BeadStyle Community

Clever bead stores

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 16:42:00 GMT

In my last newsletter, I broke the news that our "Favorite Bead Store" contest will be offically launched in the March issue. I've already heard of some smart bead stores who have created some great ideas for campaigning. Good for them! In this economy, every little bit helps.

If you didn't see the newsletter, check out the details below:

In the March issue readers will not only will get to vote on the finalists from our first reader’s challenge, but we’ll also ask them to vote for their favorite local bead store.

But blog readers don't have to wait. Go to BeadStyleMag.com and cast your vote for your favorite store. We’ll just need your name and e-mail address and the store’s name, address, and phone number. Then we’ll also ask you to briefly tell us what makes the store special. Winning bead stores (from six geographical regions) will be chosen strictly by the number of votes.

Our only rule: Storeowners and employees can’t vote, but as I said - campaigning with their customers is encouraged!

We’ll tally the votes and publish mini Q&A profiles of the top six nominated bead stores in the next six issues of the magazine.

PS: While you’re on BeadStyleMag.com, don’t forget to check out the editor’s blog, all the free and subscriber-only projects, and other great features. If you're not a registered site user (or a newsletter subscriber) sign up now!

Working out the bah hum-bugs

Jane Konkel — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:11:00 GMT

Bah Humbug. OK, that’s not very nice. But let’s face it. The kick off of Thanksgiving also kicks off a troublesome time for many of us. We get too worried about getting everything done. Over the years I’ve thought about the traditions I’d like to preserve and the ones I’d like to do away with.

I’m no longer into the idea of taking down a tree just to watch it die in my living room. However I love the woodsy aroma of pine, and other December scents like frankincense and cinnamon and orange and cranberry. So maybe I’ll enlist the help of my kids in making a few orange pomander balls.

I’m trying to get away from making a huge deal out of December 25th and instead learn more about December 21st. More on this as that day draws near.

I would like to give the people I care for tokens of my appreciation like the gift of my time or handcrafted gifts. Our sisters at Art Jewelry Magazine are offering their downloadable projects for 50% off. That’s only $1.95 to learn how to make some really beautiful jewelry. One of my favorite projects is John Madsen’s Branch Out bracelet.

There are all kinds of projects, suitable for gift giving, scattered throughout the November issue of BeadStyle. In the Bulletin Board (p. 16 17), there are some Kalmbach book titles that would be appropriate for my jewelry designing friends. I love just about anything made by Brenda Schweder, and Vintage Redux is full of super-creative ideas.

I guess I have a full month to figure out other rituals and traditions I’d like to make room for during the season. And to be honest, I’ll probably continue to work through my Bah Humbugs for many years to come.

Shopping for ornaments

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:40:00 GMT

Even though any time is a good time for ornaments, I get especially fixated on them in November and December. Yesterday, after discovering beautiful glass and metal ornaments in my new Crate and Barrel holiday catalog, I went online to order. Not a single one was available. I realize I'm not the only person who'd jump on geometric silver mobiles for $3.95, but why bother putting them in a print catalog if they won't be available for order?

Moving on: I bookmarked the instructions for an ingenious ornament: a photo ball. I haven't made one yet, but I did visit Alicia Kachmar's site, which then compelled me to visit her Etsy shop. Alicia crochets whimsical foodstuffs like cranberry jelly, cupcakes, ice cream cones, Granny Smith apples, and eggs (deviled or sunny-side-up!). My favorite, though: a sad s'more. He will join Crochet Oreo and Angry Gingerbread Girl on my tree this Christmas.

I love handmade ornaments (as well as bargain buys from Crate and Barrel, obviously) and am always on the lookout for new art for my tree. Let me know who your favorite ornament artists are.

Beautiful beadwork at Coldwater Creek

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:45:00 GMT

Last week, Naomi blogged about Dean Harris’ line of jewelry at Target. Many of these designs could be adapted to projects you make on your own, especially if you like working with wire and chain links.

This got me thinking about other stores that offer jewelry that inspires me. I recently received a catalog from Coldwater Creek, and found many gorgeous pieces that have a distinctly beady feel.

For instance, I fell in love with Glass bead artisan necklace (left). The beads reminded me of Cathy Jakicic’s “Sparkle and smoke” necklace from the November 2008 issue, only with brighter colors perfect for the festive season.

I also like Garland torsade necklace (below) with its many shades of red and interspersed chain links. It could easily be a design alternative for the piece on the cover of our November 2006 issue.

While it wouldn’t be ethical to copy these designs and call them your own, store-bought jewelry is a great place to start when you’re looking for inspiration. Have any of you ever made a piece of jewelry inspired by a piece you saw in a store?

November 14 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 16:30:00 GMT

It's less than two weeks until Thanksgiving, somewhere between 39 and 41 days until Christmas (amazingly, that's what I found as I searched the Web, and I'm so amused by the variance that I just don't want to count for myself), and 47 days until New Years Eve (which is not a big celebration date for me personally, but I know some people get nutty about it).

For the record, though my goals were lofty last Friday and the week before that, I didn't get those projects started. However, I did get the living room rearranged, the cardmaking and stamping station set up in my living room (it had to come in from the unheated sunporch), the leaves raked, two visits to the gym logged, and evenings with my favorite little one and with a date squeezed into those two days, so I shouldn't be hard on myself. Maybe this weekend I'll make some gifties, but I'd hate to jinx it. First, there's brunch with friends in Appleton, maybe a visit with my bff Janet and her brood that afternoon, and then, of course, those gym visits.

I have to say, there is something about forking over the money for the gym membership that has motivated me to getting there. Plus, and I know this sounds cliche, I really do feel more energized and less jiggly already, so I'm going to keep it up. Counting from Saturday to Friday (today) as my first "real" week, I've been there four times and might go tonight as well. And each visit has been about an hour or so, so that's good, right?

Though there's been lots of gym progress, the lack of Christmas gift progress triggers a wee bit of anxiety about getting all of the homemade gifts I want to get done completed in time. And, as usual, there's laundry to do, produce that needs to be cooked up before it crosses over to inedible, and apples to be put up. (Yes, I got a notion to make applesauce the other day at the grocery store--what was I thinking? Oh yeah, I was thinking that I have my mom's super-cool apple peeler, corer, and slicer and her applesauce press.) But no worries. I'll figure it all out. Meanwhile, take a break from YOUR busy weekend and check out my blogging friends.

On the beads and projects front:

Melissa at Strands of Beads remembers an important trip through the (what else?) beads she collected.

Jennifer at Jennifer Jangles Blog is showing a easy brooch project.

Cyndi at Jewelry & Beading doesn't often play with clay, but she figured out how to make a really easy pendant that she really likes!

Carmi glams up some old poker chips for Carmi's Lucky Chips Necklace.

Take a tour of Art Bead Scene Editor, Lynn Davis's sticky studio! She's exploring resin.

And Naomi from BeadStyle visits Target and suggests that you can create jewelry that is as current as theirs.

With slightly more seasonal projects:

Savvy Crafter-Candie Cooper has a project to warm up your Thanksgiving table--festive fall candle holders. (Image, right.)

And check out Katie's Venetian Glass = Yummy! blog, which talks about adding Venetian Glass into the mix to create a new fall favorite.

And in beady media buzz and marketing tips:

Jean at Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! is all kinds of entertained reviewing Jennifer Perkins' book, The Naughty Secretary Club.

And Jen at Naughty Secretary Club asks "Do you tune in to watch Mad Men each week? Ever pay attention to the jewelry the ladies in the office wear? You might just spot a Naughty Secretary Club Pencil Pusher Necklace."

Carter Seibels for Divali Glass Jewelry talks about the importance of getting yourself out there!

And in Marketing Monday, Barbe gives some tips about contacting new venues to sell your work.

P.S. From the "small world" files, Katie used glass from Bella Venetian Beads in her project. I know this business well—they have an amazing selection. I happened into their shop many years ago; it's near where I grew up. And in the November 08 issue of BeadStyle magazine, Cathy Jakicic created her Sparkle and Smoke necklace and earrings (p. 48) using some of their beads.

Reflections on a great trip

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:58:00 GMT

Last week I went to Wattens, Austria, to learn more about the Swarovski company and their Crystallized elements. It was a wonderful trip. This is a picture of me taken at CrystalWorld, a fabulous museum/art installation created by Swarovski. I love this picture because the colors in the facets — with the little bits of turquoise sweater — look like labradorite.

In the magazine and in blogs to come I'll be talking more about the trip and the color/trend information I gathered, but for today I wanted to encourage you — if you haven't already — to check out the the online store page of the CREATE-YOUR-STYLE site. There a new feature that I've been playing with way to much since I've been back. The Personal Stylist allows you to choose crystals colors and shapes based on your face shape and coloring. Very cool. Here's a hint though — at least for Mac people click on the "Jewelry Store" image and then go to "Personal Stylist" from there. The direct route didn't work for me.

Wood rings

Jane Konkel — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 15:16:00 GMT

After reading Naomi’s post, I began thinking about store bought jewelry. I can’t remember the last time I bought a piece of jewelry from a regular store. Oh sure, I always look at the offerings. I especially like jewelry from Anthropologie, Urban Outfitters, and Banana Republic, but seldom do I buy. Occasionally, I’ll scan the clearance and discount racks to see if I can disassemble a necklace, bracelet, or earrings and use the chain or other unique trinket in one of my own jewelry designs. I found these wood rings at World Market. I knew the flat tops would be ideal for embellishing. They were marked down, then further discounted by 70%. Dirt cheap always gets my attention.

In the January 2009 issue of BeadStyle, we are featuring a project, Rings on a shoestring. The project is an excerpt from Debbi Simons new book, Crystal chic. For her ring project, Debbi embellishes Vintaj filigrees with flatback crystals. She also shows a few examples of embellished resin rings, and suggests using old rings as starting points for making new ones.

So, with Naomi’s post and Debbi’s ring projects as inspiration, I made these rings with wood rings, decorative paper, and Diamond Glaze. I cut slits in an egg carton and wedged the rings in the slits, before applying the glaze. An egg carton makes a great drying rack.

Limited edition jewelry at Target

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 19:17:00 GMT

I just saw a print ad for Dean Harris' jewelry line at Target. Target's press release notes that the pieces are reminiscent of nature, "fusing organic shapes and designs to create feminine and delicate adornments." Harris, a self-taught designer who lives in New York, uses sterling silver, gemstones (especially pale shades of amethyst and quartz), shells, and pearls.

Prices range from $19.99 to $79.99. There are also two holiday pieces priced at $99.99 and $249.99 — perhaps a little high, but it's still an opportunity to own a Dean Harris design. (Pieces from his own line can set you back thousands of dollars.)

One of my favorite pieces is the sterling silver leaf charm necklace. (It's similar to Cynthia Wuller's Wirework project that appeared in the January 2007 issue of BeadStyle.) I also like the twisted vine heart pendant, maybe because it reminds me of Brenda Schweder's Heart to Heart project from July 2005. I like the simplicity and the flattering shapes in the collection.

The collection is available through December 26th. So check it out — consider it market research — and let us know what you think (and whether you buy any of the pieces!).

PS: If you like Brenda's designs or Cynthia's wirework, find out more about them here.

Tips for giving beaded gifts?

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 15:18:00 GMT

This will be my first holiday season as a beader, so I am making a few jewelry gifts for friends and family. Having never done this before, I am learning as I go how to make jewelry that the recipient will like and hopefully wear. Here are some ideas I’ve come up with so far, but please add to the list! No one wants to sink time, energy, and money into jewelry that someone won’t appreciate.

• For me, I decided that giving bracelets was best. If for whatever reason I miss the mark on someone’s fashion style, at least she can wear it somewhat discretely.
• Kits are super helpful! I love to design, but not when I feel like I have a deadline that doesn’t permit me to shop around for just the right components. I found that buying jewelry kits with all the materials I need is an easy way to give a handmade gift without the hassle of tracking down the parts and pieces. I bought my most recent kit from www.etsy.com.
• Think carefully about sizing. Adding an extender chain to a necklace or bracelet is pretty foolproof. For me, I imagined other peoples’ wrists in comparison to my own, and strung my bracelets to size.

What jewelry gift-giving tips have you picked up? Please share by posting below! And after you’ve strung all your gorgeous pieces, here’s an idea for packaging your wares.

Treasures from Titanic

Erin Dolan — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 20:44:00 GMT

This weekend, I am hoping to get to the Milwaukee Public Museum to see Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition. I've been meaning to check out the exhibition since it came to Milwaukee a few weeks ago, my knowledge of all things Titanic having exponentially declined with the movie's popularity.

The exhibition promises a vast array of information (including new theories of how the ship sank), tours of replications of the ship, along with about 100 artifacts recovered from the depths of the Atlantic. They have everything from coins to clothes, from pieces of the ship itself to the dishes the first-class passengers dined on. I am especially interested in seeing the jewelry. I can't imagine how they found these tiny, delicate pieces at the bottom of the ocean.

According to RMS Titanic, Inc., this ring is 18k gold and platinum. The back is engraved, "L to A, 6.9.10." Doesn't it make you wonder who L and A are? Maybe this is the engagement ring L gave to A. Is 6.9.10 the day he propsed or the day they got married?

I'm excited to see the jewelry in person and hopefully learn more about the potential past owners. Most of the pieces look to have belonged to first-class passengers. The variety of pieces is also astonishing: The exhibit has neklaces, earrings, rings, cuff links, even a stick pin for scarves or hats!

Is the Titanic exhibition coming to your city? Check out the show's schedule. If you've already seen it, let me know what you thought!

In other news, be sure to check out our Subscriber Gallery, where we are posting the submissions we received for the Reader Art Bead Challenge. Cathy announced the challenge in the September 2008 issue of BeadStyle. The contest ended October 15, and we will publish the finalists in the March 2009 issue!

November 7 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 17:28:00 GMT

What I thought might be a creative weekend last weekend turned into an eventful weekend, and creative in a different way--I went from being a straight-haired blonde to a curly redhead. And though I did get to test-drive that quilting machine (which was very cool), I didn't get any of the cards or jewelry made. But this weekend looks pretty wide open except for some leaf-raking, so there's hope.

Meanwhile, the Gems have been hard at work, so let's share what they've been up to.

About.com Jewelry Making
Looking for some early holiday jewelry ideas? Start now with these simple projects that will appeal to a range of fashion tastes.

Art Bead Scene
Ribbon Isn't Just for Wrapping Presents!

Art Jewelry Magazine
A reader tests Art Jewelry's acid-free etching technique

Barbe Saint John - New Treasures from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe is giving a way a copy of "Get Your Sparkle On', find out how to win it!

Get ready for the holidays with Katie's great gift ideas
Check out three of Katie's favorite gifts to give (and create!) this holiday season!

Jewelry & Beading
Using multiple techniques, Cyndi has made an autumn necklace that warms her heart now that the days are cold!

Naughty Secretary Club
Jen invites collage artist Traci Bautista to Austin for a little paint meets jewelry adventure.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
The day before the election, Jean urged us all to vote, which we did! On a jewelry note, she mentioned her fun article concerning gift ideas for the upcoming holidays which she wrote for Soft Flex!

Strands of Beads
Melissa ponders ethical issues involving some vintage beads

Vacation Necklace
Carmi thinks nature provides pre-drilled shells just for her.

Donating jewelry

Jane Konkel — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 22:23:00 GMT

Recently, the medical challenges of Karen Longoria and her triplets Kiley Rose, Megan, and Tyler were featured on local TV newscasts. Their story is likely to be featured on an upcoming NBC Dateline episode, with Ann Curry. Through Kapco Inc. and One Heartland and their  "Hometown Heroes" Program, the Longorias are the recipients of a  home makeover. The "reveal" will take place the day  before Thanksgiving, Wed. Nov. 26. This is a link to their story: http://www.kapcoinc.com/hthhedition/Index.html.  

 People are donating physical labor in the makeover. To help raise  funds for the building materials, there is a fundraiser, dinner, and auction. They need auction  items.

I'm NOT asking you to make a donation; I'm just curious. Do you make donations to causes such as this one? How do choose which cause, or does the cause somehow find you? Tell me about it by commenting below. I'd like to learn more about the philanthropic practices of BeadStyle readers.

Did you vote yet?

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:51:00 GMT

I just voted at a school two blocks from my house. The line was much longer than in past elections, curving around the hallway and out the door. A few dejected souls — including a man whose wife had car trouble and needed to drive their daughter to school — left. Though I wish I had brought a book or a pen and paper, I'm glad I got to spend time looking around and seeing who lives in the neighborhood. (Of course I was in line right in front of my neighbor Jessica — she figured this out about 50 minutes into our wait.)

I also wish I had brought some cash. The school was having a bake sale, with nonpartisan offerings like coffee, lemon bars, brownies, apple pie, popcorn, and brats. (I don't think they're bringing out the brats till lunchtime, though.) And kids were selling handmade holiday cards for a quarter.

As we inched forward, I had a chance to look at the artwork in the halls. There was a story about a visit to an apple and pumpkin farm. And pieces of paper cut into the shape of apples, with nuggets of advice written on them: Smile. Give a compliment. Respect each other. (All good things to consider in politics, too.)

I saw babies, elderly people, couples, and big families. I saw people who just rolled out of bed and people who were heading off to work. Some had the foresight to bring a newspaper or an iPod, but most of us chatted with each other or waited in comfortable morning silence.

A man held his 4-month-old and said he might come back later because the baby needed to eat. And the man in front of him offered to save his place in line. They didn't know each other, so it was nice to see people being thoughtful like that. (The father stayed and voted, by the way.)

I hope you vote today, and that you get to think about what a cool neighborhood you live in. And don't forget to buy some pastries to make the wait go by faster.

Holiday craft fair tips

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:04:00 GMT

This weekend took me to two holiday craft fairs where jewelry makers were selling their wares. I was very interested in picking up some new pieces and scouting for inspiration for my own pieces.

However, I was somewhat disappointed – not in the jewelry, but in the way it was presented. Many of the jewelry makers I saw did not have their work displayed in a way that was conducive to browsing (and hence buying). Many necklaces were simply laid out on a table, which just didn't make them pop. Bracelets were often piled in plastic containers, a jumble of color that turned my eye away. And some of the designers I wanted to know more about did not have business cards or flyers listing their future shows. Needless to say, I walked away empty handed.

Don’t let this happen to you! A few simple tips will ensure that your jewelry shines its brightest, capturing the imagination of potential clients.

Etsy.com recently published an excellent blog – Seller How-To: Craft Fair Tips – that makes a lot of good points. I encourage you to read the whole article (you won’t be disappointed), but here’s an overview:
• Display your jewelry in a new way. Many people are making jewelry right now, so yours needs to stand out in the crowd. I found some good ideas at www.jewelry-display-ideas.com.
• Print business cards on your home computer, attach your info to every piece of jewelry, and make flyers about your future shows. Some people might not be ready to buy today, but they’ll want to know how to find you in the future.
• Develop a mailing list of past, present, and future buyers by collecting business cards for a raffle or having clients write their contact info in a guest book.
• Once you’ve established a mailing list, send out thank you notes, newsletters, show invites, and coupons (which will help you find out how effective your mailings are).
• Network with your competitors (or rather, think of them as your business partners). They might just become your next client. Plus, you can learn a lot about what’s been selling well for them, what display techniques work, etc.

October 31 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 15:34:00 GMT

Happy Halloween, blog readers! It's been a busy week for me, blog-wise. Since yesterday was Ornament Thursday, I posted my Gratitude Project, and today, the Gems do a little trick-or-treating! So don that costume (or not) and go knock on their virtual doors for a treat . And while you're at it, give them a treat that's better than candy (okay, maybe at least as good as)--comment on their blog post. Just takes a second!

1000 Jewelry Inspirations Book Review
Barbe gets run over with inspiration from this book.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene Gives a Primer on Jewelry Displays, just in time for your Holiday Show!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi salutes the sock monkey with a fun-to-wear necklace. (Shown above---you've GOT to see the finished project!)

Get Your Bead On!
Check out Katie's latest news and notes!

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Holiday or Anytime Ornament Project

Jewelry & Beading
Take a look at the beautiful way artist Beth Cummings has combined photography and jewelry!

Katie from Art Jewelry magazine and studio safety
Read about safe studio practices during this busy jewelry-making season

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean intervews Sara Hardin of Soft Flex Company for her wonderful Links collection of interview stars!

Strands of Beads
Melissa reads a little Sylvia Plath for inspiration this week

A call to authors (yes, we mean you)

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 20:50:00 GMT

This year has been a year of beading firsts for me. I'm working on my first book, which will be published by Kalmbach in May, and I'm jumping into my first art/craft show, selling my jewelry at the Milwaukee Junior League's Holiday Boutique on Nov. 15.

It's not the work that is daunting about either opportunity, but more the idea of putting myself — and my work — out there. In my experience, however, the risk is always worth the reward.

It speaks to my impeccable sense of timing that I'm entering the world of retail during a recession, but I still have high hopes. And I have to say so far the book experience has been completely trauma free, so I can feel confident in passing along this invitation from Valerie Weber, the Senior Editor in Kalmbach Publishing's books division.

Valerie is very interested in hearing from hobbyists as well as professional designers who can present her with exciting book proposals that feature original projects in beaded jewelry, bead stitching, wirework, polymer clay, metal clay, scrapbooking, knitting and crocheting.

The key phrase here — "Hobbyists as well as professional designers." If you have an idea for a book, but have no idea how to put one together, don't dismiss it. That's what editors are for.

Go to the book Web site and get more information. Click on the links for “Books Queries” and “Books Proposals” to get an idea of what we’re looking for. Check out the online catalog and click on the links for beading and jewelry to get to a list of the books on each of those topics and get a feel for the kinds of books Kalmbach publishes. Ready to float an idea, ask some questions? Contact Valerie at either at SeniorEditor@KalmbachBooks.com or at vweber@kalmbach.com

Ornament Thursday: Gratitude

Linda Augsburg — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:00:00 GMT

It's Ornament Thursday, the theme is gratitude, and, I'll have to admit, this subject had me stumped. Don't get me wrong, I'm grateful for so many things in my life. I have wonderful, loving friends and family who I can laugh with, cry with, and share my life with. (A few of them may even give me grief over ending that last sentence with a preposition, but they mean well.) I have a silly sense of humor, a good head on my shoulders, my feet on the ground, dreams yet to be achieved, and an ever-changing career that continues to challenge me. I have the desire to create, and I've had the chance to nurture that creativity and explore paths and hobbies that bring me joy. I'm grateful to be in good health and that true tragedy has not been part of my life. I have people who touch my life in unexpected ways or at unexpected moments: a friend who recently sent me a photo of a 'gator that made me laugh; the woman who wants to learn chainmail after we chatted and laughed the entire flight back from Salt Lake City; a fellow CHA board member who inspires me (and I imagine everyone she meets) to boldly pursue my dreams (thanks, Elizabeth); a friend from decades back who just recently emailed. I truly am grateful for everything.

All of that said, it's difficult for me to turn all of THAT into a project for Ornament Thursday. But my dear friend, carpool buddy, and editor of Art Jewelry magazine, Hazel, reminded me that I DO have the perfect project for Ornament Thursday's gratitude-themed posting. Let me tell you about it after I share the works of the other creative Ornament Thursday posters, for whom I am also grateful.

Brandi's gratitude journals
Check out Brandi's stamped journals

Cat's Attitude of Gratitude
Michelle at http design has a fun take on gratitude - think about it - what do cats give you when they love you? Mice!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy's grateful for Ornament Thursday!

Gratitude Screen
Michelle's grateful for OT!

Lisa looks at the meaning of the word
Just some reflection this month

Ornament Thursday - Gratitude
I am grateful that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month

There are so many ways to say thank you
Helen from http design puts wordle.net to work to create these earrings which say thank you in so many ways.

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After my grandmother passed away almost 10 years ago now, my mom and her sister were charged with going through the things in Grandma's house, including her photos. This one from 1925 shows my Grandma Edith (kneeling, left) and my Great Aunt Ella (kneeling, right), their mother (center), and their grandparents.

My great grandfather was a very old-fashioned man and didn't believe women should have short hair. I imagine that he ran a pretty tight ship, so, as you can see on the left in the picture, both girls had their long hair rolled in buns covering her ears--pre-Princess Leia--Edith's are much more obvious in this photo. (The "1927 Ella and Edith Bob Their Hair" rebellion is a great family story, but I'll save it for another time.) But this picture always makes me reflect on how different life was back then.

Speaking of a different life, back to the shadowbox. The house in the background is actually the house where I was raised as well. I imagine my great grandmother, grandma, and great aunt all embroidered, crocheted, knitted, and sewed in that house. I have a quilt that the girls made together before they were married off, and I'm grateful to have that. In fact, Ella was a prolific knitter and crocheter right up until the end of her life a few years ago and when Edith passed, there were at least a dozen stamped pillowcase sets to be embroidered and various other needlework supplies. So to create this shadowbox, I mounted in on a softly patterned, off-white paper, added the scrollwork watercolor-looking page embellishments, inserted the silk lilac to commemorate the lilac bush that grew outside the living room window, and crocheted a piece of lace from instructions that I found in my grandma's needlework supplies. To me, this shadowbox reminds me of where I come from, the things I love, and all that I have to be grateful for.

This weekend, I hope to work on a few other projects that express my gratitude for creative endeavors. I'd like to make some seasonal cards, I've got some earrings and chain to make, I might dive into the fabric stash and get the new ones from my little shopping excursion into the proper containers, and, on Sunday, I'm quilting a lap quilt my mom made on a quilting machine. (I'm so grateful for Mom--she bought some bags of cut quilt blocks at Goodwill and turned them into a quilt! She says she's not a quilter, so it's REALLY inspiring!) Let me know what you're grateful for--leave a comment below!

Non-jewelry accessories

Jane Konkel — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 15:28:00 GMT

Today in the Art Jewelry newsletter, Editor, Hazel Wheaton asked: What non-jewelry items have you made? You can go to Art Jewelry’s home page to answer the poll.
I think the last non-jewelry item I made was a key chain for my son. He misplaces his keys every other week, so I’m quite sure that I have a few more key chain projects in my future. Joan D. Laureano and Paula Radke have made cell phone charms for BeadStyle. Find these projects here. I recently came across a pair of designers, Erica Chan from California and Tamar Wider from Texas. In 2005, Erica and Tamar met while working in New York’s jewelry industry. The fashion-loving pair began a friendship and began crafting accessories for themselves. Together they designed these fabric boot embellishments.

Each pair is designed to fit any size boot, have non-slip backings, and are embellished with brass details. They call them Bandits.

To wear: While boots are off, slide the Bandits over the top of your boots. Put your boots on and slide the Bandits to your desired position. Adjust and tighten. You can view the video at The 2 Bandits.
I think these non-jewelry accessories are fun and fashionable. I’m interested to see the other pieces that the Art Jewelry poll reveals.

Take a chance on beads

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 19:53:00 GMT

I just stumbled upon Monica Bhide's website, A Life of Spice. Monica is an accomplished food writer who has newspaper, magazine, and online clips (plus three cookbooks) to her name. She hosted a contest on her blog, paying it forward with two really cool prizes: a free class and a half-hour phone consultation.

Well, today was my lucky day: I won the consultation!

I asked Monica if she'd be willing to read a food essay I wrote. She was, and she also offered to answer any other questions I had about food writing. Within a couple of hours, she sent me a gracious email with her thoughts about how to revise my essay, where to submit it, and how I could pursue my idea for a cookbook. She also had some advice about what not to do (very helpful).

Which brings me to the point of my post. In your jewelry making efforts, are you setting goals and following your aspirations? Without overstating the law-of-attraction point, are you putting yourself out there and being open to new people and experiences? You never know what's possible until you ask, and people are generally willing to help others.

So, I wish you much success with your jewelry. Whether you find satisfaction in creating, teaching, selling, or donating, I hope that you're reaping the rewards of investing your good energy in bead-related activities.

And on that note — have you submitted any of your work to BeadStyle? We are happy to take a look.

Beading seniors

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 14:13:00 GMT

When I think about the agility sometimes required by my jewelry making (especially wirework, which I am particularly fond of), I wonder if I will be able to maneuver my fingers as well as I get older. An article by the Leesville Daily Leader gave me good reason to believe that beading is for anyone young at heart.

In Leesville, Louisiana, Thursday mornings are for beading seniors of the Vernon Council on Aging (VCoA). Teachers Edith Guenther and Betty Gosewehr study beading techniques at seminars held by the William Holland Lapidary School, then teach what they’ve learned in classes for the VCoA seniors. The seniors come away with handmade necklaces, bracelets, and earrings even if they’ve never made a piece of jewelry before.

This past weekend, VCoA hosted a Senior Starving Artist Show where they sold pieces made in class. Proceeds from the show will go back to funding the beading classes as well as oil painting classes.

According to Edith and Betty, the beading classes are a great place for seniors to socialize, and get this: “the actual beading process increases manual dexterity of all of the participants.” Perhaps my fears were unfounded after all!

The VCoA beading classes are funded primarily by donations of money and supplies. For more information, or to support the project, contact the VCoA at (337) 239-4361.

October 25 Jewelry Gems of the Web

Linda Augsburg — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 17:09:00 GMT

Sorry I missed catching you all up last week. I was out in Salt Lake City for a little site seeing and a board meeting. (See photos of the lake and the mountains, right.) It was a lovely trip, filled with a lot of laughter, a lot of looking forward, and a little bit of shopping (or whatever you'd call eight quilt shops in seven hours of shopping...). Everyone was wonderful out there--I even got to attend a rehearsal of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir, which was an experience I wouldn't trade for the world.

So to bring you all up to date, so much has been going on. So let's catch up with the jewelry gems this week.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy has gathered up a load of jewelry making links from all over the web covering related news, contests, and more

Art Bead Scene
Catherine Witherell Visits Art Bead Scene!

Bead&Button Magazine
Check out Tea's blog about BeadAndButton.com/15 and their 15th anniversary content!

Carmi's Art/Life
Carmi makes a fabric skeleton pin to wear trick or treating.

Carter Seibels for Divali Glass Jewelry
Carter unveils some new designs for Fall!

Check out Katie's cute halloween decor!
Katie's festive pumpkin captures the the feeling of fall.

Jennifer Jangles Blog
Holly Jolly Christmas Designs

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi's taking a look this week at all the informations she's gathered on steampunk style jewelry.

Savvy Crafter
It was a dark and not so scary craft night....

Strands of Beads
Melissa thinks about snakes and circle links

I see beads, people

Erin Dolan — Fri, 24 Oct 2008 15:18:00 GMT

Since I started working at BeadStyle, I have become more aware of jewelry on TV, on my friends, in the pages of fashion magazines, and in stores. I am always comparing these pieces (to my friends' amusement) to something we've done at BeadStyle. My friends have even started doing it, pointing at a necklace in a store and saying "Erin, that's so BeadStyle," or wearing their best earrings when we hang out, hoping I comment on them.

Last weekend, my mom and I went to Mayfair Mall in Milwaukee to see Clinton Kelly of TV's "What Not To Wear," one of my favorite fashion shows. Clinton was at Macy's promoting his new book and giving the hundreds of women who showed up to see him style tips and a behind-the-scenes look at the TLC show. But before the presentation began, my mom and I did a little window-shopping, and were lured into J.Crew by their colorful window displays.

I always love J.Crew's clothes, but what surprised me was their amazing jewelry line! Two pieces in particular called to mind projects from BeadStyle.

J.Crew's "dangling gold-bead necklace," at left, reminded me instantly of a piece Lindsay Haedt made for BeadStyle's January 2008 online project. Lindsay used labradorite briolettes and garnet rounds to create her sophisticated two-strand necklace. The result has a classic-yet-contemporary feel similar to the J.Crew chain necklace.

When I saw the "double-strand jeweled starburst necklace" from J.Crew, left, I thought of Beth Stone's online project from the May 2006 issue of BeadStyle. Beth used freshwater pearls and a vintage earring as a focal piece. J.Crew's vintage Japanese glass beads were knotted on silk thread and finished with a Czech-glass clasp. You could easily make Beth's piece with two strands of pearls instead of one for a look even closer to the J.Crew necklace.

If you enjoy the J.Crew piece's knotted look, be sure to check out our upcoming December/January issue, due out in about a month! It features a special three-project section on knotting.

Halloween earrings

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 21:20:00 GMT

Last Thursday I didn't post a blog because I was heading to western Massachusetts to attend a daylong cheese-making workshop taught by Ricki Carroll. A friend of mine and I both read about Ricki last fall in the book "Animal, Vegetable, Miracle" by Barbara Kingsolver.

We also spent a day bumming around Boston and while there I stopped into Beadworks on Newbury St. Stop in if you're in Boston - it's a really nice store. Or check out their site for the very handy Beadopedia info.

I found these great ghost beads there. they were just what I was looking for to make some Halloween earrings for the daughters of a friend of mine. I was supposed to visit them in Toledo next weekend, but I'm taking an unexpected trip to Austria (I know, boo hoo) to visit the Swarovski headquarters. I'm very excited about the trip, but I'm bummed I won't be visiting.

I have a feeling they'll like these earrings as much as a visit. Have you whipped up any spooky jewelry lately? Email a picture to editor@beadstylemag.com - we're dying to see them.

The complete package - great jewelry and a great display

Jane Konkel — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 18:56:00 GMT

Standing at her booth is full time artist, Joanne of Relly Rose Designs. I met Joanne at the Milwaukee Urban Market. From June through October a variety of artists and farmers sell their wares at the Outdoor Urban Market. I snapped these photos of Joanne at her table, not only because I think the jewelry she makes is lovely, but because Joanne is gifted in the art of display.

Not only does Joanne sell her pieces at the market, she also sells on Etsy, rellyrosedesigns.etsy.com. Her display is well suited for the style of jewelry she makes. The silver in her earrings and chain bracelets is oxidized giving it a vintage look. Her goal is to make timeless, simply stated urban, vintage-inspired jewelry. She says, "[Making jewelry]is a very calming, cathartic ritual for me. All of my pieces are inspired by the deep, rich colors of the spectrum. I adore hearty plums, blood reds, midnight blues, moss greens, milky whites, jet blacks, smokey greys, and earthy browns. Every piece has a story to tell." The weather-worn pieces she uses to display her jewelry also seem to tell a story...a romantic one.

Check out the birds at the top of this weather vane/necklace holder and the earring tags clipped with clothes pins to the wire dress form. I am sure customers appreciate this attention to detail; it really caught my eye. When you order from Joanne's etsy sight, she sends her pieces in a complimentary 100% recycled gift box. It seems she has thought of everything. And her business, Relly Rose Designs, was named after her daughter, Relaneve Rose.

Call for jewelry submissions

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 19:04:00 GMT

Calling all beaders:

Sharon Hessoun, the editor of the Beading Bead-a-Day Calendar, is accepting submissions for the 2010 calendar. Here's your opportunity to be seen: 100,000 copies are marketed in the US, Canada, UK, and Australia.

You can submit a finished project or a hi-res (at least 300 dpi) digital image for consideration. All levels of projects and techniques are welcome, as are inspiration pieces. If you submit a project, you'll also need to provide complete instructions and a materials list.

Sharon might also be interested in spotlighting your local beading group or society, so let her know if you belong to one.

It's time to get beading: the deadline is November 30th. Contact Sharon with questions (and for a copy of the release form) at calendar2010@gmail.com.