay and am waiting for it to arrive. I made the rounds of the craft stores to see if anyone carried it and was out of luck. There are lots of exciting projects in The Art of Resin Clay I can't wait to try out.

The Art of Resin Clay

Do you have a word to inspire you onward for 2012?

Happy New Year....a look back on my beady year

2012-01-02T07:00:00.002-05:00

Photo/Graphic Credit - thank you!

Happy 2012 to you! I wanted to blog straight away today. I spent quite a bit of time away last fall and want to start the New Year off with a blog post.

As is tradition, I looked back on 2011 to see what I accomplished and despite the feeling of not getting much done, I actually covered alot of territory.

My 2011 New Year's Resolution was one word: DO. I wanted to stop talking and start making. So, with that in mind, here's a review of 2011's DO.....

... I made new beads......

....I made earrings.....

.....set up Tuesday Tangle for all things related to wire craft.....

...and set up Metal Monday to post on all things metal....

.....bought a rolling mill....

......read and reviewed several awesome books....

Jewelry Designs from Nature

Craft Activism

The Handbook of Metal Clay

Stitch Workshop: Right Angle Weave

...taught myself to create digital art using PhotoShop Elements and PhotoShop....

....gave needle tatting another try and learned how to do it this time.....

....took a Hadar Jacobson class and learned how to make Mokume Gane metal clay....

....taught myself right angle weave (YAY!)....

....rolled some metal....

.....tried to crochet with wire (FAIL)....

...joined in on the Bead Soup Blog Party....

....remodeled my home office/jewelry studio.....

....remodeled the hallway outside my home office/jewelry studio with beads....errr bubbles...

...got the babylock fixed and made a jewelry display....

...I even remodeled in my kitchen...

Guess I fared better with 2011's New Year's resolution than I thought. I think I'll put DO on my 2012 New Year's Resolutions too.

What about you? How do you think your 2011 went?

Gone but not forgotten....to keep creating!

2011-12-27T08:27:00.000-05:00

Hi blogging buddies! It's been awhile since I blogged - life got in the way. Despite my absence from blogging, I've been busy making and creating!


Paper clay beads in drying stage

Cold weather in the northeast signals a move indoors to my office/jewelry studio area and a change in media. This year, I thought I'd experiment with Paperclay. I've made several different shapes that I'm fond of - a bird, house and cloud. Stay tuned to see how these come out.

Next up was needle tatting. I tried this awhile ago and got stuck at pulling the thread through the needle. I thought I was doing something wrong so I stopped trying.

First successful attempt at needle tatted flower

This time around, I watched the video and stopped it in the places where I got stuck before. It took me about 2 hours to figure it out but I finally got it right! I've made several more since the red one above in black and purple. Needle tatting is really addictive - I'm now on the hunt for patterns! If you know of any good ones, send a link my way!

So although I've been gone, I haven't forgotten to keep creating. I feel particularly satisfied that I finally learned to needle tat.

What about you? What have you been up to?

Monday Morning Eye Candy and Book

2011-11-07T07:33:00.000-05:00

Another practice bracelet of Right Angle Weave made with Gossamer floss, crystal 6mm firepolished rondelles from Rings n Things and silverlined "E" beads. I like the single row of RAW because it makes up quickly and by changing the beads, you can make one to match your wardrobe!

I've got another book from Kalmach that I'm smitten with. It's Jewelry for the New Romantic. Here's an interview with the book's author Nealay Patel.

Projects look yummy don't they? I haven't done any stringing with Soft Flex wire in quite awhile. Patel puts a new spin on it and I can't wait to dive in. Are there any techniques you haven't tried in awhile?

On My Bookshelf: Stitch Workshop: Right Angle Weave

2011-11-01T07:00:00.093-04:00

Drum roll please.......

TA-DAH!

These are my practice bracelets in Right Angle Weave. I made these using the very first pattern from Stitch Workshop: Right Angle Weave.

As I said yesterday, I'm not a rank beginner with off loom but have never done right angle weave. The projects in the book are arranged from easy to advanced.

Let me say now that I've never been able to teach myself an off loom technique by using a book. Usually I try and then go take a class so I can see how to do it. I wanted to use beads from my stash and I didn't have any 6mm rounds to use so I substituted with size 6 and size 8 seed beads. So it was a little harder to see the beads and pattern.

The beginning of the book includes the basics of right angle weave with colored illustrations and arrows to show where to weave your needle and thread (or stringing material. These illustrations came in very handy when I got confused with the project directions. The illustrations are followed by "Tips and Tricks for Right Angle Weave by David Chatt." It's a list of tips for the more experienced right angle beadweaver. Page 8 is "Beading Technique Basics" and it covers topics like adding thread, ending thread surgeion's knot, other beadweaving stitches, wire techniques and opening jump rings to name just a few. Tools and materials are covered in the next section. I'm very familiar with these materials so I skipped over this section and went straight to the first pattern by Pam O'Connor, "The Cuff Crystallized."

It took me a couple of tries to get the pattern and stitch right. When I got to the right length, again it took me a couple of tries to join the bracelet properly. Adding the next row was also trial and error. I'd read the directions and look at the pictures given on page five rather than the pictures in the pattern. The similar colors in the pattern pictures confused me. The colors were too similar to be clear. I alleviated the confusion with the pictures on page five. It took me several tries flipping between the pages and pulling out the beads but I eventually got the second row going. Since it was nothing like the first row, it took me awhile to get into the rhythm.

Despite the learning curve, I was able to teach myself how to beadweave in flat, right angle weave using a single needle. The first project states you can make the bracelet in a couple of hours. It took me approximately 5 hours over two days. Not bad for a beginner.

I've got my sights on the third project called "Wiggle Room." It's by Julie Glasser and it's made with various sizes of seed beads to create the wiggle.

Wiggle Room photo courtesy of Judy Glasser.

I have a big stash of size 6, 8 and 11 seed beads in all colors just perfect for this project. I may try the bracelet project after called Crossing Paths by Lisa Twede or skip right to another favorite, Cosmic Crystals by Deborah Staehle. Another luscious project I'm smitten with is April Bradley's Spring Snowflakes.

A variation of Spring Snowflakes called Mediterrean Photo and necklace by April Bradley

And those are just the beginner- intermediate projects! There are lovely advanced projects Where you can learn advanced and dimensional right angle weave such as Chain of Rings by Cindy Thomas Pankopf and Victorian Sparkle by Julie Walker. If you're looking for a book on right angle weave with a variety of projects, this is a bargain for under $20.

On My Workbench: New Off Loom Beadweaving with Seed Beads

2011-10-31T07:00:00.025-04:00

I'm working on a off-loom beadweaving technique, right angle weave. I'm not a rank beginner to off loom beadweaving. I learned peyote and brick stitch about 10 years ago and have a little 4 x 6 box where I keep my off loom work.

I've never taken on RAW though and when I saw Kalmach's new addition to their Stitch Workshop series, I figured it was a good time to teach myself. So I'm in the middle of a series of "practice bracelets," simple, flat right angle weave done with .5mm stretch cording.

Stitch Workshop: Right Angle Weave from Kalmach

I'll review the book the book tomorrow after I finish the bracelets I've started. What about you, have you done any off loom beadweaving lately?

Boo! Happy Halloween and Hauntingly Hallowed Links!

2011-10-28T07:00:00.037-04:00

Carmi's Halloween Brooch

Halloween is upon us already, readers! Every fall, I'm shocked at how fast the times goes! Lots of great jewelry and ideas from our bead bloggers this week, take a look.....

A Bead A Day
Are you sharing your talents with others? Lisa shares her recent experience teaching a group of friends a simple, but rewarding project.

About.com Jewelrymaking
Break into glass jewelry making with these tutorials and techniques.

Art Bead Scene
Heather helps us look ahead to the holiday season with some great inspiration for seasonal jewelry

Beading Arts
Polymer clay + greeting cards = a fun mixed media necklace!

Beads and Books
How long does it really take you to make a piece of jewelry? Michelle shares the long process behind a simple pair of earrings.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a cute fabric brooch idea for Halloween.

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
This week's Tuesday Tangle features handmade earrings of metal clay and wire.

Resin Crafts
This week we have a nice series showing you how to use an ice tray to make fun skull and bone cast pieces.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Wonderful, really exciting giveaway from Beaducation! Read all about it and sign up on Jean's blog!

Minding the Business: Taking care of you!

2011-10-26T07:00:00.034-04:00

I've talked before about learning to say no as a fundamental business lesson. Especially for those of us who have a tendency to always put others first. There are good reasons to put others first such as, you have children, aging parents and/or that's who you are. But always doing for others and never carving out a little time for yourself leaves you depleted and worse yet, sore. If your unwinding time involves making jewelry or crocheting, the small muscle movements can leave you wound up tighter than an old fashioned grandfather's clock!

I work as a sign language interpreter, beadmaker, crocheter, knitter, jewelry designer and all around crafts maker. I know what I'm talking about. Over-use. Repetitive movement. Carpal Tunnel. My down time just wound me up more. I kept over using my muscles, giving myself migraines and soreness, but I didn't make anytime for me. No vacation, no days off, just work and over-use.

Maybe that's you, maybe it's not. But either way, I'll bet you need to make a little time for yourself. But what should you do?

Get a massage.

Yes, dear readers, a massage. I'm encouraging everyone and anyone to get a massage.

I was the original queen of denial. I didn't realize how tight my muscles were and what they were doing to me. It drove me to doctors and neurologists. When the neurologist sent me to a chiropractor who said he could give me 50% of my movement back and massage therapy should be part of my regular routine, I was in so much pain I just did what the doctor ordered to feel better.

It took awhile to finally get to the point where I was ready for massage. Once I started going in the spring, I wondered why I hadn't gone earlier. Whatever stood in my way, I'm glad it didn't continue because massage is one of the best things I've ever done for my health.

Ahhh - Hand Massage (photo credit)

I take 2 hours every three weeks to have a massage. My work and my hobbies wind up my muscles. Massage unwinds them. I feel better, have less pain and more movement than I've had in years. Two hours every three weeks, that's hardly a blip in my schedule.

It would hardly be a blip on your schedule too.

Take care of yourself, my friend. After all you do for others, you're entitled to enjoying your handmade work and feeling good.

Tuesday Tangle: Duos Earrings

2011-10-25T07:00:00.004-04:00

Finally! A piece of finished jewelry from the metal clay class! These are meant to be very worn and rough. They were extra test blanks I had rolled out to test the kiln. But their simplicity is striking - copper base with bronze centers. The violet patina on the copper earwires is made in a flame.

What do you think?

Monday Morning Blue Fingers and The Handbook of Metal Clay

2011-10-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

It's been a couple of weeks since I took Hadar Jacobson's class on Mokume Gane but I'm still working on the pieces I didn't have a chance to fire and finish during the class. I've even fired a few pieces that I had laying around from my first foray into bronz metal clay (yes, they've been sitting there for two years!) I was amazed when they fired without crumbling.

I've been polishing with my dremel tool. I had alot of trouble with it during class and frankly, I'm a little afraid of taking an eye out trying to polish those small pieces. There's lots of dust too so I wear my safety glasses and my dust mask when I'm finishing.

Safety ain't pretty but your lungs and eyes appreciate it!

Most of the patina goes directly onto my fingers turning them blue giving me a zombie look just perfect for Halloween. I understand now why so much of the metal clay jewelry is large, it's easier to finish.

If all this metal clay talk makes you want to take a class from Hadar, I recommend it. If you can't get to one of her classes or don't live near her, the next best thing is her book, The Handbook of Metal Clay: Textures and Forms.

Photo Courtesy of Hadar's website

The Handbook of Metal Clay first edition was reviewed in Jewelry Artist August 2008. I consider myself a beginner with metal clay and have had the opportunity to take a class. The handbook is an excellent follow-up to Hadar's class along with the free downloadable instructions available on her blog. However, if you haven't taken a class, I believe if you read through all the available material and the book, you would be able to create lovely pieces of metal clay.

This is the second edition and contains information on mixing metal clays. The book reads like her class, opening with a comprehensive list of materials and tools needed. The actual book is spiral bound making it easy to open to specific pages while you're working. I've actually ruined my Enchanted Adornments book by pressing the spine to have it stay open while I'm working.

Throughout the handbook, there are boxes on the margins containing useful tips. You'd be wise to read all of the tips as you work. Many of your questions can be answered by reading them.

I skip through the book and pick out projects I really have been jonseing to do. Page 20 is "Collage Pendant in Copper and Bronze" and is the first project I skipped to after taking the her class. I could use a little more practice on working with different textures but it's the basics of backing and adding a tube bail that I want to perfect. From there, I plan to skip to the project on page 25 called "Changing Places." It's an exercise in mixing bronze and copper clays into a squares and rectangles project.

If you're into architectural style jewelry, page 44 introduces the concept with a project called "House Earrings." You'll hone your skill in joining and making tube beads. I've got to make a pair of these!

Treehouse Earrings by Hadar Jacobson

There are many more projects in this section but I'm going to skip right to the section on Flexible Clay and Textile Techniques.

I've had dreams about flexible wire clay so you can be sure I'll make a project from this section soon. I love the Mobius Washers and Cross-Armed Earrings projects.

Knots Earrings made with flexible wire clay by Hadar Jacobson

Whew! That's quite an array of techniques and those are just the ones I've mentioned. There are many more in the book. The books are self-published which makes them a little more expensive than those on Amazon. If you're looking for Hadar's techniques and tips, this is the only place to find them - well worth the price. If you've taken a class and don't understand the notes you took because you were too busy watching, the book is a great refresher. Everything is there.

So me and my blue fingers are going back to work now. Have you taken a class from Hadar? Have you bought her books? What do you think?

Saturday Crafting: My Baby Lock is back! Crafty links to enjoy

2011-10-22T07:00:00.054-04:00

It's Saturday! Today is my crafting day! I'm so excited to finally have my Baby Lock back in working order. This week's project isn't very creative but it's useful. I bought curtains for the bedroom that are too long. So I'll be cutting them down and hemming them. I think I'll make pillows out of the leftover fabric. Unless you have another idea? What would you make?

Lots of crafty-ness going on. Let's check out the Crafty bloggers and see what they're up to this week....

About Family Crafts

The current craft challenge is all about crafting with plastic bags. Submit your project and browse through the pumpkin projects submitted for the last craft challenge.

Recycled plabric remade into high style (photo courtesy of steevithak on Flickr)

Cindy Gimbrone Beads

Cindy reviews Craft Activism just in time for Make a Difference Day!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world

This week at Craftside there is a blanket stitched felted flower pattern and tutorial, a chance to win a copy of The Wine Lover's Devotional, some high fashion clothing details, and a recipe for an oven smoked roast.

Crafty Princess Diaries

The Crafty Princess takes a trip and talks a little about the benefits of attending functions away from home.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter

Got tea lights? Look at this darling mini birthday cake favor you can make with them. You'll find directions for a coordinating birthday card as well.

Eileen's adorable tealight birthday cake.

Mixed Media Artist

Cyndi's painted silk fabric quilt is almost finished!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery

How to make a recycled wool sweater pumpkin with flower die cuts.

Stephanie Girard's felt pumpkin gets eyeballed cuz it's so cute!

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links!

2011-10-21T07:00:00.033-04:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

About.com Jewelrymaking
You will fall in love with this new necklace tutorial, or at the very least follow your heart.

Art Bead Scene
Jennifer shares a free tutorial on making adorable bead zipper pulls, perfect to spruce up a fall jacket!

Beading Arts
Cyndi explains how to turn a cabochon into a simple bead embroidered pendant!

Beads and Books
See the fun earrings Michelle made with sari ribbon and get inspired to work with this popular material.

Michelle Mach's lovely sari earrings

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Cindy's back from her class with Hadar Jacobson. Take a look at the mokume gane pieces she made from metal clay.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows off her holiday packaging and questions photography in another Etsy Boot Camp post

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews the beautiful new book by Heather Powers, Jewelry Designs from Nature

On My Bookshelf: Craft Activism

2011-10-20T07:00:00.003-04:00

While at my metal clay class last week, Craft Activism by Joan Tapper and Photography by Gale Zucker arrived at my doorstep.

Photo from the Random House Website

I've read it from cover to cover, taking in all of the ideas and projects. I felt like I was walking through a modern, yet retro craft show. There were the crafts of my mother and her sister, crochet, knitting and quilting. They were traditional crafts yet put together with a fresh spin, a sense of humor and decidedly activist.

The author, Joan Tapper has laid out the book according to the purpose of the crafts. Part one is entitled, "Crafting a Statement" and includes a section on Ruth Marshall who knits the fur patterns of endagered species to call attention to their plight. An ocelot knitted scarf project follows so you can knit a conscious raising scarf.

Yarn bombing - making a statement with yarn - crochet a public sculpture! (Photo courtesy of NYT)

Part Two, Recrafting the Past, is where I found my old junior high school crush, crochet. There's a colorful explosion of granny squares made by Ellen Bloom along with an easy "Granny Greenbag" project you can make yourself. The rest of the section highlights embroidery and sewing. The intermediate sewing project resurrects the 1950's housedress meant to be worn over your jeans. It made me happy that I bought a new Baby Lock.

Vintage Housedress Pattern (Photo courtesy of Gertie's Blog.)

It was Part Three, Crafting for a Cause that really brought the activist in me out. Crafts aren't just for style or hobbies to the craftivists in this book, they're for making a difference in someone else's life. The Red Scarf Project is featured in a section along with the Mother Bear Project and the Quilts of Valor Foundation. You can donate handmade scarves, teddy bears and quilt blocks to help others.

All we are saying is give plabric a chance.... (Photo credit)

The last section, Crafting to Recycle, Renew, and Reuse showcases the "green" side of crafting. From how to recycle t-shirts into "Sun-Tea Dresses" to making a "Tongue in Chic circle skirt" of "plabric" You'll be looking at your recycle bins and garage sales in a whole new way.

Throughout the book there are sections on business advice, how to get a community of crafters together and other business tips. At the end of the book, there are three full pages of further readings, resources and links to get you pointed in the right direction.

Tapper and Zucker have delivered on the subtitle of the book - People, Ideas and Projects from the New Community of Handmade and How You Can Join In. If you're jonesing for the new spin crafts, this is the resource book to get you started. There are a wide variety of crafts and causes and you can take your pick.

Craft Activism will get your creative DIY juices flowing! So get out your needles, hooks or sewing machines and make your craft statement! Just in time for this year's Make a Difference Day!

Tuesday Tangle: Mokume-Gane Metal Clay Class

2011-10-18T07:00:00.008-04:00

Tuesday Tangle is a weekly feature about all things wire (and sometimes not).

Burnishing a Metal Clay Mokume-Gane Pendant

I'm taking today's Tuesday Tangle to finish catching you up on my class with Hadar Jacobson. I wanted to show you where I am with the mokume-gane projects I made in Hadar's class but wasn't able to fire and finish. The pendant above has three different kinds of metal clay, copper, bronze and steel. It's primarily copper because copper shrinks less than the bronze so I avoid the potential warping. I'm burnishing it to see if there are any flaws in it. It's easier to catch at this phase than try to fix it after its fired. I can't let my tendency towards skipping steps to come into play. I'll be very sorry later if I do.

I had to test my brick kiln first by making a full load of copper and bronze test circles. Fortunately, the first load came out perfectly so I didn't have to do any adjustments from the recommended firing temperature. I love the quick fire clay and shortened firing time. It's closer to instant gratification for those of us who are impatient.

Fired to perfect blackness in my own brick kiln!

Here's what they look like in all their polished goodness....

I'm happy with how these turned out especially the teardrop in the front. I wanted it to look like a table cut bead so I polished it flat rather than keeping the rounded shape. I really like how it looks.

Which one is your favorite?

What's Up This Week: Metal Clay class, Baby Lock and Craft Activisim

2011-10-17T07:00:00.001-04:00

Fall has turned out to be very busy for me! I've got lots of catching-you-up to do so I'll overview what I'm blogging about this week. Last time you visited, I was nervously awaiting my metal clay class with Hadar Jacobson. It was a fabulous class and it didn't matter that I hadn't had a lot of experience with metal clay. Hadar took us through the basics and I had alot of help from my classmates.

Mokume Gane Metal Clay fresh from the kiln

The pieces in the photo look a little crisy but they're supposed to look like that. More on Hadar's class tomorrow. I've tested my kiln and fired pieces at home without the luxury of having Hadar close by to give me feedback. You'll see how I've done.

Next up, my Creative Pro Baby Lock Sewing Machine is back from her tune up. YAY! Now I can get on with the jewelry display sewing projects I have lined up!

While I was at Hadar's class last weekend, Craft Activism by Joan Tapper and Photography by Gale Zucker arrived at my doorstep.

Photo from the Random House Website

I'm devouring all the crafty goodness in it right now and will be reviewing it later this week.

That's what's on my plate for this week, what about you? What are you up?

Tuesday Tangle: I'm a little scared....

2011-10-04T07:00:00.000-04:00

I have to admit it, I'm a little scared.

I've signed up for a Hadar Jacobson class for this upcoming weekend. Originally, it was supposed to be a beginner to advanced class, the first two days, a beginner class and then the last two days would build on the first two. So I signed up, but sometime in between, the class became advanced. No beginner.

Squares earrings by Hadar Jacobson

I've worked with metal clay but I wouldn't exactly say I was an advanced metal clay artist. So I'm worried everyone else will be a master and I'll be the dumb one in the class.

But I'm going anyways.

I've wanted to take a class with Hadar for a long time and I don't want to miss out on it. Wish me luck and let's hope I'm not the class dum-dum!

Monday Morning Inspiration and Winner!

2011-10-03T07:00:00.011-04:00

There is inspiration all around us and fortunately, it's captured by the people on flickr. Here are a few fall color inspiration pictures I found on Flickr's Explore! page.

Lovely greens of the Northern Lights.....

Northern Lights over Cass Lake by railtalk on flickr

.....high contrast of warm oranges and reds .....

For your eyes and soul/ Pour l ame et les yeux

....russets, brown and golden yellow for contrast plus the texture captured in the macro setting....

Stick to my heart by asaingurl

...now you have a whole fall color palette to inspire your creations.

Speaking of creations, I promised to announce the winner of the double dip giveaway....

Indigo Heart!

Congratulations! Send me your email and I'll send you the double dips.

Thank you to all who participated and help spread the word! I love my blog readers!

Sunday Macro and Sensational Links

2011-10-01T07:00:00.015-04:00

Japanese Maple Leaves wearing fall colors

A Bead A Day
Lisa's got a quick tip for bead lovers! If a fabulous wholesale bead show comes to your city, don't miss it!

About.com Jewelrymaking
My, oh my, what is your favorite type of mother-of-pearl, natural, colored, bleeched, all of the above?

Art Bead Scene
We are all ready for Fall at Art Bead Scene! Check out the bounty of Autumn beady goodies we found from art bead makers on Etsy.

Beading Arts
Cyndi has a really fun giveaway book with great projects for fall weekends!

Beads and Books
Michelle shares a strategy for improving her Etsy shop photos.

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Cindy shares what she made with Cat's lovely etched copper heart.

Close up shot of Cat's handmade etched copper heart

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie starts Etsy Holiday Boot Camp with some goals and promises.

Resin Crafts
Carmi has a blog post featuring a resin disaster

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean goes back through the mists of time and fondly recalls a favorite bracelet she made using components from two favorite websites!

The Bead Dreamer
Handcrafted jewelry and autumn looks for 2011 are just perfect together. Charlene shows how.

Please take a peek at the other "i heart macro" postings. I'm sure you'll enjoy what others have noticed during this past week....

Minding the Business: Customer Service

2011-09-28T07:00:00.002-04:00

When you're self employed, you're responsible for all aspects of running the business. I run two small businesses, one is the creative beadmaking business that you're reading about here and the other is a freelance sign language interpreting business. On the surface, they're two very different businesses but I've found there's a caveat they both share. Any business is only as good as its customer service. What I mean by customer service, is as a business owner, I need to make sure my customers are taken care of. You might think they're only the people who buy my beads. They're not. They're my colleagues, my suppliers, and in my sign language interpreting business, they're the team interpreters I work with.

I haven't always understood that. If you're like me, you have a problem with no. I know I did. I did what everyone wanted me to do despite the overload it created on me. I thought that was customer service. I had to do what everyone else wanted me to do when they wanted it. I had to serve every whim at the most inconvenient time.

That's not customer service, that's exhausting yourself and then total collapse.

Set reasonable expectations and then stick with them. For example, my beads are handcrafted. I don't keep them in stock. I make them as they are ordered.

In my descriptions, I explain it may take up to two weeks for delivery. I've set my limits. Once I set my limits I'm able to respond to customers within the expectations I've set.

Have you set limits in your business?

Tuesday Tangle: Inspired by Flickr

2011-09-27T07:00:00.000-04:00

If you're a Flickr member, you know there is lots of inspiration to be had there. One of my favorite groups is Wire Sculpture.

Here are some of the inspirational goodies that can be found in the group:

Woman Sculpture by Duffy Designs

Earrings by Meristem

Have you joined Flickr and found inspiration?

Jewelry Design in Nature by Heather Powers and Giveaway

2011-09-26T07:00:00.001-04:00

My bookshelf is full of craft books. I love all of them but am especially fond of the books by those I know. This week, I'm happy to brag about Heather Power's new book, "Jewelry Designs from Nature: Woodlands, Gardens, Sea."

I won't pretend to be objective about Heather's book. I have the pleasure of being one of the founding editors of Art Bead Scene, a jewelry blog headed by Heather Powers. Her book reflects the network of bead artists who often have work featured on ABS. The front cover is a pleathora is diverse art beads from many different art beadmakers (myself included).

If your a big fan of Heather's style, this is the book for you. Heather's designs are inspired, ebullient jewelry. We are indeed lucky to see inside her design process and re-create some of her luscious art jewelry for ourselves.

In honor of Heather's accomplishment and our good fortune at being able to see inside her design procress, I'm hosting a giveaway of the ivory double dips featured on the cover of her book.

Leave a comment and you'll be eligible to receive two (2) of the ivory double dips to use in your next Heather Power's design! You can enter more than once if you post this to your blog, Facebook and/or Tweet it. Just come back here and leave the link to you additional post and I'll enter your name more than once. I'll post a winner here next Monday, October 3. You can enter until midnight EST, Sunday October 2nd.

I Heart Macro: The Macro is in the Links!

2011-09-25T09:47:00.000-04:00

Good Sunday Morning! Every week, I post links by the Bead Bloggers. One thing is always certain, in those links, there are good macro shots of lovely jewelry. So take a look at the beady links and enjoy the macros for today!

A Bead A Day
Have you ever made a zipper pull to match a pair of earrings? Check out this first attempt!

About.com Jewelrymaking
Jazz up your eyes with this beaded eye glass chain tutorial.

Art Bead Scene
Shannon shares some tricks of the trade regarding jewelry metal punches.

Beading Arts
What do you do with copper tube beads? Make a fabulous necklace, of course!

Cyndi's Copper Tube Bead Necklace

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
This week's Tuesday Tangle is about experimentation and trying new designs.

My Wing in Wire Experiment

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie gets ready to join up in the Etsy Boot Camp and is looking for more recruits!

Resin Crafts
Resin crafts has a few tips about resin and polymer clay.

Carmi's macro of her resin Winged Pendant

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews (and holds a giveaway!) of Jamie Cloud Eakin's fabulous new bead embroidery technique book, coming out in early October! And posts a Blythe doll photo, of course.

The Bead Dreamer
Love miniatures? Charlene takes miniature book components, paper, ribbon and a few beads and makes a mini book necklace. You can too!

Charlene's Mini-Book Necklace

Please take a peek at the other "i heart macro" postings. I'm sure you'll enjoy what others have noticed during this past week....

....and don't forget to keep creating!

Monday Morning Coffee Talk and Beady Links

2011-09-19T07:00:00.015-04:00

Good Monday morning! Too much of a good thing gives me a migraine! I've had a wonderful time with the Bead Soup Blog Party but spent too much time on the computer trying to get to everyone's blog. Overuse with sign language interpreting and computer makes for a nasty migraine. So while I recover, take a few moments this morning to see what the bead bloggers are up to....

A Bead A Day
If you were wondering about the best method for adhering flatback swarovski crystals to a rubbery textured object, Lisa's discovered the answer! Superglue! Check out her newly crystallized slap-watch.

About.com Jewelrymaking
Tammy discusses and provides a tutorial about the dirty side of metal jewelry.

Beading Arts
Cyndi explains how to add a wonderful blue-green patina to copper beads.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

Resin Crafts

Sneak peek into what Carmi has been up to with resin

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
I love B'Sue Boutiques and Brenda Sue is having a blog hop in October! Come read about it!

The Bead Dreamer
Charlene reviews a book that blends beading and jazz - Bead Riffs

Macro Sunday

2011-09-18T08:27:00.000-04:00

The last rose of the season

Please take a peek at the other "i heart macro" postings. I'm sure you'll enjoy what others have noticed during this past week....

....and don't forget to keep creating!

Bead Soup Blog Hop: The Way is in the Heart

2011-09-17T01:01:00.113-04:00

Bead Soup is on! There are lots of lovelies to look at with this soup so I'm getting right to the point. Here's a refresher of what my Bead SouPR (that's my own personal acronym for Bead Soup Partner), Cat sent me. Remember this lovely etched copper heart and girly colors?

I live in a house full of males so I don't often get a good dose of girly like this! Squee! But what to do with this lovely set of ingredients? I was determined to keep it and make something for myself so it had to reflect my personal style. What to do what to do?

My personal style in jewelry is modern, simple, clean design where each element is full of symbolism. Being a beadmaker, I know the amount of work and personality that goes into creating these small works of art. I like to showcase each one in a minimalist design.

I followed Cat's lead in colors and took out my collection of alcohol inks and alphabet stamps.

I wanted to impress a phrase on the back of the heart. I thought I might damage the etched design on the front if I hammered the phrase with steel stamps. Instead I used Staz On ink in purple to stamp out the phrase shown on the back.

The way is in the heart - Buddha

I didn't want the alignment perfect to reflect the ups and downs of following your life's path. I used violet ink to create a pink wash on the etched pattern on the front.

I sealed the wash and the phrase on the back so it won't discolor my clothes or wear off. I used the copper chain that Cat sent and paired it with Vintaj curb chain.

I added two amethyst beads sent to me by Cat. Amethyst represents wisdom and clarity and is the birthstone for my son's February birthday. One stone for wisdom and clarity to follow my own path and the other for my son.

Lastly, I added a spiral clasp. The spiral to represent how sometimes following your own path is circular and not straightforward.

I have a beautiful necklace thanks to the Bead Soup Blog Party. Thank you to my BeadSouPR, Cat for the lovely bead soup and Lori for hosting it! Now, on to the other Bead SouPRs to see what they've cooked up! Enjoy!

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen

32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards

33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson

34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier

35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander

36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye

37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock

38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone

39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf

40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll

41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick

42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg

43. Chris White and Norma Turvey

44. Christa Murphyand Kathy Alderfer

45. Christie Murrow and Dana James

46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins

47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford

48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis

49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering

50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes

52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher

53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya

54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk

55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young

56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent

57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj

58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman

59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald

60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner

62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert

63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez

64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris

65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith

66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday

67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman

68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore

69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones

70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim

72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable

73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag

74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post

75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton

76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter

77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride

78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller

79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley

80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor

82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen

83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman

84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy

85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora

86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg

87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann

88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay

89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh

90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan

92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean

93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis

94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt

95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski

96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio

97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts

98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker

99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford

100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto

102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark

103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika

104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen

105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec

106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson

107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long

108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson

109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney

110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger

112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy

113. Laurel Stevenand Mary McGraw

114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher

115. Lesley Weirand Liz DeLuca

116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser

117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse

118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington

119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton

119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter

120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir

122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank

123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks

124. Lupe Meter and Mags Saari

125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe

126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon

127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore

128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller

129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke

130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum

132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr

133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp

134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara

135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James

136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz

137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi

138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman

139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper

140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner

142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners

143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy

144. Missy Rappaport and Mags Sarri

145. Molly Alexander and Poranna

146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell

147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry

148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson

149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna

150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari
152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan
153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag
154. Pat Haight and MaryShannon Hicks
155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka
156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe
157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain
158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins
159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub
160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs
162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett
163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell
164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams
165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin
166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small
167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner
168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk
169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley
170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman
172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin
173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor
174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa
175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton
176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin
177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones
178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser
179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk
180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager
181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York

2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson

3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino

4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner

5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier

6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins

7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor

8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen

9. Amy Freelandand Christine Altmiller

10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman

12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps

13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka

14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson

15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy

16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price

17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland

18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John

19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel

19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel

20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase

22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb

23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign

24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall

25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll

26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley

27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala

28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman

29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz

30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

Weekend Crafting: DIY backsplash

2011-09-11T08:00:00.001-04:00

This past weekend wasn't about crafts as it was about DIY. I diy'd a glass tile backsplash in my kitchen area. I have a "great room" in my split level that includes kitchen, dining and living areas in one large room with 15 foot ceilings. I refer to my house as a "California style" split level because I've seen more homes like mine in California than NY. So my big, open space is essentially one room and the glass tiling unified the color scheme in the entire room.

Tiling projects start from the center and work out to the ends.

Since I was tiling with glass, I was able to use my "craft" grinder to smooth out the edges and do that painstaking cutting and fitting of the corners and ends.

Day one of a two day tiling job. Corners and grout left to do.

I've finished the corners but have the grouting left to do. It took me two days to get the tiling up and it cost me under $175 to do it. All my supplies and special tools were purchased at Lowe's. I watched a couple of videos on YouTube to teach myself how to do it. This project is all about preparing the walls to make sure they're smooth and even and measuring out the placement of the tiles.

Before you run out and buy glass tiles for your backsplash, let's take a look and see what the Crafty Bloggers have been up to this week....

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Feeling like your craft business isn't taking off like you hoped? You might just be a scrub pine. What's a scrub pine? Come find out on Cindy's blog!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
How to wind a spool of thread for serging with a Deluxe SideWinder.

Connie Gee's Designs
Connie's making plans for 2012 - find out what projects she is planning to stitch in the coming year. It's always nice to plan ahead.

Craft Buds
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of the new book by Misty Mawn - Unfurling along with doodling tips, a Plaid Craft TV episode that features me and Steve making a Mod Podge bird house wind chime with a recycled sweater flower, some paint mixing tips and a recipe for watermelon granita.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy attempts to teach loom knitting to her college craft club.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Look at Eileen's crafty solution to an accident waiting to happen.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi pulls out an older collage to revisit a technique that mixes digital and physical aspects.

Aileen's Musings
Still in the spirit of getting ready for Christmas gift making, Aileen offers you a faux hand blown glass ornament tutorial that can easily be adapted for other holidays, as well.

Aileen's Sakura Faux Glass Ornament tutorial

About Family Crafts
This week's craft challenge is all about making apples. Do you have an apple craft to share?

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi shares new Humphrey the Elephant 3D cards.

Bead Vegan: Sammy/Dip Curry Tofu

2011-09-07T07:00:00.000-04:00

Once in awhile, I share my vegan recipes with you. This is one I've created as a variation to Vegan with a Vengence's dill sammy recipe. If you love Indian spices and flavors, you're going to love my quick and easy Mango Curry Tofu recipe. It can be a sandwich (sammy) filling or a dip. Here's a quick shot of the ingredients....

Four ingredients plus tofu make up this delicious sammy/dip recipe

Ingredients:

I use a regular tablespoon and teaspoon to measure.

Cut up a block of extra firm organic tofu and wrap in a towel. Leave for a minimum of 30 minutes.

Crumble the tofu into a mixing bowl with your hands.

Add 2-3 tablespoons of Veganaise
Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
Add 1 teaspoon of Patak's mild curry paste
Add 2 teaspoons of Patak's medium mango pickle (make sure you get chunks of the mango and the paste when you measure out your pickle)

Still together. I don't usually have to add any salt but you can. You can adjust adding more pickle, curry paste if you like. Just add it in small portions because the curry paste can quickly overwhelm the rest of the ingredients.

Yummy Mango Curry Tofu Sammy/Dip! Enjoy!

Tuesday Tangle: Wings experiment

2011-09-06T07:00:00.003-04:00

I doodle in wire often. I have bits and pieces on my workbench from being inspired and/or trying out new skills. In my earlier wire work, I wasn't much of a "binder," meaning I didn't use higher gauge wire to bind on other elements of a wire design. Lately, I've wanted to add elements to a wire design and binding was the technique I used. Here's a wing prototype I came up with recently where I used binding.

There are a few things I don't like about this wing but I wanted to work all the way through the design before I tried out another one.

Have you tried a new technique lately? Or have you varied a technique to come up with a new spin on your work?

Macro Sunday!

2011-09-04T07:00:00.012-04:00

One of my rolled texture metal pendants up close

Please take a peek at the other "i heart macro" postings. I'm sure you'll enjoy what others have noticed during this past week....

....and don't forget to keep creating!

Saturday Crafting: Glass Trees and Crafty Links!

2011-09-03T07:00:00.047-04:00

Saturday can be a busy day around here. Laundry, errands, cleaning but I always have something out on my craft table just waiting for me to dive in. I've got a holiday theme running on my work bench. I'm fusing left over glass rods into ornaments. These two trees below are waiting for me to even out their edges on the glass grinder.

After I get the laundry going, I'll start evening out the edges of these trees. There are other crafty bloggers who have the holidays on their minds. Make sure you check them out!

Aileen's Musings
Aileen's gearing up for Christmas already with an altered wooden domino tutorial.

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Cindy is one step ahead when she uses a wire wrapping technique to create a poinsetta ring for the holidays.

Craft Buds
Stop by Craft Buds this September, where they will host craft book giveaways, projects and more. It's a party!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a chance to win a copy of the book Sewing Vintage Aprons along with a fun recycled shirt/apron tutorial, a bunch of portfolio info and how to help a dog when it's overheating, dehydrated and sunburned and a new free Rockport App.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy altered a star pattern afghan and shows you the results plus how she changed it up a little.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Eileen tries her hand at 3D paper tole. Itâ€™s not as difficult as it looks, but does require a bit of patience.

Lindsay Sews
The equalizer quilt design is a new project that uses guy-friendly fabrics. It's a quilt that even he will love.

Mixed Media Artist
Cyndi's new friend Kerrie, aka Antikva, shares all kinds of tips on working with shrink plastic!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
How to cover an umbrella with recycled lace curtain ruffles.

Silly Saturday and Sensational Beady Links!

2011-09-02T07:00:00.033-04:00

Little later than expected for the beady links post. But that shouldn't stop you from checking out what the bead bloggers have been up to....

About.com Jewelrymaking
When was the last time you visiting the Jewelry Making Forum? That long ago? Well, here is some of what you have been missing.

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares the work of some amazing bead embroidery artists!

Beads and Books
Michelle shares a strategy for improving her Etsy shop photos.

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Cindy shares some ideas to make your metal money stretch.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie unloads a kiln fill of new black and white deigns

Resin Crafts
This week Carmi is making Faux Gems with resin!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean thinks about what it is like to write for Australian Beading Magazine! Many of you have been in her column at this point!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew announces the (SOLD OUT) Reader's Challenge Design Kit for September! Lots of luscious pale purples and lavenders!

Minding the Business: Follow your own way even if you're a thread killer

2011-08-31T07:00:00.000-04:00

Usually, I don't participate in discussion boards.

Why not? you ask.

I'll spend quite a long time crafting a response or starting a thread and post it thinking I was particularly pithy. I've got something to say that resonates with others! I anxiously check back on the thread expecting to see a long list of responses. What do I see?

Nothing.

Or, my pithy, well thought out comment has been completely ignored by the other participants.

That's right, I'm a thread killer.

After a long stint of not posting in any discussion board, I spent some time yesterday morning writing a response that got the typical response of nothing. So, I've decided to revise it a bit and post it here. I think it's good advice and maybe a few of you will too.

Conventional business advice has never applied to me. I've tried to follow it and do what it suggests but my gut never likes it and I haven't been successful using it.

Am I a flake?

Am I a failure?

No!

The business/life advice I follow now is: Be quiet and listen. Listen to myself. Listen to my gut.

Way back in high school, I chose a poem to read to my English class for a public speaking unit. I chose it because I thought it described me. Looking back now, I'm surprised at how much I intuitively understood about myself. How did I lose that? What happened?

I stopped listening to myself. Maybe you've stopped listening to yourself. This poem applies to those of us who aren't cut from the conventional business cloth. Our life paths are wound around others, family and friends. Our work is woven in with others.

My adult self shares what that high school girl knew in her heart. What you know in your heart. The poem is Scrub Pines by Rod McKuen (excerpted from his book, Celebrations of the Heart and gratefully borrowed with credit from his website):

Scrub Pines

Scrub pines struggle
through the underbrush,
sideways, d
o
w
n,
up
then again.
Never really heading skyward
they seem happy to survive
if not really thrive.

Nature ignores the scrub,
it seems to caution
get there on your own,
wherever there is.
I am not sure
that even that slow growing
stunted, wanna be tree
could tell you
where it is heading
and which branch
leads the way.

Scrub pines finally
find their way.
Proud, predictably
unpredictable
they shoot up through
the under brush and belly
of long grass
in their own good time.

Their lack of beauty is their beauty. - Rod McKuen

Remember this my fellow Scrub Pines - you may be a thread killer but you'll get there in your own good time. Our paths are our own and that, my friends, is success.

Tuesday Tangle: One Step Ahead with a Poinsetta Ring

2011-08-30T07:00:00.061-04:00

I know summer isn't over yet, but as a glass artist, I always need to be one step ahead in my designs. So, I've used a wire wrapping technique and the double dips to make a poinsetta ring for the holidays.

The poinsetta ring is offered as finished jewelry. It's not offered as a tutorial. I hate to say this but because I've seen a few people copy my work and sell it as their own, please don't copy the design. Just because it's posted on my blog doesn't mean it's open to copy. Thank you for respecting that. Now back to work!

I've got several other holiday projects on the workbench. Gotta stay one step ahead!

Metal Monday: A New Page and Flowers

2011-08-29T07:00:00.026-04:00

I've put up a new page on my website with metal goodies that I've shown you here and some that I haven't like the beauty below.

I like a shallow dome on them, it gives them an added textural quality without over-powering the fundamental design.

What have you created today?

Macro Sunday: Rainbow in glass

2011-08-28T07:00:00.000-04:00

Rainbows make me happy and put a smile on most people's faces. When my son was little, I had a prism hanging in the window and he used to dance in the sun and rainbows. That memory was the inspiration for making these small rainbows in spiral form....

Handcrafted Sparkly Rainbow Spiral by me

Macro Sunday makes a rainbow of colors and shapes. Take some time to enjoy what other macro photographers have posted today.....

....and don't forget to keep creating!

Saturday Crafting: Mason Jars and Crafty Bloggers

2011-08-27T07:00:00.071-04:00

Saturday mornings, I go down to the basement to do laundry. On the shelving unit above the washer and dryer are these canning jars staring at me.

It's time I recycled them into a home decorating craft project. Here are a few ideas I'm considering:

1. Jar o'lantern: A kitschy idea for a jack o'lantern.

2. Lovely lighting like this one from AliCatJunction.

AliCat's colorful lighting puts a smile on my face!

3. Solar Lids for the Mason Jars and I have instant outdoor lighting!

4. Girl in the Air has a tutorial for converting a mason jar into a pendant light - I could give it a try!

The multicolor lighting looks the easiest to do. But I can't get the pendant lights out of my head. I need a new light in my home office/studio. I've never undertaken a lighting project so I'm a little intimidated. While I muster up my courage, take a look at what the Crafty Bloggers have been up to...

About Family Crafts
Take a moment to read some crafty money saving tips and then take a few more to publish your own!

Aileen's Musings
This week Aileen offers you a fun Altered Cabinet card tutorial and freebie downloads stop by and get inspired to make some fall art!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a new card featuring a sweet elephant!

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Looking for a unique idea to display your handcrafted jewelry? Cindy's here to lend you a hand!

Craftside- A behind-the-scenes peek at our crafty world
This week at Craftside there is a tutorial on how to fold an origami mosquito and enter to win a copy of the book Origami 101, how to treat a dog when its overheating, dehydrated and sunburned, some art from Gary Panter, and how to make your own crackers with a dehydrator.

Crafty Princess Diaries
Tammy looks ahead at the school year that is already filling her calendar with oodles of projects and commitments.

Eileen - The Artful Crafter
Did you love finger painting as a child? Here's a sort of grown-up version you might enjoy.

Mixed Media Artist
Shrink plastic buttons? Yes!! Consider all the possibilities...

Stefani's crocheted eyeballs are tongue-in-cheek funny creepy! Perfect for Halloween!

Stefanie Girard's Sweater Surgery
Spooktacular crochet eyeball pattern!

Funny Friday and Fabulous Beady Links!

2011-08-26T07:00:00.079-04:00

About.com Jewelrymaking
Craft stores have come a long way with the jewelry supplies they now offer. Take this quick poll about your own craft store experience.

Art Bead Scene
ABS Editor, Jennifer shares how to create a look for a store/gallery.

Beading Arts
Want to add a bezel to a curved surface? Cyndi shows you one easy way to do it!

Beads and Books
Michelle uses the story of Cinderella to inspire a pair of earrings and shares a related upcoming challenge at Stringing magazine.

Carmi's Art Life/World
Carmi's post features her favorite find from the CHA show in Chicago this month.

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Cindy reviews Steel Wire Jewelry.

Resin Crafts!
There is a new series this week featuring EasyCast clear casting epoxy.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean points out a lovely book which is a bestseller which she has a project in: Best of BeadStyle, Vol. 7 ! Please come and see how pretty it is!

DIY Thursday: Sew a Custom Jewelry Display

2011-08-25T07:00:00.032-04:00

"Recycle, re-use" and "love the earth" were favorite catch phrases of my childhood of the late '60's early 70's. I was given a sewing needle when I was 5 years old and taught how to make basic stitches. So the other day when I was searching the internet for mannequin style jewelry displays, it hit me. Why don't I take the concept of one of my collections, hands, and make my own hands for display?

A quick peek at just one of my hand groupings. They're scattered all over my studio and house.

After some searching, I realized I wouldn't be able to purchase a sewing pattern for a hand. I had to jump right in and make one myself. I don't have any training in pattern making but I had to try. I used regular white printer paper and drew an outline of my own hand. I didn't measure it while I was drawing but I tried to draw the outline 1/4 inch bigger to allow for seams.

The finished pattern on my kitchen table.

I rummaged through the small cloth stash I have and found a piece of scrap cotton/polyester cloth. I ironed the material to smooth out the wrinkles and fold marks. I pinned the pattern to the folded material. No need to place on a fold but you do want two pieces after you've cut it out.

Printer paper pins easily to the material with sharp pins

I cut out the pattern and basted the two right sides together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Just to be clear, you place the right sides together with the wrong side out for basting. I reinforced the base of each finger slightly by backstitching a stitch or two. I wanted to be sure the base of the fingers would be fine because I cut slightly into the "V" at the base of each hand to be sure the material would lay flat when I turned it inside out.

Once you've basted the material together, turn it right side out. This takes a little finesse and patience with the fingers. Next, I stuffed the hand with eco-friendly filling. I filled each finger first taking stock of the shape of each finger. I found the middle finger is a bit too slim. I'll have to go back and change the pattern keeping that in mind.

To make the hand stand up, I filled a small plastic bag with dried beans and placed it inside the base of the hand. I hand stitched the base closed. The hand stands up but it still needs a wider, sturdier base. Another alteration for the pattern. It's a good first try. I can drape necklaces and bracelets from it or put T-pins and put earrings on it. I think I'm on to something!

Finished prototype. Pretty good for the first try.

I'm going make the alterations to the pattern and then sew up some more. I can always use another hand around here! ;-)

Bead Table Wednesday: Bead ADD

2011-08-24T07:00:00.001-04:00

Yup this is a real shot of my bead table. I'm in a beadmaking frenzy getting ready for the holidays. Yes, the holidays! I make a bunch of lampwork beads, set them on the table to clean them off, cull through them and then think of a design, pull out the wire and try to rough out the design, finish off a wire wrapped rosette ring, polish it then go back to cleaning the lampwork beads. I think I've got Bead ADD. I cycle through several projects and eventually finish them all!

Tuesday Tangle: Cat's Heart Has Got Me in a Tangle

2011-08-23T07:00:00.004-04:00

My Bead Soup from Cat has arrived, folks! I gotta say I ran around in circles for a little bit when I opened the package and saw all the girly-goodness inside! A large copper etched heart pendant and a heart toggle paired with the super girly colors of pink, ruby and amethyst!

Squeeeeee!!

Here's a little closer look at that lovely heart!

The explosion of girly-goodness made me think of the Power Puff girls and how they were created in an explosion with Chemical X! Girl Power!

Now it's time to get to work creating my own girly jewelry explosion! Thanks Cat!

Metal Monday: Making Your Metal Money Stretch

2011-08-22T07:00:00.068-04:00

Yikes! Have you seen the price of gold and silver?!? Especially silver which was my go to precious metal. I can't even afford that right now!

I'm sure many of you are in the same boat. One of the ways I make my money stretch is to use base metal and then cover it with silver fill wire. I wrote a tutorial last year on how to coil the double dips that's available to you for free.

If you're using base metals such as copper and brass, you can patina them to a dark finish which will unify the color of your base metals. I did this with the "Meandering Earrings" project that appeared in the summer 2010 issue of Easy Wire. The earrings were made with copper wire and finished in a dark, bark-like color.

When you've used a dark patina on base metals, it's important to seal in the patina so it doesn't rub off. There are several ways to do this. One is to seal it with Renaissance wax and another is to use a sealant like Midas available from Rio Grande.

Supplies:
Monsterslayer is the lowest priced silver fill wire I've found. If you've got a different source with lower prices, please share by leaving a comment.

Make sure you take some time today to create something!

Macro Sunday

2011-08-21T08:02:00.000-04:00

Before we know it, the green of summer will be a memory and all the leaves will have turned to shades of russet, orange and yellow. Seeds will be sprung from their safety nestled within the leaves to plant themselves into the autumn ground.

I was struck by today's Japanese Maple seeds camouflaged in the leaves. The wind was blowing so it was difficult to get a picture of them between breezes. They're reminiscent of wings don't you think?

Please take a peek at the other "i heart macro" postings. I'm sure you'll enjoy what others have noticed during this past week....

....and don't forget to keep creating!

Bead Soup Show Off and Joining Up with the Crafty Bloggers

2011-08-20T08:25:00.001-04:00

Good Saturday morning to you! I'm showing off the Bead Soup Mix I sent to my partner Cat. It's a lovely mix of reds, turquoise, ivory and copper. I made some small decorative beads with hearts matching the color palette. That's the great thing about making your own beads, creating a set of perfectly matched beads.

I loved it so much, I've made the beads available to you. Just visit my website if you'd like some for yourself.

Next week, I'll be doing the Bead Bloggers weekly links and joining up with the Crafty Bloggers too. I'm excited about it because I'll start showing off my other obsessions....errrr...skills and I can share beadmaking/crafting info there.

In the meantime, take a look at this week's beady links!

About.com Jewelrymaking
Set up your jewelry designing by making the perfect jewelry sets.

Art Bead Scene
Try something different with your art beads - ribbon!

Beading Arts
The "Mostly Metal" challenge was a great success, many thnaks to Michelle Mach! Come and see all the fun pieces that were made.

Carmi's Art Life/World
Margot Potter's new book inspired Carmi's new linked necklace.

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Need some iron in your jewelry diet? Tuesday Tangle has just what you're looking for!

Resin Crafts
Carmi uses a great new mold to make "people" donuts.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
How to win the great giveaway of Maggie Meister's Classical Elagance--an amazing and breathtaking book! See jean's blog!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew introduces the twelve, talented designers that make up the NEW Allegory Gallery Design Team!

Bead Soup Blog Partner: Cat Pruitt of Boo Beads

2011-08-17T07:00:00.009-04:00

Ok, so I gotta keep the actual Bead Soup Beads quiet but I don't have to keep quiet about my Bead Soup Partner or BeadSoupPr as I like to refer to us.

Lucky me, I'm partnered with Cat Pruitt of Boo Beads. I think the cosmos (or Lori wink) paired us! How many posts have I made lately on metal and my new toy - er - tool the rolling mill?

Well Cat is no scardy-Cat (sorry had to make the pun) of chemicals like moi and she is an etching goddess!

The incomparable Cat and etching goddess!

Just take a look at these lovely etched copper pieces I plucked from her blog, Etsy Shop, and Artfire shop

Etched Lovely available in Cat's Etsy shop!

Four Birds on a Limb Copper Etched Cuff

Now that I've made you all jealous, you can't switch partners with me! But you can tell me who your partner is. We're all gonna have such fun creating!

Tuesday Tangle: Steel Wire Book

2011-08-16T07:00:00.006-04:00

Ok, this week's Tangle falls under the "DUH!" Category. Yep, that's gotta be one of my tags from now on, search engine optimization (SEO) be D@&%%#!!!

When the shoe fits, ya gotta wear it.

I just got Brenda Schweder's latest book (at least I think it's her latest book, I mighta missed the train more than once), Steel Wire Jewelry.

DUH! Why did not the self confessed Wirehead have this the moment it was out?

I hang my head in shame.

It was the after holiday checkbook that made me do it.

But, I'm correcting it today.

Steel wire is the new copper. In the days before gold hit $1500, one would go to the hardware store and buy copper wire to practice. Today, thieves go into abandoned houses to strip it of all of its copper plumbing and wiring to sell. So if you're still practicing on copper wire, make sure you never leave your home too long!

Steel wire is inexpensive and some have replaced copper with steel as the new practice wire.

While at the hardware store buying your steel wire, pick up some general wire cutters and an extra set of needle nose and chainnose pliers. Steel is different than copper and you don't want to ruin your jewelry making tools to practice.

Many of the projects in Brenda's book use 16 gauge or heavier steel wire. I love the look of the heavy gauge and Brenda's projects are well suited to wire's assets. I love all of the projects but especially the Lotus Ring and her techniques for setting stones in pendants. The Lotus Ring is a way to set a stone and it's a technique I'm not very versed in. I can router glass to set it with wire, but not so good with the found objects and stones. Brenda is a master.

Now - off to the hardware store for that 16 gauge steel wire!

Announcing Monday Metal and Linky Love

2011-08-15T07:00:00.001-04:00

If you're a regular reader, you know I've been working with a rolling mill lately. I've always had in the back of my mind, to make beads of all kinds and metal is a part of that. So, I've decided to add a regular post called Metal Monday when I'll talk about all things metal. I've made a little logo to go along with it using my latest rolling mill/metal creation....

Did you know that you can put all kinds of media through a rolling mill to impress a design? That notion sent me to the craft store looking for all kinds of crafty things to use. I came up with ribbon and paper borders for scrapbooking. Here's a sampling......

I picked up all of these ribbons and paper borders at my local Michael's store. Of these patterns, I liked the off-center flowers created by the brown floral ribbon. Which is your favorite?

Speaking of favorites, here are my favorite bead bloggers with some beady love.....

A Bead A Day
Artists who create using found objects or materials from nature are awe inspiring! Lisa is showcasing one artist who uses birch bark to create beads!

About.com Jewelrymaking
Get twisting with your beads and learn to make a very cool twisted strand necklace with this bead weaving technique.

Art Bead Scene
Come check out the August challenge!

Beading Arts
Cyndi is celebrating bead embroidery month on Beading Arts! Come find out how you can get started.

Beads and Books
Share the name of your favorite glass beadmaker for a chance to win a copy of the book Creating Glass Beads.

Carmi's Art Life/World
Carmi is experimenting with Apoxie Sculpt and rubber stamps to make pendants!

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Cindy's got a new tool on her workbench, a rolling mill. Check out the jewelry pieces that have rolled out onto her bench!

Resin Crafts!
Carmi shows off a sweet resin heart pendant made in a candy mold.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is getting verrrry excited, anticipating Michelle Mach's Mostly Metal Challenge! Come read about it!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
In an effort to help launch Allegory Gallery, Andrew announces the Allegory Gallery Fundraiser! Make a donation and receive a prize for your support!

Rained out and Spiffed Up...Creating

2011-08-14T17:26:00.000-04:00

Well, Buffalo Yogafest got rained out so I spent this rainy afternoon spiffing up my blog. It was in need of a little change. I'm considering migrating to another blog to better reflect Cindy Gimbrone beads rather than just focusing on the glass beads with lampwork diva.

I want to make sure I focus on creating whether it be beads, jewelry, art, cooking or sign language interpreting. I'll end each post with this little reminder....

Let me know what you think of my sprucing up....love to hear from you!

Sunday Photo is back - in macro!

2011-08-14T07:00:00.020-04:00

Last year, I posted a picture every Sunday. I kinda miss it so I've joined up to post a macro picture every Sunday.

When I saw this, I thought I'm the queen of macro!! In fact, most beadmakers, jewelry artists, miniature makers have to take macro pictures regularly. So if you're one of the above, join in!

Beginning next Sunday, look for a macro picture here every week. It'll be fun.

I know you're thinking, why not start today, Cindy?

Well, I'm off to first annual Buffalo Yogafest instead of sitting at the computer.

See you here next Sunday!

Tuesday Tangle: Iron wire

2011-08-09T07:00:00.004-04:00

I love to see what kinds of things can be made with different types of wire. Not only the wearable but housewares like this sinuous lamp I spotted on Etsy.

Alma by Angellamps on Etsy

Here's a lovely necklace my friend, Barbe Saint John made with iron wire using one of my lampwork focals (it's the one on the left).

I know you're going to ask me, where do I buy iron wire? My favorite place Metalliferous has it as well as Dick Blick.

Give iron wire a try, it's inexpensive and has a trendy look!

Monday Links

2011-08-08T07:00:00.001-04:00

This is one of my favorite quotes and it's perfect for the necklace by Lulubug Jewelry on Etsy

Speaking of favorites, here are the favorite links from the Bead Bloggers....

A Bead A Day
Do you ever get caught up just gazing at swarovski crystals? Lisa at A Bead A Day has a tendency to do that too! Stop over for a chance to win one for yourself

About.com Jewelrymaking
Here are some recipes and tutorials for cleaning up your gorgeous jewelry.

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

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares step by step how she engineered one of her recent bead embroidery pieces.

Beads and Books
Share the name of your favorite glass beadmaker for a chance to win a copy of the book Creating Glass Beads.

Carmi's Art Life/World
Carmi has a link to her new Faux Solder technique for John Bead blog.

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Come take a look at Cindy's charming experiments!

Resin Crafts!
Carmi shows off a sweet resin heart pendant made in a candy mold.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews the fab new book by wonderful Margot Potter, New Dimensions in Bead and Wire Jewelry. PLUS, she has a GIVEAWAY of this super book! Race like a bunny to Jean's blog for all the information! You won't be sorry!

The Bead Dreamer
Charlene shares her review and enthusiasm for Maggie Meister's Classical Elegance bead weaving book.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew reveals the August Reader's Challenge Design Kit filled with sizzling summer reds!

Rolling Mill Coffee Talk: Secrets Shared

2011-08-03T08:15:00.000-04:00

I had so many comments and questions yesterday about the rolling mill, I thought I'd pour a cup of coffee and share more about how I made those lovely disks.

As I mentioned in my earlier post, wanting a rolling mill started with the January 2011 issue of Art Jewelry where Lillian Jones wrote an article entitled "Adapt a Polymer Technique to Texture Metal Sheet." In that article, she describes a way to create your own texture pattern/sheet to use with the rolling mill. If you're a subscriber to Art Jewelry or even if you buy the single issue, you can download the copyright free images they have on their website to use in the project in the magazine.

When you use the rolling mill, you have to be sure that the metal is annealed or you buy it dead soft. I buy my metal mostly from Metalliferous in NYC or Contenti because I'm on the East coast and impatient when it comes to waiting for an order to arrive! You want dead soft or annealed metal so it can take an imprint. Aluminum and sterling/fine silver doesn't have to be annealed because they're soft enough without any additional annealing.

One of the things I didn't do that you should do when you use a rolling mill, is to bolt it down to your table or a piece of plywood or if you're flush, buy one of the stands available for some models. My tables don't lend themselves to having things bolted or clamped to them. I thought, where is this heavy thing going? But when you're turning the handle of a mill and compressing the metal, it will move believe me! I'm on the look out for a clamp or a piece of plywood to bolt the rolling mill onto.

Follow this link to Etsy where you'll see examples of beautifully textured jewelry and a great seller, the Rolling Mill Resource who has lovely patterns to use in a rolling mill.

There you go - secrets shared! Happy rolling!

Tuesday Tangle: Rolled Metal!

2011-08-02T07:00:00.003-04:00

I unveiled my new rolling mill last week so today I'm unveiling what I've done with it! Below are the first few disks of copper and brass I made. You can see one is a little bit more oval than round - it was really hard to roll that one through the mill!

Here's a little closer up....

I used 22 and 24 gauge copper and brass disks. I polished them up and used my Euro-Power-Punch to make holes after I'd rolled the disks. Making these is seriously addictive!

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links!

2011-07-29T07:00:00.037-04:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

A Bead A Day
Lisa over at A Bead A Day has put a shout out for help! How can you get swarovski flat back crystals to adhere to rubber?!

About.com Jewelrymaking
Tammy shares her favorite summer necklace design.

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

Beading Arts
The Bead Journal Project is just whizzing by this year, and Cyndi is finally caught up!

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

Carmi's Art Life/World
Carmi's post features her favorite find from the CHA show in Chicago this month.

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

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

Resin Crafts!
Resin Crafts show you what can be done with the mold of a grandfather clock.

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

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

Making experiments charming

2011-07-27T07:00:00.007-04:00

Double dips are a good way to test out potential color combinations instead of taking the time to make a bead. Yet what do I do with those color experiments I don't end up offering to customers?

Make them into charms! Here's the tutorial I wrote last year for the double dip charms. If you don't know where to buy the double dips, they're available over on Cindy Gimbrone Beads. Enjoy!

Tuesday Tangle-Tech: Interweave's Live Wire eMag

2011-07-26T07:00:00.004-04:00

Ok, I'm a tech-gadget geek. Statistics say I'm not supposed to be a gadget geek, but since when have I been a statistic?

So when I saw that Interweave was publishing Live Wire, I had to download it as soon as it was available.

I've got everything Mac, so I chose to download the Mac version. First of all, let me say kudos to Interweave for being quick to offer digital versions of their magazines so quickly. Not just beading magazines but their knit and crochet magazines along with many others. Kudos for not buying into the statistics that say my demographic isn't tech savvy, I think there are alot of us out there.

Now, onto Live Wire. I downloaded the eMag without any trouble from the website. It ran on my 2007 iMac without any trouble. Live Wire is beautifully laid out and has many within eMag videos to show you how to do the basics of wire wrapping. If you're not always good with following written directions like me, the videos are fabulous. You can see how to hold the pliers and which direction to wrap your wire. I like digital versions like Live Wire because with a click you can jump around to the areas that pique your interest rather than flipping pages to find what you want.

Live Wire is for beginning wire artists. It takes you through step by step with choosing wire, straightening wire, making eye pins, labeling and explaining pliers and more. There's also a nice section on patinas. If you're a beginner and a tech geek, you're gonna love this! If you're an intermediate to advanced wire artist and gadget geek, I'd go with the digital versions of Step by Step Wire or if you love mixed media with your wire Cloth Paper Scissors. Since Interweave is digital, there's lots for beginners, intermediate and advanced wire artists to enjoy! Keep it up, Interweave, I love your tech-savvy-ness!

Tool Time: Rolling Mill

2011-07-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

I've been wanting to texture metal for awhile now. I want my studio to be as environmentally friendly as possible. So I was reluctant to do chemical etching on metal. So I was looking for another way to texture and transfer images onto metal.

Enter the January issue of Art Jewelry magazine with a whole article on using a rolling mill to transfer an image onto metal.

Since then, I've wanted a rolling mill. I back-ordered a Durston mill from Rio Grande but after 2 months, it still wasn't in so I cancelled and re-thought my purchase. Since I'm not rolling metal at a high volume, I decided to save some money and go with an economy mill.

They call this a mini mill, but I can tell you from bringing the box into the house and unpacking it, it doesn't feel mini. It's heavy!

Because this is an economy mill, there are a few bells and whistles missing. There are no numbers on the top gears help you determine settings. I'm going to get a feeler gauge from the auto parts store ('cuz I can get those quicker than ordering online) to help me with the settings. Once I figure out the settings, then I'll mark the top gears so I won't have to do it again.

I've annealed some copper to run through the mill. I'm off to try it out now. While you wait to see what I'm made, do you have a new tool you're trying out in your studio or maybe in you house?

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links

2011-07-22T08:00:00.032-04:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

A Bead A Day
As an admirer of all things arts and crafts, Lisa shares the handpainted jewelry pieces of "Moni's Originals". Stop by to check out these miniature works of art!

About.com Jewelrymaking
Looking to make some easy metalsmithing jewelry? Take a look at these new jewelry videos.

Art Bead Scene
Looking for some creative jewelry displays? So is ABS Editor Heather Powers. Come check out what she's found.

Beading Arts
Free-form peyote stitch and wire work...what could be more fun than combining the two?!

Carmi's Art Life/World
Carmi's new ring features a rock garden!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie opens a weeked bead store at her local artist market and has lots of pictures of her booth to share.

Resin Crafts!
Resin Crafts has a great tutorial showing you how to create a pendant with a spoon.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Andrew Thornton, a wonderful person and a member of our group, is having a "Virtual Yard Sale" as he calls it . Check it out on Jean's blog and then go have FUN!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew hosts a week-long Virtual Yard Sale! The week is filled with Ebay sales, new products added to the Shop, lots of giveaways, and some major deals!

Tuesday Tangle: What's your Wire Style?

2011-07-19T07:00:00.004-04:00

What's your wire style? I like modern, simple, clean lines. My personal style is different from what we do over at ABS so today is a great opportunity to sing what I love!

Lisa's Lovelies has designed several pieces showcasing clever and modern use of wire wrapping and cold connections. I like how she embellishes judiciously using a single bead or pearl with the herringbone wrap.

Lisaslovies Cold Forged Hoops

Apple Coral O Necklace

What's your wire style?

On My Bookshelf: Around My Neck

2011-07-18T07:00:00.003-04:00

You know I love books and sometimes I don't just read them but wear them around my neck. I thought I'd take you on a tour through the library of some of my favorite tiny wearable books...

We'll start in "the stacks" by JanDaJewelry

Then meander over to the Leather Journals so we can have the journal handy whenever we want.

Or maybe you want a book that's more personal? How about a sterling silver brag book from Bragaboutit?

I love this handmade copper etched book by Hangingbyathread1

So if you don't have time to read a book, wear one around your neck!

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links

2011-07-15T09:07:00.000-04:00

The Colbert Report
Get More: Colbert Report Full Episodes,Political Humor & Satire Blog,Video Archive

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

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

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

Beading Arts
Cyndi shares the instructions for making a freeform peyote stitch necklace. Now the piece just needs a name!

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

Cindy Gimbrone Beads
Cindy reviews Hot Connections by Jennifer Chin.

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

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

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

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

Studio Saturday lingers into Monday....Stamped Copper Saucers for Giveaway

2011-07-11T07:00:00.001-04:00

This past Saturday, I was over on Art Bead Scene for Studio Saturday. If you were over there, you know I was busy stamping onto some brass and copper sheet metal I had won in the Rings n Things Blogger drawing.

I stamped a few months back and seemed to catch on quickly. I even wrote a Stamped Bead Bravely Art Ornament tutorial for the holidays. I was confident I could create with any stamps. So I ordered smaller sized script style stamps so I could stamp longer quotes. What I didn't realize was when you switch stamps it's like starting all over again!

I have Lisa Niven Kelly's book out and was going for a variation on the stamped ladder bracelet - making a ladder pendant with a quote from the Buddha, "the way is in the heart."

I measured.

I counted letters.

I measured and counted meticulously.

Everytime I'd put the script style stamp down in the measured area, it was either too far or too close or too high or too low. They weren't behaving like the larger boxy type style.

Arghhh!

I made 8 scrap pieces to every 1 that came out half way decent. I say half way because take a look at the finished products....

They didn't turn out the way I envisioned through no fault of the materials. I ran out of the brass sheet trying to create what I had in my head. After the brass, I switched to copper round blanks without any quotes. These came out much better although the photo is a bit blurred - my Canon is on the fritz and I had to take these pictures with my iPhone!

I used my Euro Power Punch to make a hole in the 3/4'' inch 24 gauge copper blank. Then I stamped the flower on and used my center punch for the pollen. The rounds were then dapped to a slight saucer shape. I aged them using liver of sulfer and polished using baking soda.

That, my friends is how I finally finished the project I started last Saturday! I'll give away a set of two of the stamped copper saucers to the winner of the July 9th Studio Saturday. If you haven't made a comment, be sure to go on over and tell me about how projects move through your studio!

My Bookshelf: Hot Connections Jewelry

2011-07-09T08:43:00.000-04:00

I'm a bookaholic. I've got shelves and shelves dedicated to just books in my home office/jewelry making studio.

I'm always on the look out for books on techniques I want to add to my bead and jewelry making repetoire. My current artistic vision includes metal so I've acquired a few books on metal to help me develop new skills, Mixed Metal Mania, Metalworking 101 for Beads and my most recent book, Hot Connections Jewelry by Jennifer Chin.

Hot Connections Jewelry by Jennifer Chin - Excerpt

The cover is full of Jennifer's fresh and modern metal jewelry. The front cover alone made me want to dive right into the projects. Turning to the table of contents provides you with a snapshot of what's in store for you. Chapters include: Soldering Basics; Essentials of Fabrication & Soldering Techniques; Forming Metal: Other Fabrication Techniques; Textures, Patinas & Finishing; Adding Stones & Beads; Advanced Techniques.

If you're new to fabricating jewelry, Chapter 1, Soldering Basics takes you step by step in clear and simple directions on how to set up your studio and what soldering is all about. On page 21, she discusses the different kinds of torches and makes a recommendation based on how whether you're a hobbyist or production jewelry maker.

Chapter 2, Essentials of Fabrication is quite extensive covering, measuring, drilling, sawing, filing, sanding, bending, shaping, making jump rings, making rivets, soldering and pickling in 9 lessons. You don't want to skip any of the steps. I'm not a detailed oriented person and I tend to skip drawing out the measured lines but I've learned through many mistakes, it's not a step you want to skip.

Each chapter is set up to teach a category of techniques and then the chapter is broken down into techniques and projects. So for example, the category of techniques for chapter 3 is Forming Metal. One of the techniques in chapter 3 is taught in lesson 12: Using a Dapping Block. A list of tools and materials is given and step by step full color photos lead you through the skill of dapping. Lesson 12 is followed by the gorgeous Domed Petal Earrings project where you can put your new skill to use immediately.

If you've dabbled in jewelrymaking or have some of the tools like me, the first two chapters will help you fill in your tool chest with any missing tools. I just ordered a rolling mill for my studio and was excited to see on page 94 how to emboss using a rolling mill.

The book is interspersed with black and white sketches and full color photographs. The sketches are helpful and much more informative than some line drawings you find in other books. My favorite projects from the book are the Riveted Collar Ring on pages 62-63, the Fizzy Pendant on pages 66-67, Domed Petal Earrings on pages 78-79 and the Forged Chain Necklace on pages 80-81.

I enjoyed this book. It's lovely to look at and Jennifer's style is unique and intriguing. You'll be inspired by the book and want to learn all the techniques. Overall, Hot Connections is a wise purchase for any crafter, jewelrymaker or beadmaker.

I can't wait to get started!

disclosure of material connection

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links

2011-07-08T07:00:00.006-04:00

see more Lolcats and funny pictures, and check out our Socially Awkward Penguin lolz!

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