Art Bead Scene Blog

Sundays with Cindy

2009-11-22T06:00:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Beady Readers! Wondering what's going on in the bead and jewelry world? Take a peek at our links and see.....

A Bead A Day
Do pearls go with everything? Lisa pairs glass pearls with chain and interesting findings. What do you think?

About.com Jewelrymaking
What do you do with a weird piece of chain made from wood? How about making a fabulous necklace out of it.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene gives you the scoop on findings worth finding - check it out!

Barbe Saint John
I've been a bad blogger!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi makes a brooch with a cameo and other odds and ends.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy has a new shop on Etsy - the bleeding heart. Check it out!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shows the piece she made for the new book Chain Style, and talks about her struggles with letting go of her published jewelry pieces.

Jewelry & Beading
Gather up some little beaded flowers and turn them into a very special necklace!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Lorelei's annual craft fair adventure is over and she share's some photos of the Aftermath.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Artbeads teamed up with Nintendo DS to create a fantastic virtual learning game for jewelry lovers! Style Lab! Jean shows it off in a youtube clip! FUN for the HOLIDAYS!

Strands of Beads
Melissa discusses the virtue of buttons in jewelry-making

Best of Studio Saturday-Countless Blessing

2009-11-21T15:02:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question of our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.

This week's very lucky winner is PeacockFairy! Congratulations! You win 3 Pendants from Melanie's new line, Now Showing. Please send your postal address to the Melanie at Earthenwood!

Originally Posted by Lynn Davis

December 6, 2008

Swapping Blessings and Stories on Studio Saturday

Today we're in the studio of Lynn Davis, who just finished a group project of an engaging, exchanging kind!

In this season and time of the year, it's quite easy to get distracted with the 'doing' of things, going places and enjoying events. It's been such a good year for me in so many ways, and challenging in others, that I want to be sure to remember to count my blessings and not let them slip away unnoticed.

So I offered to do a charm / clasp / bead swap even though I've never done it before, and some very talented and lovely people joined in with me.

I want to share the wealth of the art beads and charms created and the beautiful and clever results with you here. The theme was 'Counting Your Blessings' and the swap item could be a clasp, a charm or a bead, but it had to be handmade and in the spirit of the theme. The packaging was as lovely as the beads inside!

These little Humblebeads are from Heather Powers. The colors on the bead are so beautiful and seasonal, and the owl charm seems so knowing and wise. The card says 'Wisdom is the beginning of all blessings. Wear this little owl as a reminder' - isn't that wonderful?

The skeleton key charms with stamped copper tags that say 'HOME' were made by Lorelei Eurto, with a beautiful dangle on each one. They are so tiny and special, a unique remembrance of the warmth and coziness of the hearth and home anytime, but especially at this time of year.

Mary Harding created several different charms and beads, with a natural world theme and such beautiful colors. I was fortunate to see all the unique charms in the swap before they went to their new homes. On my blog I'll put more photos of all the different ones, I don't want to take too much space here. This sneak peek will give you a good idea of the variety and beauty of the swap items.

If you've never done a swap you should give it a try, it's a great way to get to know some people better and make new friends. And oh! the goodies!

It was interesting that many of the swap items used words as well as images to tell the story of counting blessings. These little beads and charms were made by Cristi Clothier. She used the words 'Be Blessed' and number circles, very clever and colorful.

Others used only symbols of blessed icons, these lovely raku hearts were made by Gaea Cannaday. I love the rustic and organic look of them, under the smooth shiny surface glaze. Sometimes blessings do appear rough on the outside but have wonderful things to bring to a life! With a heart icon you can tell your own story, make up your personal meaning. I like that about them.

Another organic, natural world symbol was used by Erin Siegel, in her glazed leaf shapes. As the leaves fall from the trees in the circle of the seasons, we count ourselves fortunate in this world to be able to sense the changes in life. The colors are so glorious and each one so unique, just like real natural world leaves. Just like each one of us, too.

The images used in the art beads and charms weren't coordinated by me in any way, but there were recurring symbols, icons and words. About home. Leaves. Hearts.

These charming houses were made by Lisa Harrington. The colors are harmonious with the other swap items, and the little house shape goes well with Lorelei's key charm and has a similar message. We treasure our family, our homes and hearths, at this season. There's a tiny beautiful butterfly inside, the most colorful and transient creatures in nature, to remind us that time is fleeting. And the dangle under the little house charm with the word 'HOME' on the roof is a tiny puppy dog - the most faithful and entertaining of creatures that share our hearths.

My own charms have some of the same ideas and spirit. I made a fused glass heart connector because the heart connects us all, a leaf charm to show the constancy of change, and a small corked glass vial filled with golden flakes with the words 'GOOD' and 'BLISS', 'PEACE' and 'MERCY' on them.

I want make a single wearable piece like a necklace or charm bracelet that includes everything from the swap, to remind me through all next year to count my blessings daily.

Maybe you count these end of year days using an advent calendar, or celebrate with special family events. Or perhaps there's certain music, a book or tradition that you re-visit every year, to close out the special days every winter as each year wanes away.

In the meantime, here's the question for you to ponder! Reply to this post and you will win a suprise prize!

How do you creatively count your blessings at this time of year? and what special words or symbols remind you of your most treasured memories, events and celebrations?
Family and friends, home and hearth, traditions and customs across time, boundaries and cultures, share how they influence your ideas and creativity.

Post your answer, share your story, join with us in counting our blessings!

Twilight Jewelry

2009-11-20T09:08:00.000-05:00

An ode to my favorite vampire/werewolf love triangle!

Tesori Trovati

2nd Hand Rose

The Venerable Bead

The Bleeding Heart - Aka Cindy Gimbrone

Sentimental Journey

2009-11-19T15:19:00.000-05:00

Pendants from Sentiment Redesigned, a new shop on Etsy.

Artist Sue Reiten describes her process:
I first draw the image, and then refine it on the computer. Then I make a photopolymer plate of the image and transfer that to PMC. From there, I shape and carve and shape additional elements into the design. The result is a collection that is called Sentiment Redesigned. I have had a number of the designs cast in bronze and in sterling silver. Each pendant is given a patina with liver of sulphur to bring out the depth of the details.

Inspiration: Jewelry that tells a story

2009-11-18T15:31:00.000-05:00

A few magical ingredients:

a key for secrets locked away

elements from the forest

branches that sway

a mysterious messenger

Expedition D

Lynn Davis

Humblebeads

Showcasing work from Art Bead Scene editors Heather Powers & Lynn Davis.

The Lore of Gemstones

2009-11-17T14:00:00.000-05:00

Today's post is brought to you by guest blogger, Andrew Thornton.

The magic of gemstones is not lost on jewelry makers. In their hands, gemstones are woven, wrapped, set and strung (among other things) and whether they know it or not, each rock, stone and mineral has a tale to tell. Ellen Steiber, author of A Rumor of Gems, wrote an article augmented by artwork by Joe Novak and a wealth of photographed examples in the Spring of 2005 for Endicott Studio's Journal of Mythic Arts called The Lore of Gemstones. The article also appeared in the June 2005 issue of Realms of Fantasy magazine. It describes many of the stories and lore about some of our favorite gemstones to work with. It also includes a treasure trove of further resources to explore at the end of the article and is well worth checking out.

Journal of Mythic Arts

The Lore of Gemstones

Realms of Fantasy

Designer of the Week - Prairie Emporium

2009-11-16T12:52:00.001-05:00

NOV ABS
Originally uploaded by Debbie / Prairie Emporium

Each Monday we feature the Designer of the Week. One of our editors pick their favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries.

This week I've picked Prairie Emporium's earthy necklace for this month's challenge.

Great choice for a focal bead! Lynn Davis' pendant works perfectly for a woodsy fairy-inspired pendant. I also like the mix of natural elements with the cord for a rustic feel and the addtion of the silver balances out the work for a polished design.

Visit Debbie's flickr photostream to see more of her jewelry.

Sunday with Cindy

2009-11-15T06:00:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Beady Readers! Wondering what's going on in the bead and jewelry world? Take a peek at our links and see.....

A Bead A Day
A surprise package of beads arrives and provides a week of fun on abeadaday!

About.com Jewelrymaking
Tammy has another installment of Make It Merry this week.

Art Bead Scene
November is full of fairies at the Art Bead Scene. Come check out the inspiration painting for the monthly challenge!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has a give-away offer on "the ugly necklace."

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy reflects on how to live life at a slower pace. Her reflections inspire a pair of earrings.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie starts a new project, an upcycled film themed jewelry line called Now Showing! Read the story behind this fun new idea.

Jean Campbell
Jean finds her first piece of beadwork in a junk drawer and discusses how important it is to reinforce your work

Jewelry & Beading
Gorgeous jewelry designs by artist Paula Huckabay!

Katie's Beading Blog
Katie's combining resin, chain, and tubular peyote stitch in a project for Beadwork magazine - download the pdf for free!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Setting up a table at a craft can be daunting, but Lorelei put together a perfectly Vintage Chic display that will hopefully lure people in.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
In the spirit of the season, whereby "you can get nything you want" as in the famous Alice's Restaurant song by Arlo, you can get some fascinating things at Andrew Thornton's store. Great for holidays to come!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off a necklace she made...for herself!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Using a hand-painted Russian pendant from Artbeads.com, Andrew creates an enchanting response to Art Bead Scene's November prompt: Dadd's The Fairy Fellers' Master-Stroke.

Studio Saturday: Intermission with Now Showing Studio

2009-11-14T10:24:00.002-05:00

Last weeks winner is Denise. Congratulations! You have won one of Creative Impressions in Clay's new Wizard of Oz inspired pendants from the studio of Tari Sasser. Send Tari an e-mail (at tari at claybuttons dot com) with your address and she will get it right out to you.

Hello! It's Melanie from Earthenwood Studio here with a little intermission from your regular Art Bead Scene contributors. It has been a while since I wrote a Studio Saturday post, so I am happy to be here to tell you about the new things I have going on in my studio... and I have been doing some REALLY different and new things, which has been exciting! Like Tari's post last week, I have been inspired by film and movies (and oddly enough, I am writing this while watching the Wizard of Oz!) I sort of happened into a new line of jewelry and pendants inspired by movies, called Now Showing Studio. Let me tell you about it!

Now Showing started when Alex and I stopped into a video store that was going out of business. We found a huge selection of DVD plastic backer cards that they were selling for next to nothing. After a little bit of thought and playing with them, we started a side business making recycled/upcycled jewelry with them! The cards are lightweight, colorful, and whimsical, and I think they make really fun and hip jewelry and pendants. This is a fun little intermission for me and my regular work with my Earthenwood business. You can read a little bit more about our inspiration and process for these new items on the new blog.

While we started Now Showing with the purpose of creating a line of finished jewerly, we are now considering adding a line of pendants that beaders can use in their own designs. This is not a foreign concept for me, as I started Earthenwood the same way, with a finished jewerly line. I started selling beads because beaders kept asking me for my parts! So I am thinking that having finished jewelry and gifts and art pendants in the same store probably makes sense. I would love some input from all of you beaders about pendants for beading like the one below which was made from three different anime movie backer cards.

Ok, now it is time for your question of the week! Since I have been talking about intermission and film, it reminds me of movie snacks! I love popcorn and a cola slushie with a little bit of chocolate... preferably Sno-Caps! What are your favorite things to snack on at the theatre or at home when watching a movie?

Please leave me a comment with your favorite snack (and any other comments or thoughts you have about today's post). Next week, one random winner will be chosen from the comments and the prize is the three Now Showing pendants shown below!

Melanie Brooks is the ceramic beadmaker behind Earthenwood Studio, who blogs from her Metro Detroit, Michigan home.

Vintaj TV

2009-11-13T13:32:00.000-05:00

Here is a video from the talented folks at Vintaj using their new rivets. Love them! You can find Vintaj findings at Bello Modo, they offer free and fast shipping.

Findings Worth Finding - Double Dips

2009-11-12T18:43:00.000-05:00

Check out these awesome new findings that Cindy Gimbrone has created: double dips of molten glass on copper wire. I love them! Cindy has a few different colors to choose from, the ivory ones are my favorites.

Here are a pair of earrings she made with them. I could also see these made into a bar for a toggle clasp!

Art Bead Ornaments

2009-11-11T16:09:00.000-05:00

Jennifer is having a Jangles' Holiday Ornament Extravaganza over on her blog this week. Stop by to check out her cute ideas for quick holiday gifts or decorations for our own celebration. I love art bead ornaments and make a few each year. Time is ticking away!

Enamel Beads

2009-11-10T08:28:00.000-05:00

Check out Barbara Lewis' new bead shop, PaintingWithFire, featuring her enamel beads. They remind me of the seeds in our inspiration painting and would work great for this month's challenge!

Featured Designer of the Week-Earthe Fae

2009-11-09T11:49:00.001-05:00

Elvensoul by AJ Reardon of Earthe Fae

Each Monday we feature the Designer of the Week. One of our editors pick their favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries. This week's pick comes from ABS editor, Tari Sasser.

"This necklace works well for this month's challenge. Earthenwood's Fairy bead is perfect with fringey details of the necklace. It is beautifully executed."

This months challenge "Fairy Feller's-Master Stroke" by Richard Dadd.

Sundays with Cindy

2009-11-08T06:00:00.001-05:00

Good morning, Beady Readers! Wondering what's going on in the bead and jewelry world? Take a peek at our links and see.....

Art Bead Scene
An Art Bead Scene first - the December sponsors collaborate on a special set of art beads for the December monthly challenge prize!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi uses a leather button to make a wearable collage.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy has developed a new line of jewelry to remind us all to live life slowly and enjoy what we have. First in the series is "Grounded."

Jean Campbell
Jean describes what it's like to edit someone's book and shares her thoughts on Marcia DeCoster's latest, Beaded Opulence.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi is giving away a copy of Ronna Sarvas Weltman’s unique polymer clay book called "Ancient Modern". Come and get in on this contest!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
jean is amazed by the treasures you find in Cynthia Thornton's spectacular wonder of a book, Enchanted Adornments!

Strands of Beads
Melissa trys out Friendly Plastic (and likes the results).

Studio Saturday-The Great and Powerful Oz

2009-11-07T11:54:00.003-05:00

This week we visit the studio of Tari Sasser at Creative Impressions In Clay.

We find inspiration everyone to create unique, beautiful, meaningful or humorous art.

I like to laugh. OK, so I laugh a lot. Sometimes you laugh so you don't cry. I have at times a sick sense of humor, childish humor etc., there is a funny side to most everything. It may be inappropriate but you have to laugh.

To be entertained in the movie genre I like comedys. Life can be so serious and scary we need comic relief. My favorite movie is "The Wizard of Oz!" I have been watching it since I was a little. Much to my childrens amazement, I was little once.

To celebrate the 70th Anniversary of this wonderful movie, I've created pendants. Something different than most buttons/pendant I have created in a while. I started these weeks ago so I could have them for the Beads-of-Clay open Studio Blog event. I ended up spending time at local medical facility so I was unable to participate. So now there are unveiled. I hope you like them. They make me smile and start singing (in my head of course) songs from the movie.

My Question this week is:

Is there a movie or movies that has inspired you to create?

I doesn't have to be jewelry. Any creative process.

Are you a "Good Witch" or a "Bad Witch?" Why, "I'm not a Witch at All."

So "Follow, follow, follow, follow." We're "Off to see the Wizard."

"Click Your Heels" three times, and say "There's No Place Like Home."

The and Powerful "Oz" has spoken!

Leave your comment (or I'll get you my pretty) and you could win your choice of "one" of the pendants shown above.

Tari (the Button Lady) who may be a "Good Witch" or "Bad Witch" today is flying off on her broom laughing...with her little dog too!

Findings Worth Finding - Ceramic Bead Caps

2009-11-06T13:13:00.001-05:00

I'm so over the moon for Elaine Ray's bead caps. They are so earthy and delicate. Perfect for earrings, pair them with wire and stones for instant autumn inspiration. They also fit nicely with this month's fairy theme - they remind me of the seeds and flowers of the painting. You can find Elaine Ray's bead at Ornamentea.

Inspiration from the Fairy Feller

2009-11-05T07:52:00.001-05:00

I am honored to have been asked to choose a piece of art for November's Challenge, so I picked one of my favorite pieces, the Fairy Feller's Master Stroke by Richard Dadd. My fellow bloggers have already given you a good amount of the fascinating history and story behind this painting and the artist, so I thought I would share my personal history and thoughts about it, and some of my works that were inspired by the painting.

Above, a very regal fairy like necklace made with Earthenwood charms and a face stone, with Vintaj brass. You can learn the techniques to make this necklace in the class I will be teaching on the 2010 Bead Cruise!

I had already been familiar with this painting from a few of my art history and fairy books, when I happened upon the actual piece on loan at a museum many years ago. I can't remember where I was, but I remember being very effected by this piece. It is quite small, just over 15x20 inches, and even though it was in a room of giant paintings, I was immediately drawn to it. It seems that tiny detailed, jewel like objects attract me... who knew?

My Queen Mab Faerie Parade necklace, which can be seen in the gallery section of the new book Enchanted Adornments by Cynthia Thornton, one of the other prizes for this month's Challenge!

I spent a good long time staring at the painting, and felt moved almost to tears. Especially with its tiny size, the amount of detail in it is so amazing, it is like it is an impossible piece of art, like a human could not have painted it. It looks like an artifact from a fairy world. The paint is applied with such texture, it adds depth that can't really be seen in reproductions. I feel fortunate to have seen the Fairy Feller in person, and it became a source of inspiration for color, theme, and detail for my work for many years to come. I am glad to share it with you!

I am not the only one inspired by this amazing painting! Did you know that Queen wrote a song about it? Maybe this little bit of musical fun will help you create your fairy inspired piece to enter this month's challenge!

Melanie Brooks is the ceramic beadmaker behind Earthenwood Studio, who blogs from her Metro Detroit, Michigan home.

November Monthly Challenge Prizes

2009-11-04T11:27:00.003-05:00

We have prizes this month from 4 different sponsors! Plus 2 randomly chosen winners!
How Fantastic is that?!!

Green Girl Studios has some of the most wonderful pewter charms and buttons. For the release of Enchanted Adornments, Green Girl Studios is giving away a copy of the just released book + 6 charms and 1 toggle worth over $50.

Visit Green Girl Studio's website to order some of their fantastic items. Become a fan on Facebook!

Melanie of Earthenwood Studio creates wonder beads, charms, pendants and buttons out of porcelain clay. Her style and designs are magical. I love the fairy beads. Melanie's prize this month is shown in the above photo.

You can see all of Melanie's creations on her website, etsy bead shop.

Beads by Laura creates these yummy colorful beads out of glass. They are very whimsical and absolutely adorable. Good enough to eat. Laura will "bake" you 3 cupcakes to your specifications if you are one of this months winners.
Visit Laura's website to see all of her wonderful glass creations.

Bello Modo is the online place to find supplies for all your beading needs

Bello Modo's prize this month is C-Lon cord and Tierra Cast findings.

Visit Bello Modo's website to see all the wonderful supplies you can use for this months challenge.

Get your Art Beads, Buttons, Charms or Pendants out, start creating and enter this months challenge!

Fairy Fellars' Master-Stroke by Richard Dadd is a enchanting fairy inspiration for your creations this month!

November Monthly Challenge

2009-11-03T12:16:00.004-05:00

The Fairy Fellers' Master-Stroke by Richard Dadd

To celebrate the release of of Cynthia Thornton's new book Enchanted Adornments, Melanie of Earthenwood Studios choose this enchanted painting to inspire your adornments for the monthly challenge.

Dadd was an English painter of the Victorian era, noted for his depictions of fairies and other supernatural subjects, Orientalist scenes, and enigmatic genre scenes, rendered with obsessively minuscule detail. Most of the works for which he is best known were created while he was incarcerated in a psychiatric hospital.

The painting was commissioned by George Henry Hayden, who was head steward at Bethlem Royal Hospital at the time. He was impressed by Dadd's artistic efforts and asked for a of his own. Dadd worked on the painting for nine years - paying microscopic attention to detail, as well as a layering technique producing near-3D results - and it is generally regarded as his most important work. However, Dadd himself considered the painting to be unfinished (the background of the lower left corner is only sketched in), and as such added the suffix of "Quasi" to its title.

In order to give context to his work, Dadd subsequently wrote a strange poem by the name of Elimination of a Picture & its subject--called The Fellers' Master Stroke in which each of the characters appearing in the picture is given a name and purpose, including myriad references to old English folklore and Shakespeare - apparently trying to show that the painting's unique composition was not merely a product of random, wild inspiration.

Have fun with this mystical color palette. Pull out the fairy art beads, layout some contrasting colored charms and let's see what you can come up with for this challenge!

Your entry this month can be influenced by the colors, pattern or whatever you choose to focus on for your creation. Just remember to include at least one art bead in your design.

The Prizes:

A winner will be randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries on December 1st.

Our sponsors this month are sponsors: Green Girl Studios, Earthenwood Studios, Bello Modo and beads by laura , please visit us tomorrow to see the prizes!

Featured Designer of the Week:

From all the entries during the month, an editor is going to pick their favorite design to be featured every Monday here on the ABS. We want to give our participants more time in the spotlight! Our Featured Designer will be this Monday, so get those entries in soon.

How to enter the Monthly Challenge:

1. Create something using an art bead that fits within our monthly theme. This challenge is open to jewelry-makers, fiber artists, collage artist, etc. The art bead can be created by you or someone else. The challenge is to inspire those who use art beads and to see all the different ways art beads can be incorporated into your handiwork.

***Beads by themselves and beads simply strung on a chain or cord will not be accepted.***

2. Upload your photo to our flickr group. Detailed instructions can be found here and click here for a
tutorial for sending your picture to the group. If you can't upload to Flickr, send your entry and information to Heather.

Please add the tag or title
NOVABS to your photos. Include a short description, who created the art beads and a link to your blog, if you have one.

Deadline is November 30th. Photos are approved by our moderators, if a photo hasn't followed the guidelines it will not be approved. You may upload 2 photos a day.

What is an Art Bead?
An art bead is a bead, charm, button or finding made by an independent artist. Art beads are the vision and handiwork of an individual artist. You can read more about art beads here.

*** A bead that is handmade is not necessarily an art bead. Hill Tribe Silver, Kazuri ceramic beads or lampwork beads made in factories are examples of handmade beads that are not considered art beads.

p.s. If you have a blog, post your entry and a link to the ABS challenge to spread the beady goodness.

October ABS Challenge Winner!

2009-11-02T10:00:00.001-05:00

OCTABS closeup
Originally uploaded by vintagebluestudio

Congratulations to Diana from Vintage Blue Studio! You are the winner for this month's challenge. This entry was randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries this month. Diana has won an amazing collection of beads from Jangles and Diane Hawkey!

Thanks to everyone for playing along this month. Join us tomorrow for our next challenge.

Designer of the Week Marie Dodd

2009-11-02T08:54:00.000-05:00

Each Monday we feature the Designer of the Week. One of our editors pick their favorite from the Monthly Challenge entries. This week's pick comes from ABS editor, Jennifer Heynen:

I've chosen Marie Dodd's piece entitled "Ruby & Me".

I love all of the different elements going on in Marie's necklace. The long pendant is just like the elongated cow in Ruby C Willaims painting. She even added some black and white seed beads to mimic the black and white on the cow. Also, check out the "milk" link. Good job Marie!

Sundays with Cindy

2009-11-01T06:00:00.002-05:00

Good morning, Beady Readers! Wondering what's going on in the bead and jewelry world? Take a peek at our links and see.....

A Bead A Day
Looking for a great way to commemorate a special moment or gift? Design a piece of jewelry!

About.com Jewelrymaking
It's like Wal-Mart, only you want to be there in this virutal tour of Shipwreck Beads.

Art Bead Scene
Art Bead Scene is having a book fair. Read up on your favorites!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi has finally discovered how great polymer clay is.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Not thinking about your holiday gift list yet? Cindy helps get you started with a Knot Ready for Prime Time Lucky Knots and Friends Projects so you can get started now!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie shares her final Crystal Week necklace... a piece she calls Woodland Mermaid

Jean Campbell
Jean celebrates her favorite holiday by showing off her costume and some very cool baubles

Jewelry & Beading
Krystal Backer, beading artist, shares her creative inspirations with Cyndi.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Have you been following Lorelei's Necklace Round Robin? Come take a look at the finished pieces!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews a delightful book by the editor of BeadStyle: Cathy Jakicic

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her favorite necklace created for Cynthia Thornton's Enchanted Adornments and winner in the metal clay category of the British Bead Awards

Studio Saturday with Jennifer Heynen

2009-10-31T08:12:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Studio Saturday! Each week one of our contributors gives you a sneak peek into their studio, creative process or inspirations. We ask a related question to our readers and hope you'll leave comments! As an incentive we offer a free prize each week to bribe you to use that keyboard. The following week we choose a random winner.

Last weeks winner is Wonderous Strange Congratulations! You have won one of Cindy's top secret beads. Send Cindy an e-mail and she will get it right out to you.

This week we are in the Jangles Studio with Jennifer Heynen

Hello everyone,

This week I got to take a fabulous workshop with Kaffe Fassett. It was a quilt workshop all about color. My first quilt book I ever bought was Gloious Patchwork by Kaffee Fassett. He lives in London and is a very busy artist so to get to take a workshop, in my hometown none the less, was very exciting.

So if you're thinking by now, "Jennifer this blog is suppossed to be about beads..." well here you go. The first thing out of Kaffe's mpouth at the workshop was this. He is a painter, a needleworker, a knitter, a designer, and a quilter. They are all ways of getting his passion out. It's color. Thta's what most artists are about is the color. We all choose one or two or more mediums to convery those colors we have in our head. That hit home for me, because that's exactly how I feel too. So even though I was laying out quilt blocks on Thursday, it could have just as easily been a piece of jewelry or a painting.

I work in many types of mediums but all of my work has the same colorful, folk arty, handmade feel. I am going to share with you today some of my other work as well as some of my jewelry.

Some of my finished jewelry

A painting of my dog, Otis

Mixed media painting of flowers

Holiday Ornament

So my question for the week is what other mediums, besides beads do you work in?

Leave me an answer in the comments and you will be entered to win one of my Jangles Pendants.

Have a great day,
Jennifer

Jangles - Sponsor Spotlight

2009-10-30T13:21:00.000-04:00

What are your current inspirations?
Right now I am in love with folk art and mixed media. I moved to Georgia three years ago and fell in love with all of the self taught and folk artists we have here. I started collecting paintings, wall hangings... you name it. I am especially in love with anything made from wood that is painted in bright colors. Here's a picture of one of the walls in my family room. Look up in the top left hand corner and you will see my Ruby C Williams painting.

What is your favorite bead that you make?
I have two favorite types of beads to make. They are both very simple. They are the big ball beads, I call them Jangles Pearls and I like making pendants. The reason I like making these the most is they are a great blank surface for painting. The painting is what I love the most about making beads.

When you have to whip up a quick gift, what do you usually create?
For quick gifts, I try to think about the person I am giving the present to and give them something they would like the best. But you can never go wrong with a simple pendant or earrings.

Thanks to Jennifer for being one of our monthly sponsors, be sure to stop by Jangles.net to see what's new!