BeadStyle : handcrafted

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!

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.

Art vs Craft round #8

Jane Konkel — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:41:00 GMT

Last week Tea Norfolk's blog, Handmade Holidays, was about Art vs Craft. Established in 2004 by Mother of all things crafty, Faythe Levine & her business partner Kim Kisiolek — who co-own and operate Paper Boat Gallery & Boutique. Art vs. Craft has gained momentum and has become the Midwest's primary source for DIY, hand-crafted, one-of-a-kind goods. Available were traditional and not so traditional handcrafted items, such as jewelry, textiles, toys, paintings, pottery, puppets, printmaking, and photography.

I was fortunate to have been one of the 65 participating vendors in round #8 this past Saturday. It was held at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center, an architecturally rich venue.

The first 200 visitors lined up around the block to receive limited edition canvas silk-screened swag bags designed by the Milwaukee based design team, The Little Friends of Printmaking, and packed with all sorts of goodies — donated by participating artists and community supporters.

It was heart warming to see 3,500 people buying handmade for the holidays. Apparently many in my town have taken the Handmade Pledge.

I bartered my jewelry for a candle from Mireasma and a long scarf from Look at Lisa. Two of my favorite jewelry artist were Kristin Nelson, knelsonart, who makes darling kitschy jewelry

and Meridith of M Jewelry who makes bold jewelry incorporating beautiful gemstones.

I also purchased a copy of Handmade Nation, The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design, by Faythe Levine and Cortney Heimerl. The documentary is due out in February.

The following is a list of vendors participating at Art vs Craft round #8.

Circa Ceramics
Edge Wood Design
Kim Weiss
orangyporangy
Matty Cipov
Owly Shadow Puppets
Sycamores Street Press
ex libris anonymous
MissAlison.com
EKRA
Paper Boat Boutique & Gallery
Handmade Nation
Neon Danger
Just Seeds radical art cooperative
molly mckee
dwellephant
Boxspring Creative
Biggie
Dollybird
Fasten Collective
LACKA
Beth Eaton Pottery
rar rar press
Christina Ward Creatures
Milwaukee Beersoap
Lamplighter Studio Shard Jewelry
Fiery Lion Designs
FASHION NINJA INC.
Rustbelt Fiberwerks
The Little Friends of Printmaking
M Jewelry
Beadsrule
LuSa Organics
Brew City Botanicals / Candles by Carolyn
amy marcella
Ashley D. Schettl
Cursive Design
Made by Max
KR METALS
Jean Smaglik Wells Clay Studio
qylaar
Giant Dwarf
make-out goods
Giddy Up Press
The Glitter Workshop
Love, Lulu Mae
Soar
Niche
Sheriff Peanut
Robin Dickson & Angel Ortiz
Christopher Gerber
Ol'factory Candle Co.
Tugboat Printshop
knelsonart
Jimbot
Monsters & Things
Kitty Grrlz Hand Spun Yarns & Knits
Fluidance
Rosybird
Speakeasy Pens & Gifts
suckerpunch
The KukaBana Tree
my mish mosh
Up in the Air Somewhere
look at lisa
GroveCraft: Recycled Style
mermaid jane jewelry
gajettes
Mireasma