Happy Vegan Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Thought I'd share some vegan sweet treats for you to drool over and consider trying. First up, Vegan Pecan Pralines by Sweet Fritsy on Etsy....

oh oh before we leave Sweet Fritsy, what about her Vegan Oatmeal Cream Pies?

Yummy, right?

The last tempting vegan treat I have is Shortbread Mint Chocolate Dipped Candy Cane Cookies baked by The Sweet Vegan on Etsy.

Happy Vegan Thanksgiving, y'all!

Wednesday Wire: Pounding Metal

I know you've probably all seen Lisa Niven Kelly's book, Stamped Metal Jewelry but I always like to wait until after the flood on initial reviews before I review a book. I like to try out the techniques and let the information roll around in my head for awhile wondering if I can say something different than what's already been said. If I think I have something to add to the conversation, then I review the book.

I like this book ALOT!

Ok, so that's not original but it's worth saying even if all the other reviewers have said it. It tells you, the prospective buyer that the majority of people really love the book. Then it's worth picking up and it is.

The book opens with a list of the tools necessary.  Even though I have a workbench full of tools, I find there's always a key tool I don't seem to have.  Cutting and Sawing comes next and is packed with indispensible information on saw blade sizes and how to saw.

I skimmed the sections on hole punching (I love the Euro Power Punch, nice clean holes) and dapping because I do both tasks regularly. Someone unfamilar with either will find easy to understand, comprehensive directions. I skipped the next few pages on riveting (I have Susan Lenart Kazmer's/Interweave's DVD on riveting), Oxidizing,  Annealing and went straight to "Start Stamping" on pages 36 and 37.

Who can blame me for skipping forward to the stamping section? Afterall I bought a book entitled Stamped Metal Jewelry, so obviously I wanted to pound metal!

Pages 36 -37 are chock full of the information and tips you need to personalize your jewelry with stamping. There are tips throughout the book along with idea starters like the list of words on page 42. My favorite projects are the Stamped and Stacked Ring on page 68, The Crown Jewel on page 92 and the Bold Stamped & Riveted Beads on page 102.

Time to get back to my pounding...here's a little glimpse at what I'm working on. You'll see more of it in the couple of weeks.

In the meantime, if you don't already have Lisa's book, put it on your Holiday gift list!

(Thank you to Interweave for the use of the photo.)

Take It Tuesday: Business Tips from a Flake

It's time to admit it, folks.

I'm not as productive as I'd like to be.

I sometimes spend hours on the computer and get nothing done (can you say Facebook and Twitter?)

I have great ideas, in fact, I'm a brainstorming machine.

Successful implementation of those ideas is spotty.

It's time to admit it.

I'm a flake.

It's time to re-evaluate (how cliche since it towards the end of the year, but however cliche, it's true.)

So if you are a fellow flake, take heart! There's help at hand! Check out the Complete Flake's Guide to Getting Things Done by Sonia Simone.

After I read Sonia's blog post, I knew I needed to have a compost pile.....

...No, not THAT compost pile!

I mean a place to put all of my good ideas and try to keep it neat somehow. I've got sketchbooks for my design ideas but I needed a place to put the advice and good ideas I got from the web.

Remembering vaguely that one of my friends showed me a notebook program, I googled and found Notebook by Circus Ponies. You can download a 30 day trial for free.

So far, so good. Notebook is where I put the notes for this blog post.

Now, come a little closer to the computer screen...you can whisper....are you a flake too?

Mad for Monday: Beadmakers you might not know....yet

I've been on line ordering gifts already and came across several cool beadmakers that don't seem to be well known. I chose different media just so you can see what can make your handcrafted gift unique - supplies made with just as much care as you put into your handmade presents.

I came across these handcrafted Polymer Clay Christmas beads from Barbie's Best on Artfire. They're well made and crisp in their details.

You might not think of fabric or fiber when you think of beads but let's broaden your horizons! Take a look at these Red Fiber Beads by Petal Creations on Artfire. They'd make a festive piece of jewelry or even an ornament.

In the holiday spirit, I'm offering a winter version of my lampwork glass links and double dips, "Flurry."

Have you bought from any "new to you" beadmakers lately?

Sunday Photo

Fabulous Friday!

Today is just a fabulous Friday, not only for the links but for the fabulous charms I purchased from Hint Jewelry. I'd been eyeing them for awhile and finally bought them a few weeks ago. They arrived and with an extra surprise - the hummingbird! What a generous and fabulous surprise! Thank you, Beth and she's what makes this Friday Fabulous!

Enjoy the Fabulous Links!

Art Bead Scene
Take a Trip into the Woods via ABS's Friday Picks!

Beading Arts
Cyndi currently has TWO fabulous giveaways going on: Acculon beading wire and a Murano glass pendant!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a cute little felt ring project to share this week.

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

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean has an amazing, don't miss, book giveaway! All you have to do is leave a comment on her blog and you might becme the winner of Lark's completely stunning 500 Plastics Jewelry Designs--what a marvel of a book!

Mad for Monday and the Missing Links....

'tis the season for free projects! I'm mad for the free projects I read about in this week's Bead Bloggers missing links (meaning I missed posting them this past Friday!) Take a peek at Carmi's sweet little joy pin....

....or Tammy's "a Time to Gather" pendant. What fun projects to make into lovely handmade gifts for the season!

Get in the spirit and read what the other bead bloggers are up to as the holiday season starts to rev up...

A Bead A Day
Do you enjoy making more than one piece of jewelry in the same design? Lisa is exploring this topic over at A Bead A Day.

About.com Jewelry Making
Thanksgiving is not just about the turkey. It's a perfect time to make some fun themed jewelry as well.

Art Bead Scene
November is here and so is the monthly challenge. This month it's Klimt's Tree of Life.

Beading Arts
Registration has just opened for next year's Bead Journal Project! Don't get left behind!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi crafts a little joy brooch.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy shares a handmade necklace that has special meaning for her.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
ArtBeads.com and Pantone inspire Melanie to work with some new fall colors to create an asymmetrical autumn cluster necklace

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Tis the season for Craft Fairs! Lorelei had a great weekend at the Raise the Roof Fundraiser last weekend.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Artbeads inspires Jean to write about their Fall Inspiration Contest (you can win!), and also their FaceBook site!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Kathy Van Kleeck helps Andrew out with his medical bills by placing a magical, fairytale style fine silver and beach glass box up for auction. Check it out!

Sunday Photo

Wednesday Wire: Favorite Tools

Several months ago, I sort of reviewed the Euro Power Punch tool for the Art Bead Scene. I say sort of because I hadn't actually tried it when I wrote the review. It hadn't arrived yet. But now that I'm actually using the tool, I had to revisit it.

I like to punch holes rather than drill them and the Power Punch is just the tool! The holes are nice and clean and don't need any sanding. It does the job I want it to do and very well. Now that I've really used the tool, it's earned a favorite spot on my work bench.

Take It Tuesday: The Bead Vegan

I'm taking Tuesday to share some vegan linky love with you. I know, I know, you're not a vegan but who doesn't want more recipe ideas? I contend that if the food tastes good, you'll eat it. I myself am not a full blown vegan. My friend describes it as 80-20 or 80% of my diet is vegan and the other 20 is the occasional piece of fish and the cream in my morning cuppa joe. My whole thing is food needs to taste good and vegan food has a bad rap.

Here's link to a listing of the best vegan blogs from Healthy, Happy, Lifewho is a vegan (and where I got the photo below).. She's also got an iPhone app for trying out the vegan diet chock full of recipes. Try it, I'm sure you'll find some recipes you enjoy like this Mexican corn salad, vegan or not.

Mad for Monday...Snow Globes

Cooler weather starts me thinking about the upcoming holidays. Soon, I'll take out the boxes of holiday decorations and in it will be several snow globes. So I thought today would be a good day to take a peek at snow globe inspired handmade jewelry and home decor....

First up is Reson8's Tiffany Blue Snow Day Necklace on Art Fire. I love the sparkles that create a snow globe feel to the pendant.

Swirly Garden's Snow Mosaic Wine Glasses on Artfire have the feeling of snow floating down the outside of the glass.

Finally, this Winter Fox Ring by Divine Sweetness on Etsy is too adorable! I can almost feel the chill in the air!

What do your holiday decoration boxes hold? What is your favorite?

Sunday Photo

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links

The Daily Show With Jon Stewart	Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Who Wants It More? - Endangered Republicans
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full Episodes Political Humor Rally to Restore Sanity

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy is catching up on her book reviews. Take a look as some of her latest .

Art Bead Scene
Make a lovely autumn wreath with this Art Bead Scene free project!

Beading Arts
Cyndi has a SIGNED copy of the wonderful new book "30-Minute Necklaces" to give away!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes some Peter Rabbit clay pendants using new rubber stamps.

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

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Indian Creek Studios has generously donated some rustic ceramic pieces to be featured in this week's Thursday Giveaway! Find out how you can win these beauties!

Mad for Monday: Crochet Quirkiness for Day of the Dead

Yeah, I could do the traditional skulls for the Day of the Dead but I'm choosing quirkiness in form of crochet.
Toshwerks made me smirk when I saw their Pincushion Queen Doll

and their Toxic Boy.

Both are characters in Tim Burton's 2005 book, The Melancholy Death of Oyster Boy and Other Stories. I find inspiration in Tim Burton's work as you can see in the mixed media, glass and resin skully beadz I made after visiting the MoMA.

Quirky, yes.

Fun, definitely!

If you'd like to crochet up some quirkiness, how about a skulls and crossbones scarf from JudesCreations?

 Get your hooks out! It's time to be quirky!

Sunday Photo

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures


see more Lolcats and funny pictures

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has a few new projects incorporating pewter, a perfect substitute for silver.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene gets down to business and talks about loss leaders.

Beading Arts
Cyndi just finished a 45 hour project that reused antique steel cut seed beads...and some steel buttons!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi takes classes with Swarovski Elements Ambassadors and finally learns how to crochet..

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
It's fall and along with it comes a gray sky in the form of jewelry.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Rotting veggies and over ripe fruit makes for bead inspiration and a delicious muffin recipe!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
A little antiquing adventure, and Lorelei's got some cool new props for an upcoming craft show!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviewed a unique and very beautiful book: Metal Clay Origami Jewelry, by Sarah Jayne Cole. Please come and see the review on Jean's blog!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Beadaholique has generously donated a leafy assortment of autumn-inspired beads and components. Find out how you can win this Thursday Giveaway!

Wednesday Wire: What I'm Wearing Thanks to Miss FickleMedia

Little over a week ago, I was reading Miss FickleMedia's blog. No, I didn't leave a comment but I left one in my head which was me excitedly yelling -

I HAVE TO HAVE THAT LOTUS PENDANT!!

I promptly went over to EB Bead and Metal Works and bought it. I love the deep plum and yellow color. How many times have you heard me expound on the much maligned color yellow?

Don't you smile when you see forsythia in the spring? A little purple helps it pop. But the deep pinot noir/ plummy color of the lotus pendant is suited to a winter palette.

Once I paid for the pendant, it was sent promptly and I couldn't wait to make it into a piece of personal jewelry. I put together a quick and easy necklace where I added just a bit of my other favorite color, green by using my double dips.

I particularly like adding a bit of green because it's associated with the heart chakra. Some associations with the heart chakra according to about.com are:

# Color - green, pink
# Sanskrit Name - anahata
# Physical Location - center of chest
# Purposes - emotional empowerment
# Spiritual Lesson - forgiveness, unconditional love, letting go, trust, compassion

Makes you see green in a different light doesn't it?

I have a lovely new piece of art jewelry full of personal meaning - thanks to Miss FickleMedia.

Are you wearing a piece of jewelry thanks to someone?

Take It Tuesday Winner....

...Elisabeth! Congratulations! Please send an email to me with your email address so I can send you the millefiore beads!

Thanks for commenting everyone! New giveaway next Tuesday!

Mad for Monday.....Lotus Flowers

The lotus flower is rich with symbolism. According to the ancient Egyptians, "the seed of the Lotus flower contains perfectly formed leaves as miniatures of what they will become when the Lotus blooms. Reincarnationist religions believe that, like the Lotus flower, every person is already perfect and the model of perfection is already formed inside each being, awaiting the opportunity to emerge when one reaches the condition of being aware of his perfection."

I like the idea that we have perfection inside of us, we just need to let the natural state shine through. Handcrafted lotus flowers remind one to let who you are shine through. Here are a few of my favorites:

Block Party's Black and White Lotus Flower Necklace

Lotus - Zen inspired charms from Hint

LaLaDesigns Studio's Wireworked Temple Lotus Necklace

Is there a symbol or theme that's on your mind today?
(Thank you for the use of the white lotus flower picture.)

Sunday Photo

Funny Friday and Fabulous Links!

see more Lolcats and funny pictures


A Bead A Day
Need help embracing seasonal change? Lisa uses a bit of swarovski sparkle to make the leap!

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has a collection of crafting Halloween project ideas as well as an adorable monster pin for you.

Art Bead Scene
A free jewelry project by ABS Editor, Cindy Gimbrone.

Barbe Saint John
Barbe 's finally a Cover Girl!

Beading Arts
Are you interested in adding found objects to your bead embroidery? Cyndi has just released the fourth chapter of her e-book, which shows you how to go wild!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi takes a companies ribbon sampler and turns it into wearable art!   

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
It's time to get educated and Cindy provides some stats along with rainbows.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Check out the goodies Melanie found at an antique mall...What would you craft with these items that are full of history?

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei is teaming up with designer Erin Siegel, to write their first beading book! Come on over and learn how you can sign up to submit work for the book!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean has contributed a one of a kind jewelry piece which she made to help raise funds for Andrew Thornton's medical bills. She is delighted to help, on behalf of her family. Please come and see the piece and consider bidding. Thanks so much!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Three of Andrew's necklaces are amongst the gorgeous finalists in Soft Flex Company's "Flex Your Creativity Beading Contest". Check out all of the Steampunk-inspired designs and VOTE today!

Wednesday Wire: Gray Sky

Using the surprise beads I got from Elaine Ray, I've made another wire wrap ring to today's Wednesday Wire. I've used a blue gray glass ring finding for wire wrapping that I've developed and paired it with her washer beads

Likey?

Take It Tuesday: Winner and Help Me Clean Out!

Thank you to everyone who commented on last Tuesday's post.

The lucky winner is, Quilting Jewel 39! Please send an email to me with your email address so I can send the ally charm to you!

Here are the little gems I'm going to give away next week:

So I'm starting to get into a bit of a rhythm with this now. I looking to clean out my studio so you can help me by commenting on this post. I'll enter your name twice if you blog about it on your blog, come back and leave another comment letting me know you blogged about it.

One caveat, folks, remember to come back next Tuesday to see if you won.

Mad for Monday: Art Bead Surprises

Today I'm mad for a lovely surprise package of handmade art beads from Elaine Ray. They are a nice little jolt of inspiration. I'm already working on something with some of them.

If you're mad for them too, then you can purchase Elaine Ray Ceramic Beads at Ornamentea.

Sunday Photo and Links

A Bead A Day
Are you inspired by food? Lisa would love to hear about your jewelry projects that were inspired by your favorite foods!

About.com Jewelry Making
http://jewelrymaking.about.com/b/2010/10/11/katiedids-my-sew-passionate-pendant.htm

Art Bead Scene
For the October Monthly Challenge, Art Bead Scene editor, Cindy Gimbrone chooses a piece of "jewelry" hanging on the front of New York City's Radio City Music Hall.

Beading Arts
Sparkling rivoli's work up quickly into this beadwoven pendant!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi takes a companies ribbon sampler and turns it into wearable art!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy needs some help in this week's Wednesday Wire, come take her poll to help her make a decision.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie mixes new textures in ceramics and glass like resin to make new window inspired pendants.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei is teaming up with designer Marie of Skye Jewels, on a collaboration project.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean is thrilled to host a book giveaway! The book is 30 Minute Necklaces, by the brilliant designer Marthe Le Van. There are 60 projects in this lovingly photgraphed book published by Lark to incite your creativity. Come see how you might be the lucky winner and get your copy!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her piece "Words of Love" that was juried into the finals of the 2010 British Bead Awards

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Inspired by the Fall 2010 Pantone Color Report, Andrew creates a necklace for Artbeads.com's Colors of Fall designer gallery.

Gettin' Edumacated, Rainbows and Allies...

I'm not usually very political in my posting, this is an art blog after all (which I will get to near the end of the post) but in in the wake of the gay teen suicides, I'm encouraging everyone to get educated. As a society, we don't want teens, any teens killing themselves. The statistics will shock you, they did me.

• Nine out of 10 LGBT students (86.2%) experienced harassment at school; three-fifths (60.8%) felt unsafe at school because of their sexual orientation; and about one-third (32.7%) skipped a day of school in the past month because of feeling unsafe (GLSEN National School Climate Survey 2009).
• LGBT students are three times as likely as non-LGBT students to say that they do not feel safe at school (22% vs. 7%) and 90% of LGBT students (vs. 62% of non-LGBT teens) have been harassed or assaulted during the past year. (GLSEN From Teasing to Torment 2006)
• Sexual minority youth, or teens that identify themselves as gay, lesbian or bisexual, are bullied two to three times more than heterosexuals. (Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 2010)

Shocking. We need to pay attention to this. People have a right to debate, people may not accept but I ask for tolerance. Let's not push others over the edge, teens are especially vulnerable.

Rainbows are a symbol of LGBT pride and I've selected a few of my favorites up for sale on Artfire.

Lara Lutrick's beautiful Rainbow hearts

My Lampwork Garden, Set of Christmas Lights

The Pink Martini's Groove Thing

My art usually has a meaning for me and I choose to be an ally. So for this week's Tuesday giveaway, up for grabs is a Grunge Ally charm. Leave a comment and you'll be entered to win.

Sunday Photo

It's Friday and link time but first on a serious note....

Art Bead Scene
Always looking to inspire, Art Bead Scene offers up another fabulous finding to use in your handmade artist bead designs!

Beading Arts
Are you an animal lover? Cyndi designs a piece to remind her about the importance of slowing down and making time for the small ones in our life!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi fashions a new choker out of felt and a spectacular yard of ribbon.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Sewing is the hottest trend in crafting. Cindy shows how she incorporates sewing into her jewelry designs in this week's Wednesday Wire.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie picks up some treasures during an antique shopping weekend, some of which will be useful for craftiness!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei is hosting a beading challenge using some cool beads from Michaels, read the post to and learn how to participate! The More the Merrier!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
What inspires you? That is a question very near to Jean's heart. Therefore the latest competition from Artbeads is very exciting to Jean and will be to YOU, too! Furthermore, you could win five hundred dollars in beads! Check it out on Jean's blog!

Wednesday Wire: A Poll

The past couple of weeks, I've been showing off rings. I created a new ring finding that I used in the ring above. I've proposed Ringalicious as a class for Beadfest Philadelphia next August. If it doesn't get accepted there, I'll create a downloadable tutorial for my readers and newsletter subscribers.

This leads to the poll I've put up, what would you pay for a Ringalicious kit including the tutorial?