Art Bead Scene Blog

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

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 weeks winner is Pearl and Pebble Congratulations! You have won one of Jangles Pendants from the studio of Jennifer Heynen. Send Jennifer an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

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!

Pull Out the Beads!

2009-10-29T09:13:00.000-04:00

You have two days left to enter our monthly challenge. You could make something fun and funky to wear for Halloween that would do double duty for this month's theme! Above is a piece I worked up based on the inspiration painting. The deadline is October 31st.

And speaking of challenges, I have a fun one on my blog this week. It based on The Best of Stringing magazine's Fun with Focals article. Check out the rules and see this week's assignments. Play along to win $50 to Humblebeads.com. Click here for a quick and easy drawing to win a subscription to Stringing Magazine! Deadline for the challenge and drawing is November 6th.

Diane Hawkey - Sponsor Spotlight

2009-10-28T11:33:00.000-04:00

What are your current inspirations?
The trees around me are turning amazing colors. It still shocks me every year when I see it happen. We are surrounded by oak trees and the acorns are everywhere. They are wonderful works of art by nature. . The autumn light just makes everything come to life with a shimmery golden energy, I can't help being influenced by that.

What is your favorite bead that you make?
Hmmmmm thats a tough one. I'd have to say I love my mermaid the most since she always makes me smile when I am working on her.

When you have to whip up a quick gift, what do you usually create?
Jewelry is such a personal thing. I try to keep it simple. One of my pendents on a cord is always a good choice. I try to match my work with the personality if the person receiving the gift. A quick pendant of one of my birds on top of one of my word beads ending in a simple pewter charm dangle is always a good choice. I can match the word with the person and the occasion.

Here at the Art Bead Scene we are so thankful to our monthly sponsors! Be sure to stop by Diane's website to see more of her work.

Free Ring Project

2009-10-27T13:33:00.000-04:00

Rings, Rings, Rings
Supplies Needed:

Ceramic Focal Bead
accent beads(optional)
approx. 20 inches of 18 gauge wire
something round and close to the size you want your ring to be; ring mandrel, dowel rod, marker
needle nose pliers
wire cutters

Instructions:

If you're making the ring with the disc beads you'll need to string a seed bead onto the wire. Once you have it in the middle of the wire, fold it in half and send both ends of the wire through the hole. If the focal bead has a side to side hole, slide it on the wire to the middle of the wire.
Add any accent beads you would like, like the leaf charms etc.
Place the focal bead on top of the mandrel and hold tight with your fingers. Wrap one side of the wire around until it is pointing back up at the focal bead.
Do the same with the second side if the wire.
On one side of the focal bead grab the two side wire with you pliers. Wrap the loose end of the wire around the two until it is snug. Usually 2-3 times. Trim the excess wire.
Repeat step 5 for the second side of the ring.
If you want wire to "orbit" around the focal bead, (like the pink ring), don't trim one side of the loose wire and wrap it around until you get the look you want. Secure the end by wrapping it around the round ring wires.

Like this project? You can get a free project every week during the holidays if you sign up for my Holiday Newsletters. The sign up is at the bottom of the page.

Jennifer Heynen
Jangles

Beady Book Fair Winners

2009-10-26T20:26:00.000-04:00

Thank you for joining us last week for our Beady Book Fair!.
The winner of Beading with World Beads is Do Be Do Bead Do and the winner of Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence is Patrica Williams. Congratulations!

Featured Designer of the Week: Barbara Lewis

2009-10-26T07:00:00.006-04:00

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, Cindy Gimbrone:

I've chosen Barbara Lewis's piece entitled "This n That."

Barbara's lovely torch fired enameled beads and jewelry have a voice all their own, very different and unique - outside of the mainstream. Since Outsider Art is about listening and expressing one's own voice, Barbara's "This n That" is one we all want to hear more from. See more of Barbara's torch fired enamel art beads and jewelry in her etsy shop. (Psst! This week she's having a sale!)

Sundays with Cindy

2009-10-25T07:00:00.001-04:00

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
Does a simple design equal a "Zen" experience? Lisa would love to hear your thoughts on when simple designs are able to make an impact.

About.com Jewelrymaking
After posting a new jewelry book review for a very cool mixed media book, Tammy is looking a head to other reviews coming up very soon.

Art Bead Scene
You've heard of the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants? Well, this Sisterhood shares bracelets.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe gets tangled up with Chain Style book review

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi decided to finally use her bead stash from Paris.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
Cindy's got some new findings from Ornamentea. What's she going to make with them?

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
The inspiration for Melanie's Machinery of Nature necklace comes from science, steampunk, and nature.

Jean Campbell
Jean struggles through the creative process while bezeling some unusual crystal shapes

Jewelry & Beading
Little beaded flowers are addictive to make, and before you know it, you've got enough for a complete necklace!

Katie's Beading Blog
Check out Katie's ideas on making your old beads new again- and make some affordable gifts along the way!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Better get on board, Lorelei is having the last of the Enchanted Adornments giveaways. Leave a comment to play!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean has a little Boo power going on for her in this hand made Halloween bracelet!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off metal clay goodies from Rings & Things

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew revisits a bracelet design and creates six others.

Studio Saturday: Collaboration

2009-10-24T07:00:00.007-04:00

Last weeks winner is Brenda! Congratulations! You have won one of Lynn's resin word charms! Send Lynn an email and she will get it right out to you.

Usually, this is where I welcome you to my studio - but today, I'm welcoming you to the studio of Cindy Gimbrone and Mary Harding.

Here's my studio....

Here's Mary's....

Now, I'm sure you're asking, why is Mary on the tour today? Well, Dear Readers, Mary and I are collaborating.

and again you ask why?

We are the ABS monthly challenge sponsors for December. I wanted to "kick it up a notch" for our readers by collaborating with another art beadmaker-sponsor to create new beads based on the art for December. So I contacted Mary, asked if she wanted to collaborate and she was in! YAY! We're now collaborating to develop coordinated beads for the December challenge winner.

Today is a peek into our studios as we create the December sponsor beads.

I've done several jewelry making collaborations where we made art beads especially for the jewelry and a discussion about color always comes first. It's the first thing a beadmaker thinks about when making new beads. So our initial discussion focused on color and our own experience with the art. Each of us has a very interesting story about the painting and the artist that I'll save for another day. And no, I can't tell you which painting it is! Getting back to the topic, we're working with a very deep color palette. From our conversations, I developed color palettes and saved them using my ColourLovers.com account. I sent the palettes to Mary and then we tweeked the colors a bit.

We're in our studios now experimenting with color and forms.

Today's question is, have you collaborated with anyone to create a piece of art? Tell me about your collaboration and be entered to win one of the new beads I'm making for December. (Shhh I can't show it here because that will give it away!)

I look forward to reading about your collaborations!

Bonus Book Review: Blogging For Bliss

2009-10-23T18:26:00.002-04:00

I picked up my copy of Blogging For Bliss after I saw a great review on Cindy Wimmer's Blog, Sweet Bead Studio. I am really so happy that I did. I've learned quite a bit from it since I got it. Blogging doesn't always come easily. So a guidebook on the basics is necessary for someone who keeps a daily web log. This book is written for any blogger, whether you craft, knit, bead, scrapbook or create in any way, shape or form.

The book takes you through the step by step process, from the beginning; Add a banner, add graphics, taking good photographs, editing photographs, establish your links, and tips on drawing readers in. Best best part is, you can see an inside look at favorite bloggers such as Alicia Paulson (Posie Gets Cozy), Gabreial Wyatt (Vintage Indie), Emily Martin (Inside A Black Apple), Lidy Baars (Little French Garden House), Heather Bullard (Vintage Inspired Living), and Serena Thompson and Teri Edwards (The Farm Chicks).

I'm a visual learner so seeing nice big colorful photographs of the steps, helped me immeasurably! I would absolutely recommend this book for the new blogger, AND the seasoned blogger. It's a useful tool that everyone will be glad they have in their personal libraries! It would also be a really great gift this Holiday season!

Buy your copy here at Amazon.com!

Fit to Print Book Review - Chain Style

2009-10-23T11:06:00.000-04:00

Chain Style by Jane Dickerson

Another stunning book from the creative team at Interweave Press. If you loved Mixed Metals and Simply Modern Jewelry, you'll want to pick up this one too!

With contributing designers such as Lorelei Eurto, Melanie Brooks, Kerry Bogert, Lisa Blackwell, Taya & Silvija Koschnick, Denise Peck and more, you know this book is packed with modern designs that will appeal to those who love to string, wire-wrap and mix it up with art beads!

The book covers the basic tools and techniques for working with chain and over 50 projects. With such a wide array of designers the projects offer an eclectic mix of contemporary designs from urban chic, steampunk, modern and simple to fun and funky. From commercial chain, to chains of polyester, to chain created from hardware store findings, the necklace and bracelet projects in this book are a great starting point for your next creative session.

Fit to Print Book Review - Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence

2009-10-22T13:40:00.000-04:00

Last year on Bead Cruise 2009 Marcia brought samples of the book projects. I touched, I gasped and was in awe of the beauty she shared. Thinking about buying this book was not an option. I waited in anticipation to get my copy.

The reviews are out and the ratings are off the chart for Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence.

The beginning of the book walks you through the basics of right angle weave, teaching how to increase, decrease and combine other stitches. Marcia’s use of components and surface embellishments takes right angle weave into a whole new dimension of intricate designs.

Beautiful, sophisticated and elegant you will enjoy making these design from this master beadweaver.The illustrations and instructions are very well written and the photography is top notch.

This book is a must have for those wanting to learn right angle and for those who have already mastered the stitch. Right Angle Weave is an off loom bead weaving technique also called RAW. This stitch can be worked with one or two needles. Basic right angle weave creates a supple fabric.

My book will not be sitting up on the book shelf nestled between the other bead books. It is out in the open where I can pick it up and be inspired by what lies within. Since debuting in August this book has sold out and gone into a second print. The third printing not far behind.

To get your signed copy of Beaded Opulence visit Marcia website at: http://www.marciadecoster.com/

Marcia is the featured Artist of the month at Lark Books. You can read the interview here.

Here is a sample of a project I made from the book called "Medici Drop"

Book review written by Beverly Herman NoEasyBeads

Fit to Print Book Review - Create Glass Jewelry

2009-10-21T13:23:00.001-04:00

Create Jewelry: Glass by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett

This book is the third in the Create Jewelry series from Interview Press with this powerhouse design team! Just as the title suggests you'll find 21 projects that focus on glass - from seed beads, pressed glass to commercial and artist lampwork.

The book has three sections: classic, special-occasion and fashion forward. The designs range from simple stringing to more complex beaded pieces. Along with the projects you'll find a fascinating look at the history of glass, a primer on the types of glass beads available today and little nuggets of information packed throughout the book.

What I love about the book are some of the more non-traditional projects like ribbon, bead and wire-wrapping to showcase an art beads. I also enjoy the mix of seed bead elements mixed in with wire-wrapping and stringing to introduce off-loom beadweaving to those who may want to stick their toe into the world of beadwork. The designs are a beautiful mix of colors and textures in contemporary styles that will please both the artist and fashionista.

A Beady Book Fair

2009-10-20T12:39:00.000-04:00

Join us this week as we review a collection of recently released jewelry design books. We'll post one or two reviews each day. To celebrate our Book Fair we are giving away two free books provided by Lark Books.

The first is Marcia DeCoster's Beaded Opulence, which will be reviewed later this week by Beverly Herman.

The second book in our giveaway is Beading with World Beads, edited by Ray Hemachandra with 15 contributors such as Jean Campbell and Candie Cooper. This book features designs inspired by beads and jewelry from around the world with a contemporary edge. It's a beautiful book that one lucky winner will enjoy adding to their library.

To enter: leave a comment to this post, one entry per person. Make sure to include a valid email if you don't have a blog so that we can reach you if you win. On Monday morning we'll draw two random winners from all of the entries/comments.

To help get the comments rolling I'll ask a fun question:

What book is currently on your wish list?

I'm looking forward to reading your answers!

Bead Cruise Classes

2009-10-19T15:11:00.002-04:00

I'm teaching on the next Bead Cruise!

We've added 5 new classes to our line-up and two of them our mine. I'm teaching Beaded Tide Pool, a fun bead embroidery class with some needle-felting basics thrown in. We'll felt starfish, urchins & nautilus and them embellish them with seed beads and pearls. If you can sew a button, you can create these!

My second class is my Van Gogh Dreams Bracelet. We'll alter Vintaj blanks to create unique focal pieces and findings and then fashion together a charm-style bracelet for a flashy and fun project that you'll be able to wear to dinner that night!

Tracy Stanley has joined our team and she is a cold connection diva!

Check out those metalwork classes, I love them all.

Okay, you know you want to join us in January and spend your time beading and lounging on beaches like this rather than shoveling snow!

So, run now to tell your husband he just bought you the perfect Christmas present! That would work, right?

Visit the Bead Cruise site for all the details.

Featured Designer of the Week - Artisan Clay

2009-10-19T14:16:00.000-04:00

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

This week Lynn Davis picked Artisan Clay's folk art inspired necklace.

Lynn notes "It embodies the colors, spirit and fun of the inspirational painting. Very Outsider art!"

To see more of Kristie's work you can visit her blog and website.

Want to see your work here next week? Enter our monthly challenge today!