BeadStyle : creativity

A Fresh look/ beading a smile with Portable Playhouse

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 14:47:00 GMT

Two tidbits before the long holiday weekend:

• We've gotten a few questions about where to find the black and white charms we used in the "Hearts and coins" bracelet on page 74 of our "52 Bracelets" special section.

Here's the scoop: We found the charms at Michaels, but according to Plaid, the company which manufactures them under the "Fresh" label, the brand can be found at many craft chains. You can also buy them online on the Plaid site.

* The Portable Playhouse, a non-profit organization, has joined with a nationally known bead company to raise money for its art therapy program. Their goal is to create the world's longest beaded necklace. They are working under the guidelines of The Guinness Book of World Record’s to record and certify our efforts. The money raised will be used to help fund specialized art therapy beading programs at hospitals and cancer centers across the country. They work with hospitalized children, (regardless of their illnesses) and women fighting cancer in outpatient cancer centers across the country.

Portable Playhouse has already worked with tens of thousands of children and women and is looking for help to reach even more. Check out their Web site for more information or to donate to the cause. For each $1 donation, a bead will be put on the record-setting necklace and they will record your name for the Guinness World Records Book. They are "Beading miles of smiles . . one bead at a time."

When I went online to donate today, they were at 1933 beads. It would be great if BeadStyle readers could push them over 2,000 this weekend.

Summer reading list

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 14:43:00 GMT

When I was a kid, I used to spend most of my summers planted in a lawn chair with a pile of books. I don't have the luxury of that kind of a summer reading list now, but I did get a chance to browse three great beading books recently.

The first is Krystal Wick's "Fabulous Fabric Beads" (Interweave $22.95) I picked it up after taking a class from Krystal at the Bead&Button Show. The book contains everything to need to know about making fabric beads (like Krystal's Sassy Silkies) and turning them into beautiful jewelry. It is a tribute to Krystal's creative and generous spirit that she shares for many of reative secrets. It's a beautiful book.

The second to close to BeadStyle's heart. "Jewelry in a Flash" (Kalmbach $19.95) is the book version of our special publication "Under 1 Hour." As the title suggests, the projects are quick and fun, and though we weren't really stressing it at the time, they're also very budget friendly.

Finally, lovers of wirework and earrings should check out Denise Peck's "101 Wire Earrings" (Interweave $19.95). It has lots of great design ideas and it beutifully photograghed. Denise is editor of Step by Step Wire Jewelry, so she knows her way around wire!

New Xilion bead

Cathy Jakicic — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 15:48:00 GMT

Though there’s been buzz about this for awhile, the official press release arrived this week about the new Crystallized – Swarovski Elements Xilion bead.

Called an enhancement of the popular bicone shape (5301), the Xilion (5328) has more facets and a hole with rounded edges to “amplify sparkle” and protect threads.

According to the release, the Xilion’s “harmonious design and dimensions make possible beautiful combinations with its predecessor, the bi-cone bead 5301.”
Good news for bicone fans, especially those with a stash. More good news – you can call your bicones ”vintage” soon. That makes a sexier label for the jewelry designs you sell!

The Xilion,which will be phased in gradually, will be available in 66 colors, 20 effects, and in sizes from 3 mm to 10 mm. The 2.5 mm bicone will still be available.

Master class mastered!

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 18:49:00 GMT

These picture are from the master class I took at this year's Bead&Button Show and the resulting graduation ceremony. I took Valerie Hector's Chinese bead weaving class. It was wonderful!! I though after three day my brains and all urge to bead-weave would just leak out of my ears when I went to bed, but I was completely energized by the experience and can't wait to do more.

Most of the credit for this goes to Valerie. She's a remarkable teacher. Intelligent, funny, patient, prepared, and very encouraging.

And her knowledge and curiousty in the area of Chinese bead weaving and culture was really impressive. I also have to give a lot of credit to my classmates.

As anyone who takes (or teaches) a lot of classes can tell you, the students are always the big wild card. I'm happy to say that every single person in the master class was delightful - creative, generous, and fun.

For those of you at the show - what was your favorite class?

Great recessionista idea

Cathy Jakicic — Fri, 08 May 2009 17:23:00 GMT

Word of mouth is a fabulous thing for finding life's hidden treasures. My sister just told me about a jewelry line (that a friend told her about) that has hit on a great idea in financially challenging times for artists. The line is called "Circle of Friends." The necklaces feature a simple circle-centric pendant that is customized with a few gemstones. Each piece is only $10, and the many different styles offered make them really nice, personalized gifts for a range of different personalities and styles. It goes to show that with a really simple, adaptable idea, it's possible to keep material costs down enough to be able to offer a reasonably priced, but not cheap-looking creation.

Have you seen this bead?

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 20:31:00 GMT

I'm currently working on a cool project by designer Ute Bernsen of Silk Painting Is Fun that uses silk cord (naturally), a beautiful Clay River pendant, a number of Vintaj accents, and some random small beads, including the one that's currently giving me fits - a copper knot. I was sure we had one like it in our stash, but I can't find it. Any ideas where I can get one?

Submit your favorite book excerpts

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 24 Feb 2009 16:58:00 GMT

Bill Zuback, one of BeadStyle's photographers, is assembling a photo series based on his interpretations of book passages. Bill meets regularly with a group of creative people who get together to discuss art and politics, and one of their themes was "ten favorite books." That helped spur his idea of putting together a series. His favorite books? "Anything by Paul Auster," he says. His first set of images is from Travels in the Scriptorium. He's interpreting both fiction and non-fiction and posting the black and white images on his blog.

Tea, an associate editor at Bead&Button, gave Bill an excerpt from Scott Huler's Defining the Wind. Lately, Tea's been interested in learning more about how the world works, and she said that the book bridges her love of language with her love of science.

If you'd like to submit text for Bill's consideration, you can get more information from his post, What Have You Read Lately? You can also take part in the conversation by leaving comments and voting for your favorite images.

I'm trying to narrow down my submissions. I've got a novel and a memoir picked out, but I just got distracted by Gregory Berns' Satisfaction: The Science of Finding True Fulfillment, which I read a couple of years ago. Oh, how to decide?

Linda Arline Hartung's "Stroke of genius" designer alternative project

Cathy Jakicic — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 20:06:00 GMT

The "Stroke of genius" project in the March 2009 issue of BeadStyle includes a beautiful design alternative that combines braided WireLace with aquiline crystals. Designer Linda Arline Hartung sent the following instructions:

Four strands of WireLace get these big-holed beads to behave. Make an overhand knot between each group of crystals. The WireLace will fill the large bead holes and the knots keep the crystals tight to each other forcing them to the juxtaposed positions. Finish with a four-strand braid to the desired length, glue into a bell end cap and add a teardrop clasp set with a coordinating crystal.

1: Take two yards (1.8 m) of 2.5mm WireLace and two yards (1.8 m) of 6mm WireLace. Center a pearl needle on both strands.

2: String on all crystals as shown in the photo. Cut ends at pearl needle to remove.needle and create four 36 in.(.9 m) strands.

3: Center the large bead on the four WireLace strands.

4: Group the center cluster and make one overhand knot (Basics) next to cluster with all four strands of the WireLace. On opposite side tighten up all the crystals in that cluster and make another overhand knot. This knot must be very tight and snug next to the crystals to force them to keep their position.

5: Push the next cluster of crystals to the center and make another overhand knot with the WireLace - each time making sure the knots are tight to and snug to the crystals. Continue on each side until all the clusters are complete.

6: On each side, after the last overhand knot, separate out the four strands of WireLace to do a four-strand braid.

How to do a four-strand braid:
1) Divide into two sections with a 2.5 mm and 6 mm on each side.
2) Pick up a strand on the ‘outside’ and wrap it under two strands and over one strand. Repeat on the opposite side – always using the outside strand.

7: Continue braiding about 1 in. (2.5 cm) past the desire length on either side and clamp the ends to keep the braid from loosening or coming apart. Use whatever you have handy – tie a string around the end – or use a bead stopper or paper clip, etc.

8: Determine the final desired length and where the braid will end. To keep the braid from coming apart and to make it easier to glue into the end caps, mix 2-part epoxy and apply it directly onto the WireLace braid beginning about ¼ in. (.25 cm )from the desired end. When the epoxy dries, cut the WireLace braid on the glued area with a wirecutters so that you have a glued-end ‘nub’. Test to make sure the braid nub fits in the bell end cap. If not, gently roll end between finds to reshape the braid making it round to fit.

9: Mix 2-part epoxy and fill end caps half full and push over braid nub ends – you should see a small rim of glue seep out. If not quickly pull off the bell end cap and add more glue. Let dry.

10: Attach teardrop clasp by rotating split ring on the bell end caps with a chainnose pliers. Squeeze closed.

Supplies

necklace 19 in. (48 cm)
◆   36 mm aquiline crystal, top drilled, color A
◆    28 mm aquiline crystal, top drilled, color C,
◆    28 mm aquiline crystal, center drilled, color B
◆    6 18 mm aquiline crystals, top drilled, 2 color A, 1 color C, 3 color B
◆    8 18 mm aquiline crystals, center drilled, 4 color A,
4 color C
◆    6 18 mm polygon crystals, color B
◆    two yards (1.8 m) 2.5mm WireLace
◆    two yards (1.8 m) 6mm WireLace
◆   2 4 mm bell end-caps
◆   2 7 mm split rings
◆   box clasp
◆   chainnose pliers
◆   diagonal wire cutters
◆   two-part epoxy
◆     2 toothpicks (for mixing and applying glue), sticky note pads (for mixing glue on), isopropyl alcohol for cleaning up excess glue if needed.
◆    scissors (for cutting WireLace).
◆     fine/lightweight collapsible-type pearl needle

CRYSTALLIZED colors:
   Color A: crystal
   Color B: black diamond
   Color C: jet

How do you define creativity?

Stacy Hillmer — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 14:57:00 GMT

I just found an interesting poster at allposters.com. It reads: “Making the simple complicated is commonplace; making the complicated simple, awesomely simple, that’s creativity.” Do you believe that?

It certainly takes creativity to make something complicated seem simple — one would have to be very creative to explain rocket science to a 5-year-old. But I don’t think there’s anything commonplace about making something simple complicated. Who among us hasn’t bought a strand of beads that, despite some fabulous quality — a lovely hue, an inner glow, an interesting shape — are otherwise unremarkable? Yet we buy the beads because we know that the right combination of other beads and components will turn the simple into something beautifully complicated. And far from being commonplace, this act of creating jewelry from simple elements is challenging because we don’t want to over-design, that is, overcompensate for the simplicity of the beads. No matter how complicated the design, we want our work to look easy. Now that takes creativity!

How do you define creativity?

So you want to sell your jewelry...

BeadStyle Magazine — Wed, 16 Jul 2008 18:16:00 GMT

You’ve perfected your technique, polished your designs and have gotten positive reviews from friends and family. Now, you want to test the waters and try to sell your creations. There are a few things you will have to tackle:

1. Choosing a name: Try to come up with something that really describes what you offer. For example, my business’ name is BEADZ. I am a beader, not a silversmith, gem cutter or bead maker. My name defines the product I offer.
2. Getting a business license and/or sales tax license (depending on the requirements in your locale): Check with your state’s Department of Treasury.
3. Finding available arts and crafts shows: Start early, as some shows want applications received by the end of January for the upcoming spring/summer show season. Check with the Chamber of Commerce in towns you are interested in, check online craft show directories, talk to other vendors to get the “scoop” on the shows, and keep an eye on the classifieds in your local newspaper.
4. Displaying your wares: You will need to make an initial investment for displaying your jewelry. Needs may include tables, tablecloths, shelving units, jewelry display items, a tent for outdoor shows and lighting (a must for indoor shows). And don’t forget bags and gift boxes for your customers to carry things home in.
5. Transporting your stuff: You may need things like a vehicle large enough to carry everything, tote bags, roller bags, storage containers, and hand carts.
6. Promoting your creations: Business cards, table signs, large booth signs, a mailing list form, custom price tags and printed schedules listing your upcoming shows are all possibilities.
7. Sales processing: A merchant account so you can accept credit cards, receipt books, and a cash box with plenty of change!
8. Technology: If you want to develop a website, you need a domain name, a web hosting service, a good camera (great pictures equal great sales), website building software and photo editing software.

Most of all, have fun! You can’t do it all at once, and your business will constantly evolve and change.

I’m sure I’ve forgotten a million things, so please chime in with the things you use to sell your wonderful jewelry.

Have fun in the summertime!

BeadStyle Magazine — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 15:58:00 GMT

I love bold colors, textures and unusual materials. A great combination for summery designs is wire lace and Greek ceramic beads and/or pendants.

The wire lace gives the impression of fishnet floating on water, and the Greek ceramic pieces come in a variety of styles that scream ‘summer at the beach.’ There are pendants of the Sun, shells, dolphins, flowers, fish, squid, turtles and more. The beads and spacers have wonderfully large holes that easily accommodate wire lace. They have an earthy texture and the colors of the beads and wire lace work beautifully together. It seems they were made for each other.

Here are a few examples of designs I developed using this combination:

I recommend visiting Embroidered Soul for a great selection of Greek beads and pendants. Visit Mimi's Gems for wire lace.

deconstructed, reimagined, and transformed

Jane Konkel — Fri, 16 May 2008 21:14:00 GMT

A few weeks ago I bartered with an artist and look what I got.
This adjustable ring was once an earring. I thinks it's so nifty. Geriann of gajettes made this lovely ring and she makes other cool things as well — like clothing and accessories. Her pieces are made of hand-slected, reclaimed, recycled, and repurposed materials. The materials are deconstructed and transformed into new funky pieces.

Naomi's interview on Amazon

Naomi Fujimoto — Tue, 06 May 2008 14:37:00 GMT

Jean Yates, one of BeadStyle's contributors, asked me questions about my background, the creative process, and how I see the world in general. She put the interview on her Amazon page, so check it out if you're interested. My favorite question: "Do you think you see the world differently than other people?" How each of us sees the world is an individual choice, so I'd be curious to know: How does your way of seeing the world affect your creative process?

I know — a heavy question for a Tuesday morning. But let me know anyway!

Show and tell

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 14:35:00 GMT

Yep, this post has nothing to do with beading and everything to do with cake! But beaders like cake, don’t they? Plus, us beaders would be a very boring bunch if our crafting interests were limited to beads alone. I love meeting beaders who also enjoy knitting, crocheting, decoupage, scrapbooking, sewing…

…and cake decorating! This past weekend, we celebrated a milestone birthday for my dad. He enjoys amateur photography, and really wanted a brand new Cannon camera. Since I couldn’t quite afford a top-of-the-line, professional-quality digital camera, I did the next best thing – I made a cake replica!

Here’s what I did:
1) Baked 2 cakes in 9 x 13-in. pans.
2) Carved one cake into the shape of the body of the camera, and carved the raised “grip” and the aperture/focusing ring out of the other cake. (To make the ring perfectly round, I cut the cake around a whipped cream container.)
3) Frosted the entire cake in chocolate (room temperature), then piped the details in vanilla (chilled).
4) Used chocolate sprinkles to give the illusion of texture around the body of the camera. Used M&Ms, marshmallows, semi-sweet chocolate chips, and devil’s food cookies to mimic the buttons, dials, and screws.
5) Cut out a picture of my dad and taped it to a plastic lid for the lens.

Have you ever beaded (or baked) a replica of something special to you or a loved one?

Balm for a creative itch

Stacy Hillmer — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:17:00 GMT

Creating a brand new piece of jewelry gives me a real thrill – a creative contact high. But we can’t be on cloud nine all the time. Sometimes simple satisfaction is the order of the day because I don’t have the time, energy, money, or inspiration for a full project.

For that, I find that fixing or improving an existent piece of jewelry makes me feel creative when I can’t start a project from scratch. Recently, I did some work on a necklace my grandma had gone through great pains to pass on to my mom. My mom had never worn it, though, because the two halves of the twist clasp had fused together and one of the bead caps had broken. I restrung the necklace, adding new finishing components, and voila – instant gratification. I then moved onto a silver bracelet that was known for dropping off my wrist because of a decorative, but unfortunately ineffective, S-hook clasp. I replaced the S-hook with a lobster claw clasp and the bracelet’s back in business.

What do you do when you’ve got a creative itch but don’t feel like starting a big project?