This past weekend I made swag. You may know that swag refers to merchandise that is used in marketing. The swag, or loot, usually has a company’s name or logo and is given away at trade shows or indie craft fairs. I am participating in Art vs Craft next... Read More

Last weekend I was watching the episodes of Martha Stewart Crafts that I had Tivo'd on Thanksgiving. Many of the segments were about Christmas crafts. My second favorite was devoted to a cranberry bead wreath (My favorite was making wrapping paper... Read More

I was at World Market last week when I spotted this little paper lion ornament. When the cashier rang him up, she asked me if I noticed he had only one eye. I did. And while I usually look for good quality in the things I buy, I felt attached to this... Read More

My sister asked me about the lead content in the jewelry we make. She — like many parents — is worried about her children's exposure to harmful materials. I found two great sources of information. One from the Sierra Club about keep kids safe from... Read More

In the BeadStyle ’s January issue, I worked on a project called KEYS to the past . I shared a story about Mrs. Knitter, a teacher at my grade school, and directions for a necklace, bracelet, and earrings. In that issue, I encouraged readers to ponder... Read More

Last Saturday I did a book signing at The Bead Shop in Palo Alto. It reminded me how much I enjoy working with beginners — especially kids. They're focused on learning, and they don't have hangups (yet) about perfection or results. Emily, who's... Read More

Last week I was working on a project for the "Something extra" department of the March issue — a beaded magnetic leash for runaway pens. I'm the perfect person for this because I can't hold onto a pen (or scissors) for more than 10 minutes... Read More

OK, this is totally self-serving, but two of the coolest publications I've seen in a while both officially hit the newsstand today and I'm pretty excited. I'm partial to 365 Earrings cause I made about 90 of them. Since I've already dispensed... Read More

When my niece's ninth birthday rolled around this past summer, I spent a lot of time wondering what to get her. Finally, I came up with the idea of getting her started with basic beading supplies. (Don't ask me why it took so long to think of... Read More

I spent last Saturday hanging out with jewelry designer Tia Torhorst at the DC Craft Mafia Show in Bethesda, Md. I had a great time and met some incredibly talented and original people. I did do a bit too much shopping — I was there for eight hours and... Read More

I am currently working on a necklace by Carol McKinney for the March issue of BeadStyle . Carol told me that her greatest compliment is when a client buys an outfit to match a piece of jewelry she has created. I think Carol may be on to something. As... Read More

I'm going on a much-needed vacation later this week, reconnecting with college friends in northern California. While I'm there, I'll also be doing two book signings. On Friday, November 9, I'll be at Craft Gym in San Francisco, a studio... Read More

Because I handle most of the customer calls that come to the magazine, I am in a unique position to talk to people about beading and the effects it has on their lives. Over and over again, people have told me about how beading helped them through a difficult... Read More