Silly Saturday and Sensational Links

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

A Bead A Day
Looking for a great way to commemorate a special moment or gift? Design a piece of jewelry!

About.com Jewelrymaking
It's like Wal-Mart, only you want to be there in this virutal tour of Shipwreck Beads.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene is having a book fair. Read up on your favorites!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has finally discovered how great polymer clay is.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Not thinking about your holiday gift list yet? Cindy helps get you started with a Knot Ready for Prime Time Lucky Knots and Friends Projects so you can get started now!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shares her final Crystal Week necklace... a piece she calls Woodland Mermaid

Jean Campbell
Jean celebrates her favorite holiday by showing off her costume and some very cool baubles

Jewelry & Beading
Krystal Backer, beading artist, shares her creative inspirations with Cyndi.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Have you been following Lorelei's Necklace Round Robin? Come take a look at the finished pieces!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a delightful book by the editor of BeadStyle: Cathy Jakicic

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her favorite necklace created for Cynthia Thornton's Enchanted Adornments and winner in the metal clay category of the British Bead Awards

Grounded

Mediation and slowing down in general is good for all of us. Inspired to live a slower life, I'm creating a line of reminder jewelry that has style yet serves as a reminder to live life slowly. Each piece will be named after a slow life goal like this one - to stay grounded.


I put this up on my Flickr a couple weeks ago but decided to re-work it slightly and take another picture of it. It's available in my studio at ArtFire.

Share Your Stash - Beads of Clay Open House

I love clay but I can't make any beads from it that have grace and style - unlike the talented artists who belong to Beads of Clay - they can make the clay sing! I'm collaborating with Mary Harding, a clay artist, for the ABS December sponsor beads and when I went to her blog, I happened upon the Open House announcement.

Whee! I was there with bells on! (Who cares I was working at the time? Did I say that out loud?) Here's the stash I bought:

A dill pendant by Mary Harding...


A Passion Heart from Erin at EveryHeartCrafts - Don'tcha just love it?


Check out this great Lasso Wire Wrap Ring tutorial from Chinook Designs. Awesome isn't it?


That's my stash from the Open House - have you added to your stash recently?

Ornamentea Unveil - Sew Together

I was a blogging dud last week, Dear Readers. The flu season arrived at my house by first hitting my son, then my husband. I luckily escaped the flu but was hit with a bad case of bronchitis. So last week is a blur of illness.

Finished jewelry pieces languished on my photography table ready for their close up. Well, today the wait is over. Remember the day I posted about Ornamentea and the 10 Loop Ring in Antique Brass? If you don't, here's a picture of the ring blank...


Without realizing it, I've been developing a group of pieces where I "sew" with wire and metal to create pendants. My need to sew metal and glass comes from learning to sew at age 4, sewing my own clothes through college and reluctantly giving it up when the fabric became more expensive than buying a dress, and reading Mary Hettmansburger and Susan Lenart Kazmer. Sewing seems natural to me - stitching with wire is a natural extension of who I am and the wirework I do.

I strive to put things together in unusual ways - make the unexpected. The 10 loops cry out for a flurry of headpins and beads - which I love love love by the way - but what could I do with the loops in an unexpected way? I held up one of my Pear Frost Links - it framed the loops beautifully. Aha! I would sew the Pear Frost Link to the ring (have I mentioned how glue is not my BFF?)







The title is an obvious play on words and how I'd like to be "together." Instead of being flawless, I'm held together by these strong and even stitches that have a beauty all their own.

Do you find something like sewing appearing as a theme in your creative life?

Sunday Photo

Silly Saturday and Sensational Links

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

A Bead A Day
Does a simple design equal a "Zen" experience? Lisa would love to hear your thoughts on when simple designs are able to make an impact.

About.com Jewelrymaking
After posting a new jewelry book review for a very cool mixed media book, Tammy is looking a head to other reviews coming up very soon.

Art Bead Scene
You've heard of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? Well, this Sisterhood shares bracelets.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe gets tangled up with Chain Style book review

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi decided to finally use her bead stash from Paris.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy's got some new findings from Ornamentea. What's she going to make with them?

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
The inspiration for Melanie's Machinery of Nature necklace comes from science, steampunk, and nature.

Jean Campbell
Jean struggles through the creative process while bezeling some unusual crystal shapes

Jewelry & Beading
Little beaded flowers are addictive to make, and before you know it, you've got enough for a complete necklace!

Katie's Beading Blog
Check out Katie's ideas on making your old beads new again- and make some affordable gifts along the way!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Better get on board, Lorelei is having the last of the Enchanted Adornments giveaways. Leave a comment to play!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean has a little Boo power going on for her in this hand made Halloween bracelet!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off metal clay goodies from Rings & Things

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew revisits a bracelet design and creates six others.

Food Network Junkie - bring on a vegan!

Ok, I'm admitting it. I'm a Food Network junkie. I've picked up lots of tips on how to cook from watching Top Chef, Mario Batali, Bobby Flay, Ina Garten just to name a few of my favorites. I had a brush with working in a kitchen but it's not for me - I don't move fast enough and the high stress is too much for me. But I do like to cook.

I wish Food Network had a vegan cooking show like Post Punk Kitchen. But in the meantime, vegan friendly Rick Bayless (whom I've always loved - must be because he studied linguistics like me) will do.



I'm hungry! Are you cooking or making the margaritas?

Sunday Photo

The Teen playing his original music at one of the local malls.

Silly Saturday and Sensational Links

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Intro - Balloon Boy Is Safe
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Ron Paul Interview

A Bead A Day
Do you have a distinctive style or do you go where the wind blows you? Lisa would love to hear about your design process.

About.com Jewelrymaking
Fall is in the air, at least in some areas of the world, so it is time to think about making fall jewelry.

Art Bead Scene
ABS shares a motherlode of giveaways for October.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe gets a mini artpiece from Artbeads.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes some resin filled embellishments quickly!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
There's a new addition to the Heartz n Skullz Family. Come check out the new Skully Bowz!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie heats things up with some fire inspired crystal and porcelain beads in her newest necklace from her Art Beads crystal week

Jean Campbell
Jean reviews Wendy Ellsworth's wonderful new book, Beading--The Creative Spirit.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi shares the instructions for a special necklace that she made for a friend, called "The Fourth Day of Creation"

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is swooning over the newest Crystallized Innovations from Artbeads!

Strands of Beads
Melissa is proud to be Soft Flex Company's Spotlight On... Designer for October!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
See what Andrew whipped up when he sat down in the studio after a dry spell.

Ornamentea, An Etsy Sale and Comments on the Comments

Thanks for all the great comments on the disclosure. I always appreciate your comments and love to hear from you!

Unfortunately, I wasn't very clear where was coming from when I posted. So let me try to clarify. The FCC (I think) has come up with a new ruling requiring bloggers to disclose that they are paid to talk up a product. Companies have dedicated staff on social networking sites talking up products and people. They get real salaries, real money to pay their bills and buy groceries. I get paid in a goody bag. I can't send jump rings and Swarovski crystals to the gas company and they'll consider my bill paid. But the FCC works in broad strokes so since I blog about a product, then I need to disclose.

So that's why I wrote the "no secrets" post.

In keeping with my "No Secrets Policy," I've gotten an exciting selection of products from Ornamentea as part of a creative challenge to the editors of the Art Bead Scene. Each editor is to come up with jewelry using similar items from Ornamentea. I love working with the other beadmakers at ABS, they're such a creative bunch! You should check out the sale that Melanie is having on Etsy.

Buy I'm digressing from the fabulous findings I'm working with right now. I've received a 10 Loop Ring in Antique Brass, Medium Knurled Round Chain in Antique Brass and a Snake Hook in Antique Brass








Yummy! I've had these on my design table for over a week thinking and turning them over and over trying to decide what I wanted to create. I started putting together a piece using my Frost Links in Pear. The Pear color goes so well with the rich tones of the antiqued brass.

What do you think I'm working on? A necklace? A ring?

No Secrets

Russ is in my studio this morning encouraging me to make some beads but I want to talk about something else first. There's a discussion going on with bloggers - I don't really get the details but essentially it's about truth in blogging. Meaning, if a jewelry supplies company offers me products that I can blog about, then I should be telling you.

I do.

I prominently display the Rings n Things Blog partners badge. I tell you when I've gotten a goody bag from R&T. That's considered payment by the way.



No secrets.

I buy from Rings n Things too. So, not everything R&T is part of the blog partners, some is bought and paid for from little ol' me. You'll know the difference because I'll tell you.

No secrets.

I'm not here talking up any product from R&T that I don't like. If I get something from them in a goody bag I can't use, I don't use it. If I like something and use it, then I tell you.

Honest.

Open.

No secrets.

I like Rings n Things, it's why I'm a blog partner.

No kidding.

Sunday Photo

Migraines, Silly Saturday and Sensational Links

I lost a day in the studio yesterday because of the migraine that started on Thursday. Spent Thursday night waking every hour or so with nausea and a pounding headache. I was lucky to get in to see the doctor yesterday. Thank goodness! She gave me a shot which thankfully made me feel much better. I'm hoping to get time in the studio today.


see more Lolcats and funny pictures


Enjoy the beady links!

A Bead A Day
Do you buy beads for their "coolness" factor? What is your definition of "cool" when it comes to beads and jewelry?

About.com Jewelrymaking
Tammy has taken her net and collected some butterfly crafts for you in plenty of time to participate in The Butterfly Project at the Holocaust Museum Houston.

Art Bead Scene
The October Art Bead Scene Challenge gets folksy.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy shows off her new buckle charm necklace but what should she name it?

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie brightens up her beading palette with some spring colors for her second Art Beads crystal blog post

Jean Campbell
Jean shares her delight with Cynthia Thornton's new book, "Enchanted Adornments"

Jewelry & Beading
Bring home a souvenir, and figure out how to wear it!

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie's mixing polymer clay with beads again - check out this new design!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Come join in on the fun of the 6th Enchanted Adornments giveaway, it's FROGS! Ribbit!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is swooning over the newest Crystallized Innovations from Artbeads!

Strands of Beads
Melissa is proud to be Soft Flex Company's Spotlight On... Designer for October!

Facelift and What-if

I gave the blog a little facelift this morning. I'm re-vamping packaging, photo backgrounds and my Etsy shop in a black and white theme. I like the black and white, it's classic and serves as a nice showcase for my work. I haven't re-opened the Etsy shop yet because I'm still working on a banner.

It was a rough night last night. I had a migraine hit yesterday and I didn't get ahead of this one. If you have migraines, you know you have to take the pain reliever at the first hint or you're a gonner. I was a gonner yesterday and it only got worse through the night. For the first time, I got the dreaded nausea with it - woke me up every hour or two - ugh, it was awful. So I sit here with the phone in my hand waiting for the doctor's office to call to tell me they have a prescription waiting. All the while I'm thinking - What-if they don't call? What-if there isn't anything to take? What-if I have to do another night like last night?

What if I stop worrying and did some yoga? It might help.

Bronze Metal Clay Rose Charms

I'm not sure why, but this little rose charm feels arts and crafts style to me. They're sweet.I made these bronze metal charms in July but was so enamored of the process, I never put them up for sale! Since they're my very first charms, I'm selling them for below cost. I've only got a few so if you like them, scoop them up before they're gone!

A Voluptuous Surreal Rhythms

Spent some time at the torch the other day. I made another Surreal Rhythms and this one has a voluptuous shape, nipped in at the center and rounded at each end.



Reminds me of what the famous line by the Duchess of York, "You can never be too thin..."

Expanding the Bead Family: Skully Bowz

I'm adding to the Heartz n Skullz series with Skully Bowz. Skully Bowz are like the Skele'Bowz but are made a bit differently - so a slightly different name. Instead of a black eye, I've highlighted the sculptural quality of the Skully with brown. She wears a sweet deep red bow.






Do you like the new addition to the Heartz n Skullz family? Do you create series within your work?

Sunday's Photo

Screaming into a drive-through speaker and Sensational links!

This week was rainy and gray in the Northeast - very rainy and windy. I made the mistake of trying to order at a drive through. Needless to say, my teen was on the floor laughing at how I had to scream into the speaker 4 times! So, this week's silly had to include this one....


see more Lolcats and funny pictures



see more Lolcats and funny pictures


Enjoy the beady links!

A Bead A Day
Have a favorite piece of day-to-day jewelry? Lisa shares hers and reasons for leaning toward practicality.

About.com Jewelrymaking
Tammy offers you two simple ways to become part of the on-line jewelry making community.

Art Bead Scene
Take a tour with the Art Bead Scene. We've got places to go and beads to see!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Simply Gemstones book review

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi creates a new necklace with heart shaped resin pendants she made.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Take a walk on the dark side and see what kind of jewelry Cindy comes up with.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie begins her celebration of a week of crystal pendants with an autumn inspired fairy butterfly necklace

Jean Campbell
How do you use beads to decorate your house? Check out these photos of Jean's beady household decor.

Jewelry & Beading
Have you ever thought about trying glass fusing? The talented Wendy Talaro shares a fused glass primer this week!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei is hosting a Necklace Round Robin, come check out the necklaces as they transform!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean recalls and reposts a recipe for some cool October earrings, now that there is a chill in the air!

Strands of Beads
Melissa blogs about an intriguing new blog by lampwork artist Sarah Moran

Talk Back and An Immortal Corsage

Today I want to talk back. I really appreciate the comments!

Tuesday's post about the "money shot" surprised me. When I'm surprised by the comments I receive, I've learned something. I'm starting to feel the white background is boring and was sure that the roses background would make the charm more appealing. Seems not. Surprise. (It does make me wonder about my ability to have the "my fingers on the pulse" of what the trends are.) I guess white isn't boring after all!

So I'm going to reveal a deep dark not so secret secret today - I love crochet. I love to make it and I love to admire it. So handmade lace either crochet or of late, I've been trying to teach myself to do needle tatting.

Why? You ask.

Because I've been drooling over a needle tatted bracelet for about a year - My Immortal Corsage made by TotusMel on Etsy. (Photo courtesy of TotusMel's shop.)



I'm completely in love with it! I finally decided enough drooling it was time to take action! I bought it.

Lovely work isn't it? Amazing how something this exquisite is made with humble thread and a long blunt end needle. If you're interested in trying it out yourself, you can buy crochet thread at the local craft store but you'll have to go online to Handy Hands to order a tatting needle.

Are you smitten with another craft? Are you learning something new or buying?

What's in a Name?

Thanks, Dear Readers for all the comments on the last blog post's pictures. I'm in the process of changing my packaging and creating a new banner. I've got a black and white theme in mind so today's pictures show a bit of a backdrop I'm toying with.

But alas! I'm stuck yet again for a good name for the necklace. I used a bead chain to repeat the beads in the fine silver belt buckle charm I made. I darkened the chain a bit to echo the feel of the charm and suspended a blood red crystal from the end.




Right now my creative muse is on empty. I keep repeating, What's in a name? What's in a name? Thinking maybe it will bring and idea into my head or refill my creative muse's tank!

Any ideas? Oh, and what do you think of the black and white backdrop?

Let's put our heads together and see if something other than Shakespeare comes to mind....

New Work: Fine Silver Clay

Bronze clay has encouraged me to try fine silver clay (pmc) again. I tried it awhile ago but as I've mentioned, I always felt Cindy + clay = lousy beads. My foray a couple of years ago into pmc was proof to me.

Yet, I've seen several pieces I'd like to duplicate and put into jewelry but the shrinkage with bronze metal clay is around 30%. That means, if I have a small piece I'd like to duplicate, it's going to shrink 30% making it difficult to finish.

Silver clay (pmc 3) shrinks much less, something like 10%. So I can duplicate smallish (1/2 inch or 12mm) and be able to finish it. Here's my latest piece:



On a photography note, see how much different it looks here on the roses and black background? I like how it looks here but the top one gives a truer picture of what the piece looks like. The one below, I think, sells the piece.



Right now, I'm not selling the Victorian Belt Buckle as a component so no link to my site today. I've created it specifically for jewelry. In my next post, I'll show you the finished piece.

So, tell me, readers, which picture do you like best and why?

Sunday's Photo

Silly Saturday and Sensational Links

see more Lolcats and funny pictures


A Bead A Day
If you are "mousing" all day and still want to wear a bracelet, memory wire rubber tubing is a simple and comfortable option.

About.com Jewelrymaking
Tammy is already thinking about and making Halloween jewelry so she can wear it next month. What about you?

Art Bead Scene
Keep misplacing your ruler? Get one for free!


Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
29 Days of Giving starts with a Japanese book giveaway.

Beading Arts
So, what to do with all those left over seed beads...?

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi discovers Free Trade Kazuri beads from Kenya.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy imagines a movie and writes a script.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie congratulates Jean Cambell and shares the beautiful piece she made for Beadwork Magazine using an Earthenwood face stone

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Check out the beads and goodies Lorelei bought on her recent trip to London, England

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews Big and Bold, a really pretty book of jewelry designs culled from BeadStyle Magazine

Strands of BeadsMelissa shows off her new "Twilight" choker made with Swarovski crystal from Artbeads.com

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
The pace is picking up for Andrew and his BIG SALE. Check out where he'll be next and celebrate his birthday with a special 15% off promotional code!

Nevermore

Now that I have Twilight on the brain, I've created another necklace along the theme of dark romance, this one is in part inspired by The Raven's famous words on lost love.





The 1.5 inch square fused glass pendant is hand stamped with enamels and then a black glass heart is fused over it. I routered the edge so I could wire wrap the bail. It's suspended from a gunmetal chain I bought at the Rings n Things Bead Tour.

Nevermore is in my Art Fire shop.

Back from the Concert.....

Last week was a whirlwind of concerts. Sleepyhead had two performances on Wednesday and Thursday. Then it was off to Kitchener, Ontario to see Keane and Lights. So, I'm resting up today and listening to some great music!

Sunday's Photo

Friday Funnies and Fabulous Links

Before I post the Fabulous Links, I wanted to thank yesterday's comment-ers (ors?) for the compliments, name ideas and even the another suggestion for a movie script! I don't know how to describe my design process. I won't describe it here, I'll wait for Studio Saturday. In the meantime, I've got a Friday funny for you....


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

So don't forget I'm at Studio Saturday tomorrow - make sure you stop by and weigh in on my design process! Take a look around the bloggerhood and check out what everyone else is up to!


A Bead A Day
Bead-wiring vs. bead-weaving...which do you prefer?

About.com Jewelrymaking
Loving some filigree, check out these new filigree jewelry projects.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene shows off her top art bead picks for this month's Kandinsky Challenge.


Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe goes crazy over Mixed Metals book

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmis creates a necklace using canvas and leather.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy makes more Through the Looking Glass Nuggets Charms that match perfectly with Frost Links.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shares her uncertainty about a new dragonfly pendant design.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi has finished another CopprClay necklace and wants to share the instructions!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Bead cones can be used in more way than one and Lorelei shows an example!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean comes across her "Digg it" necklace--far out! She's like an archaeologist!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Art Bead Scene's September prompt is Kandinsky's Improvisation No. 23. Andrew shares the piece he created in response to the painting. Check it out!

A Movie Script and a Necklace....

Everywhere you go lately, you see the Twilight Series. I've written before about the contrasting color palette of red, white and black. But the Twilight series is more than red, white and black - it's imbued with a dark Victorian Gothic novel feel.

A few months back, I got 12 inches of the gunmetal hammered oval chain from Rings N Things as part of the Blog Partners program. I loved the look of the gunmetal yet wasn't quite sure how to put it all together. I had ribbons from months before that in red and black I adored and hadn't known exactly what I would do with them either.

In honor of my July anniversary, I made a heart and etched it. Delicate and soft, I finally realized what I wanted to do with the gunmetal hammered links.

I combined the dark color of the chain with a black/red satin ribbon, and three blood red Czech glass hearts. All are contrasted with the soft white frosted heart. It definitely has a darkly romantic dangerous feel to it.

It puts me in a Romance Writer mood. I've got a whole little movie for this necklace going on in my head. Here's the script so far:

(FADE IN)

"This is for you."

His breath was warm and moist on my neck as he moved close. Was this the time when he finally lost control? My eyes were closed, I was almost wishing for it to happen. I wasn't afraid anymore.

He tied the ribbon of the necklace and moved away.

"It's perfect."

I looked down at the necklace and then I don't remember what happened next.

(FADE OUT)


Vampire - like Edward Cullen? Or restrained gentleman - like Mr. Darcy? Or murderer? We're not quite sure from reading this little snippet. There's definitely a vibe and it inspired the necklace.

But what to call it?




Has my script and pictures inspired you to think of a name? What comes to mind for you?


(Photo Credit for the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer courtesy of Amazon.com)

Full of Words....

Sometimes you're so full of words, they just spill out onto anything and everything. I had words spill out onto these washers the other day....

...if you've got too much to think about, words will fall out of your head and onto your worktable!

Ok ok, so the words didn't *really* fall out of my head and onto my worktable but it was a cute story don't you think?

Not only do I use my stamps for personalizing my shipping envelopes, I also use them to personalize my beads and findings.

I've used a permanent ink in a rich brown. I line up the washers in rows and stamp the words across several washers. Each washer has a partial word - put a few together to find out what word is stamped on them.

Try making your own or you can pick up a few from my store.

Have you been full of words lately?

Silly Saturday and Sensational Links!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Cougars
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Healthcare Protests

A Bead A Day
Design ideas wanted!! If you have an extra minute, please stop by to see if you can help Lisa out with a suggestion for her co-worker's designer Italian pendant.

About.com Jewelrymaking
Copper is hot right now! Find out about a new book review just posted concerning copper.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene's September Challenge is Kandinsky's Improvisation No. 23.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi uses chessboard crystals to create a floor for her ballerina necklace.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy's obsession with bronze metal clay continues. She shows off her new Art Nouveau floral charms.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shares a sparkly crystal and brass pendant that she unearthed while cleaning her studio

Jean Campbell
Jean reviews the new Crystallized Swarovski Elements #5328 bicone.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi has finished another CopprClay necklace and wants to share the instructions!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei is having fun using lots of Lynn Davis components in her designs this week!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean comes across her "Digg it" necklace--far out! She's like an archaeologist!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Matcha green tea from Matcha Source defeats the doldrums and inspires Andrew to create a new bracelet!

Perfectly Coordinated

Added more petite (14mm) Through the Looking Glass Nugget Charms this time in a Frost Blue Grey that coordinates perfectly with the Frost Links in Blue Grey.

Pretty, aren't they? I love the Bronze colored wire with the blue grey.

I looked for coordinating colored 14mm nuggets to complement the Amber Rose Frost Links and found these lovely, slightly iridescent, Amber Pink Gold glass nuggets.


The bronze pieces I showed last week are in the tumbler. I've made some precious metal clay pieces in fine silver that are destined for necklaces only. They'll be up on ArtFire this weekend.

So, now that the kids are back to school, do you find yourself ramping up your craftiness and creativity?

Moving Day....

Today is moving day! I'm moving all of my finished jewelry from my website over to ArtFire.com. So you'll notice the new storefront on the side of the blog.

Visit CindyGimbrone's ArtFire Shop

Why ArtFire and not the popular Etsy? I was on Etsy for awhile and they've gone the way of ebay - more fees, more self promotion to the detriment of the sellers and less about what they were in the first place, handmade.

So, give Art Fire a look-see. It's a great place to be!

Sunday Photo

Silly Saturday and Sensation Links!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Florida Pythons on the Loose
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Healthcare Protests

Art Beads is having a Labor Day Weekend Sale! It's a 20% Off coupon that’s good on everything! This is the largest discount ever on Artbeads.com! There is a $60 minimum with the coupon and you have to sign up for their email newsletter to get the coupon code. Check it out!

About.com Jewelry Making
What's in a name, the name of your jewelry pieces that is? Here are a few tips to consider when naming jewelry you sell through the web.

Art Bead Scene
Wondering how big 20mm really is? Here's a handy size chart to keep by your computer. It'll help you out!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Tool talk-this time its hole punching pliers & wire cutters

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi shows off her unexpected bead finds from a store in Little Portugal.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy brings some color to her new bronze floral medallions.

Jean Campbell
Jean's got a cool job--check out what she's been working on!

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi shares another CopprClay project, which includes making your own mold!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
While in Philadelphia for Bead Fest, Lorelei met up with Andrew Thornton and he gave her some presents!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews Contemporary Copper Jewelry by the wonderful Sharilyn Miller

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew and Diana Ptaszynski of Vintage Blue Studio have a throw down! See how Andrew uses Heather Powers of Humble Beads' Polymer Bird-Head Pendant!

Art Nouveau-Art Deco Style flower charms

These are fresh from the kiln. Lovely patina on them isn't it? A bit of charcoal stuck in the crevices here and there. I'll clean that out and throw them into the tumbler. The bronze clay shrinks by approximately 30% so the charms are much smaller than the mold I made and used. They're under .5 inches.

I've been thinking about where they will fit - Art Nouveau or Art Deco? While the flowers have the "whiplash" stem they're also stylized a bit. But I do think they're more Art Nouveau than Art Deco because they're not as modern in overall style.

What do you think? Which are they more like? Art Nouveau or Art Deco?

Talkback about yesterday and oh yeah, hoarding

So, I find out there are others with a short attention span like myself. YAY! By that I mean we just love buttons and beads and can't seem to pass up any that are particularly charming.

Buttons make lovely clasps like Erin mentioned. I try to pry them from my hands to put them into jewelry but that means I'll never, ever have them again! That, my friends, is called hoarding! I'm a bit like Golum in Lord of the Rings holding onto to those beautiful buttons! I need to do something or I'll become an episode of "Intervention."

I think mold making is the answer. Afterall, if I make a mold of a one of a kind button, then I can make as many as I want, right? I don't have only one and I don't have worry about changing my mind, right?

So maybe all button hoarders need to learn how to make molds - just so we can let go. What do you think? Have I found a short cut to a 12 step for button hoarding?