For me, it was Tuesday....

when I gave away the last set of beads. I've decided that Tuesday will be a regular giveaway for as long as I've got stuff to give away!

Last week, I was miffed because beads were/are still sitting on my design table unclaimed. I'm a little late but it's still Tuesday. These lovelies are the re-giveaway from last Tuesday.

The lucky winner is, Courtney! Congratulations, Courtney and thank for you for coming back! Please send an email to me with your email address so I can send the beads to you!

Please visit next week to see what I'll be giving away!

Mad for Monday and Missing Links

Since I've been so crazy from rings lately, I'm mad for rolled edge bezels too. I find the best selection at Metalliferous where they come in all sizes and where I borrowed the photo.

Trying to keep myself busy, I find I've made myself too busy and have less and less time for myself and keeping up with the blog. So here are the missing links from Friday. Lots of inspiration in them!


A Bead A Day
Take a trip down "memory wire lane" as Lisa remembers discovering this versatile beading staple.

About.com Jewelry Making
For those who like immediate gratification jewelry, there's a new line coming to your local Michael's called Trinkettes.

Art Bead Scene
The Art Bead Scene Carnival Bloggers write about renewal for September.

Beading Arts
Auntie's Beads supplied some wonderful faux sea glass beads for Cyndi to use in a new design!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi's new BELIEVE necklace starts out with a beaded embroidery.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
To badly paraphrase Shakespeare, "the ring's the thing!"

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie mashes up two songs about school and growing up and uses it as inspiration for a mixed media necklace.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei was able to watch a couple of cool videos from Ronna Sarvas Weltman, and reviews them this week on the blog.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a VERY cool DVD all about metal work, which is super great for beginners AND super inspiring for old hands at this type of jewelry creating and designing!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew has another great Thursday Giveaway! Find out how you can win a Halloween-themed Trick or Treat Trios set of flexible beading wire from Soft Flex Company!

Sunday Photo

Wednesday Wire: Sewing with Wire

Wire is versatile and an artist can adapt numerous techniques depending on the gauge of wire she uses. I grew up sewing my own clothes and creating with fabric and thread so it's a logical extension of that to sew with wire. Mary Hettmansperger's book, Wrap, Stitch, Fold & Rivet and Susan Lenart Kazmer's Making Connections have chapters devoted to stitching in metal and are worth the read if you're interested like I was in sewing.

Over the past couple of years, I've created sewn pieces combining sentimental "found objects" first and then my own flamework glass. My very first piece was a pottery shard I found while digging in the garden at my parents' farm.

Then, it was on to using one of my glass links with a 10 loop brass ring finding from Ornamentea.

Most recently, I created the sewn ring from scratch using a beach pebble from Lake Huron, brass wire and a brass disk.

Are you exploring a fiber technique in your jewelry designs?

Miffed....

Last week, I announced the winner of the Not So Famous Missed Anniversary Bead Giveaway.

As of today, the beads sit on my desk unclaimed. So, if the beads go unclaimed by tomorrow, I'm going to give the beads away to someone else who commented on the post.

Mad for Monday: YouTube

Believe it or not, I've never made an adjustable sliding know for a necklace or bracelet. Googling it, a YouTube video came up in the search - duh! I should've gone there in the first place! There are many good ones but I chose this one by a well-known glass beadmaker, Kate Drew-Wilkerson. Get your cords out and start knotting!

Sunday Photo

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links!

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
The Recession Is Over
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

About.com Jewelry Making
Are you trying to pinch those pennies when it comes to making jewelry? Here are some ideas to help you out.

Art Bead Scene
This week we have a Monthly Challenge treasury to share and inspire you.

Beading Arts
Have you seen what you can do with macrame? Don't think hemp, think colorful and modern!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Another felted and beaded pendant is turned into a necklace by Carmi.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
This week's Wednesday Wire is all about the rings.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie faces her fears of home improvement by relating it to her beloved jewelry crafts.

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie's dreaming up jewelry projects inspired by the season. Leave a comment for a chance to win a Beads, Baubles & Jewels DVD!

Wednesday Wire: Ringalicious!

Ringalicious! Yup, I've got another glass and metal ring to show off today. I've combined vintage brass with the dapped copper disk and flamework glass.

Do you like the mix of brass and copper?

The Not-So-Famous Missed Anniversary Bead Giveawy Winner

Thank you, thank you, thank you to everyone who commented and blogged about my giveaway on their blogs! I sincerely appreciate it!! Please don't be shy about commenting when there's no giveaway, I love to hear from you!

Now without further ado, the winner of the Not So Famous Missed Anniversary Bead Giveaway is

Klassy Joolz! Congratulations!

Please send me an email by clicking on my blogger profile. If you have any trouble, leave me a comment on this post.

Monday Marketing Tip: Customized Swag

Creating some swag for Sleepyhead, aka my son. Used his album's logo to make shrink plastic beads for necklaces to sell at his upcoming concert this Wednesday.

I'm doing this for him but you can do this for yourself to make customized swag for your bead/jewelry buyers.

Do you have a marketing tip to share today?

Sunday Photo

The Don't Forget My Giveaway Saturday and Sensational Links!

I'm giving away a bunch of beads next Tuesday, so be sure to leave a comment on the original post (ok, I'll take them here too ;-) to be entered to win. In the meantime, let's take a look at this week's sensational links!

About.com Jewelry Making
Check out this new rivet gadget for making cold connections with your jewelry.

Art Bead Scene
Looking for inspiration for the ABS monthly challenge? Come check out the list of Art Deco sources at ABS.

Barbe Saint John
Barbe reviews some Rings and Things Halloween Beads and is giving some away too!

Beading Arts
Wool roving for a necklace? Cyndi's tutorial is finished!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi uses her Parisian ribbon collection to make some fabulous beads.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy brought back some beach treasures Lake Huron. She's created a keepsake with them you'll want to see.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie reflects on the politics of the playground for a series of hopscotch themed pendants

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
Jean explores creative jewelry design using inspiration employing wordplay--what do you think?

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew gets interviewed by Ray Hemachandra for a Blogger Profile on Lark Crafts: Jewelry & Beading.

Wednesday Wire: Ring Mania

Rings, rings, rings!

Don't ask me why but my creative muse has been gifting me with rings designs.  It feels as though I'm bringing together a few different ideas I've been playing with for a few years. You can see it all in this ring design:

Wirework.

Lampwork.

Metalwork.

It feels like I've been rehearsing a singing voice and it's starting to come through loud and clear.

What about you, what is your creative muse gifting you with?

The Not-So-Famous Missed Anniversary Bead Giveawy

While writing yesterday's blog post, I searched my blog to link to a previous topic. I was a bit shocked when a post from 2005 appeared.

2005!?!

I've been standing on this virtual corner of a crowded internet hollering at anyone who walked by since 2005?

You'd think I'd be hoarse by now.

I'm nothing if not tenacious.

It also means I've missed an anniversary. In honor of my missed anniversary, I'm going to giveaway a bunch of beads.

I'm not the world's best time manager which means, I've made some lovely beads that just never made it to my website to sell. Some beads have just been hanging out waiting to go to a good home.

Sooo, if you'd like to be entered in the drawing to receive these goodies for free, please leave a comment on my blog.

If you'd like to increase your chance to win the giveaway, I'll enter your name again if you do the following:

2. Blog about my giveaway on your blog with a link to this post and come back and leave me a comment saying you blogged about it and include your blog link in the comment. (You have my permission to snag the bead pictures from this post)

Blog about it before Monday, September 20th because I'll be choosing a winner of the Missed Anniversary Bead Giveaway on Tuesday September 21st, one week from today.

Good luck!

Monday Monday, Gym and Links

It's fall and it's the first year I don't have to get a kid off to school. It feels weird, at the regularly appointed school times, I feel like I have to be somewhere doing something, but I don't. So, I'm trying to find the time in my already stuffed schedule to get myself to the gym regularly.  Not wanting to look like a dork from the early 90's (which is the last time I had any time to myself), I thought a few tips on gym style might be in order (thanks to premium woman for the photo.) I still need a few things because the other day I had to put my gym clothes into a grocery bag. So, I'll be out today trying to find something suitable, in the meantime, take a look at our bead blogger links and see what they've been up to...

A Bead A Day
Are you thinking of branching out into polymer clay work? Lisa has gathered some blog reader feedback on how to get started.

About.com Jewelry Making
Are you in or out when it comes to plated metals? This polls seems to indicate a mixed bag .

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene Announces the September Monthly Challenge. Come gain inspiration from Barbier.

Barbe Saint John
Stamped Metal Jewelry book review!

Beading Arts
Have you tried wool roving in your jewelry designs? See what Cyndi has been doing with this fascinating material!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi is thrilled to go down a new artistic road with paper pendants!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Wondering what Cindy's really like? Come see her first ever video and find out if she's really that quirky!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie celebrates the start of school season with a series of Friday book giveaways, starting with Creative Paper Jewelry.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei takes a bit of a directional turn, in business. You may want to read this!

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
It is Jean's birthday month! To celebrate, she is reposting a review of a lovely book by Cathy Jakicic which she is particularly fond of!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Margot Potter recently debuted her new book, "Bead Chic". Find out how you can win a copy with this week's Thursday Giveaway!

Sunday Photo

Wednesday Wire: Cold Connections, Wire Wrap and a Beach Pebble

Wondering what I did with my "different bead stash" from the beach? You know I've been hammering and doming metal disks. Pair that with with wire and this is what you get....

No soldering, "cold connections" and wire wrapping make for one sweet beach pebble ring. I knew it was a cabochon when I picked it up out of the surf!

Gotta Wash Those Beads Right Outta My Studio!

Yes, I am signing a musical number as I clear the beads out and give myself some more room. I've put them up on my website but they won't stay there forever, just through to Saturday, September 11th. Then they'll be gone and sent on their way!

Well, my studio ain't South Pacific and now I got a hankering to see that red lipped 1950's Mitzi Gaynor get those beads...errr man right outta her hair!

Sunday Photo

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links

see more Lolcats and funny pictures

About.com Jewelry Making
Take a quick poll and comment about your crafting and weekend plans.

Art Bead Scene
Let's Rewind and ask ourselves, do your customers see your work as you do?

Beading Arts
Cyndi is helping her readers show off the best thing they made this summer!

Carmi's Art/Life World
A stationary set found in storage results in a new necklace for Carmi.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
It's the end of the summer and Cindy's taking it easy this week. Her "Meandering" earrings express that end of summer relaxed attitude.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows off some new sparkly supplies from her friends at Auntie's Beads

Snap Out of It, Jean! There's Beading to be Done!
It is so hard for Jean to believe it is September! She is cheered and honored by being Artbeads' "Spotlight Designer" on Facebook! Read about it on her blog!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Even though he didn't physically go to the BeadFest show, Andrew still managed to score some amazing finds! Check out his loot from the show.

Wednesday Wire: Breaking My Rule for a Friend

A co-worker wanted to give her partner a special gift and was on the internet at work looking for someone somewhere who could duplicate the bracelet her partner had given to her a few years ago. After searching for the artist, she was telling a group of us how she was frustrated in her search. I asked to see her bracelet. It was a heavy gauge entwined heart bracelet made of sterling silver. I told her I thought I could do it.

Usually, I won't deliberately try to copy someone else's design. But I decided to do it this once for a couple of reasons.

My friend had searched long and hard for the original artist to no avail. She was determined to have it copied so she could give a matching bracelet to her partner.

This would be a special order, one time only and I would not add it to the collection of wire jewelry I sold. As if I had made it for myself, one time personal use.

I would only earn back my costs (as it turned out, I lost money on it by quoting a price under what it actually cost me to make it). I made a prototype out of copper wire:

She presented it to her partner for Valentine's Day and she was thrilled. I'm glad I made it for them because it was so special. So to the artist who created it, thank you for designing a bracelet that meant so much my friend and her partner. I adore your design, but I won't be copying it again. Sometimes you break your rules for a friend.

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

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

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

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

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

Mad AT Monday!

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

YouTube!

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

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

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

Sunday Photo

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Missing Monday and Links!

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Strands of Beads
Melissa unveils her new Saturn charm.

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

Sunday Photo

Wednesday Wire: Double Dip Charms

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




Materials:

1 Double Dip in Coral

Tools:

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


Directions:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sunday Photo

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

A New Creative Journey....

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

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

Wednesday Wire: Wire Projects for HalloweenMas!

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

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

HalloweenMas is coming!

Mad for Monday: Frit Part Deux

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

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

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

What do you think, my friends?

Sunday Photo

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Californigaytion
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Tea Party

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wednesday Wire: Happy HalloweenMas!

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

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

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

Fun Color in Crochet

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

What about you?

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