I’ve got two pieces with instructions in the current issue of Jewelry Crafts magazine. They were both a lot of fun to make, and even more fun to wear! The first one, Framed, uses greeting cards and polymer clay. The second one is a shimmering mix of copper and turquoise.
Framed
Copper & Turquoise
handmade-beaded-jewelry, wearable-art, beads, beading, jewelry, mixed-media
Not everyone would want to make their own wooden jewelry or beads, but for those who decide to give it a try, I would definitely recommend Lee Valley Tools for your woodworking needs! I’ve already recommended the DIY Network for some interesting tutorials on making wooden jewelry. You can also find some like-minded people over at Craftster.Org too, who like to mix wood into their jewelry projects.
Any other suggestions for good places to gather info or share pieces?
handmade-beaded-jewelry, wearable-art, beads, beading, jewelry, mixed-media
Make Art Monday!
At last, the perfect excuse to eat more Chinese food…
handmade-beaded-jewelry, wearable-art, beads, beading, jewelry, mixed-media
Harvest Moon
At last! The warm browns and golds that I love so much! I spent the month of October reflecting on the month that had just passed and creating Harvest Moon. I think I’m going to have a very hard time with the moon for October, which I’ll start the first week or so of November. It will be the Hunter’s Moon. It’s not that I have anything against hunting, having grown up in a school district that took the first day of deer season off without any sense of irony. It’s just that there isn’t really any hunting symbolism that really appeals to me to bead. Oh well, hopefully I’ll think of something, or else I’ll just make it an abstract.
You can find links to more of the Bead Journal Project’s participants on Robin Atkin’s blog.
You can also click on “Bead Journal Project” under “categories” in the right-hand sidebar (of my blog, that is!) to see the past three months’ beaded journal pages.
mixed-media, bead-embroidery, beads, creativity, bead-journal-project
PearlEsq.
Robin talks about what it is to work with Tim Holtz in prepping for Ranger U and she provides his fun link for Grungeboard(tm).
Art Bead Scene
Virginia Miska shows a step by step, easy and inexpensive way to remove tarnish from your silver beads and components, with common materials found right in your kitchen!
Bead Arts
There are lots of great lampwork and hot glass forums out there! Can you think of any to add to Cyndi’s list?
Jewelry and Beading Blog
Tammy at the Jewelry and Beading Blog has spotted some adorable wire pumpkins from Wig Jig.
Katie’s Beading Blog
Beading Daily spotlighted Katie’s book, Hip to Bead, this week. Read her post for links to a fun Q&A and free project download and a sneak peek into Katie’s crafty organic farming lifestyle.
Naughty Secretary Club
Have you taken the Handmade Pledge? Jen chats about how her girl gang the Austin Craft Mafia joined forces with the likes of Etsy, The American Craft Council, Interweave Press, Design Sponge and more to bring you Buy Handmade!
PearlEsq.
Are you a Perfectionist? Robin’s got a quiz for you and some thoughts on not sweating the small stuff and to embrace imperfection in your art!
Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done!
A stunning Geisha polymer focal bead by Janet Farris was dressed up using lustrous coin pearls and tiny multihued spinels to express classic Japanese beauty. Take a look at Jean’s latest offering in Beadwork Magazine!
The Impatient Blogger
Are you tired of playing by the rules and itching to break free? Guess what, you can! Check out this inspired post by Margot Potter that gives you the kick in the pants you need to follow your bliss.
Book Title: Picture Yourself Making Metal Clay Jewelry: Step-by-Step Instruction for Forming, Firing, and Constructing Finished Jewelry
Publisher: Thomson Course Technology
Series: This text will be part of the publisher’s “Picture Yourself” series.
Author: Tammy Powley
Contact Information: tammypowley@yahoo.com
Estimated Publication Date: May/June 2008
Call for Entries Deadline: December 5, 2007
Book’s Focus: The focus of this book is super simple to make metal clay component projects (charms, pendants, beads) teamed up with basic jewelry techniques resulting in projects which allow readers to make finished jewelry pieces showcasing their metal clay creations.
Audience: The audience is the interested hobbyist who has very little if any metal clay or jewelry making experience.
Project Descriptions: All metal clay projects will be designed to use low-fire metal clay (either PMC3 or Art Clay 650) and will be small enough to allow firing by either a hand-held butane torch or hot pot. The projects will include instructions for both making the metal clay component (such as beads or a pendant) as well as incorporating this item into a finished piece of jewelry (such as earrings or a necklace). Therefore, other jewelry techniques including basic bead stringing and wire work will be covered as well.
All the submission details can be found in Tammy’s post on Jewelry & Beading!
Two other recent calls for entries:
Haute Handbags
Belle Armoire Jewelry
handmade-beaded-jewelry, wearable-art, beads, beading, jewelry, mixed-media
Help me out here…did I miss any good ones?
International Society of Glass Beadmakers Forum
lampwork, lampworking, beads, glass-beads, glass-art, artist-communities
My friend Amy Fraser has an amazing collection of pendants out for the fall and winter. She’s calling it the Prophecy Collection. Take a look!
Don’t miss the artist profile that Amy did for Bead Arts either!
handmade-beaded-jewelry, polymer-clay, beads, beading, mixed-media, wearable-art
500 Wearable Art Pieces
Editor: Valerie Shrader
Lark Books seeks images to publish in a juried celebration of artwear. Submissions may include garments and accessories worn on the body (hats, gloves, scarves, etc.) All surface design techniques and fabrics welcome; no jewelry, please. To be released in Spring 2009, this book aims to showcase a fabulous, fun, and funky collection that will inspire amateur crafters, professional designers, and everyone in between. Important note: Lark Books will only publish photos of entries containing text and images that are free of copyright, or for which the artist (or approved institution) holds copyright.
Artists will receive full acknowledgment within the book, one complimentary copy, and discounts on the purchase of additional books. Artists retain copyright of their work. Entries must be postmarked by January 2, 2008. No fee is required.
Technique Tuesday!
One of the things I love most about making these pins is that you can cut out a bunch of base pieces all at one time, and then you can spend a little time here and a little there putting the pins together using whatever little scraps come to hand. Or are lying around on top of your work table!
There are lots of materials that you can use for a base, but one of the easiest to work with is good old Foam-Cor. It’s easy to cut, you can stick wires into it to embed things if needed, and it can be toughened up when you’re done by a coating of two-part resin. Like I said, I usually cut out a bunch of pieces in one session, and then work on them little by little.
This particular pin is called The Key to My Heart, and it features an antique skeleton key, some origami paper, a couple strands of fiber, and a couple of beads. Here’s how I made it…change the directions to suit your own projects!
handmade-beaded-jewelry, wearable-art, beads, beading, jewelry, mixed-media
Make Art Monday!
I make a lot of these pins, using old vintage pieces, computer parts, broken jewelry, and other interesting objects. Here’s one that I particularly like for this time of the year because of the colors:
I’ll share some tips for making your own tomorrow for Technique Tuesday!
recycled-jewelry, found-objects, jewelry-making, wearable-art, pins, mixed-media-jewelry
Art Bead Scene
Several of the editors at Art Bead Scene have been collaborating on exciting challenges with other artists. Check out what happens when three sets of art beads artists are given to three different artists.
Bead Arts
Cyndi explores how to use wire crochet to give new life to some moonstone nuggets.
Jewelry and Beading
Even more fun than growing your pumpkin, you can make your own pumpkin beads with a little know-how from the Jewelry and Beading Blog.
Katie’s Beading Blog
Have you heard about the public television show Beads, Baubles & Jewels? Now you can watch Katie’s segments on your computer anytime.
Naughty Secretary Club
Look for a bracelet by Jen in a new series of Holiday Ads by Michaels. Can’t wait until then? Check out the Naughty Secretary Club blog to get a sneak peak at the Twinkle Charm Bracelet and how-to instructions.
Snap out of it Jean! There’s beading to be done!
Jean’s third shot at spiral seed beading is fun!, with its butterfly clasp and its colorful Swarovski bicones sparkling like crazy on a deep background of emerald and sapphire!
The Impatient Blogger
Sometimes we make wonderful things and sometimes we make a whole lot of crap. Fret not! Join Margot as she shares her crafty mishaps and encourages you to make glorious mistakes! (Warning: This post is rated P for Potty Mouth Syndrome!)
Artist: Kim Falat
Business name: Symphony Jewels
Location: Chicago suburbs
Website:
Symphony Jewels
How do you describe your work, Kim?
My jewelry is elegant and feminine. Most of my designs are finer and more delicate. I’m not a huge fan of the big chunky jewelry out there, although I have incorporated some of those designs to cater to the people who love that style. But I really like my jewelry to just be… pretty. I want it to be versatile also. Today, I’m wearing a pink and black necklace, with black onyx, pink chalcedony, sparkly Swarovski crystals, and sterling silver accents. It has a nice long dangly pendant. This necklace looks perfect with my black pants and pink tank top. This necklace would also look gorgeous with a black evening gown. I want all of my designs to represent me and my style, but I also want people to have a huge variety. Someone can walk into my booth or go to my website and find hundreds of different designs. It’s not just a handful of designs in different colors and the same pattern over and over. Every piece is different, new and fresh.
In a way I chose my name for the same reason. I wanted a pretty name, something that conveyed a certain level of elegance. The neat thing about symphonies, if you’ve ever listened to one, is all the amazing different elements that combine to create one piece. In pop music, you have a verse, a chorus, and a bridge. In a symphony, it’s like a dozen different bridges coming together and all working together beautifully. It’s not just drums, a guitar and a keyboard… it’s a whole orchestra. I think that represents my jewelry designs and how my overall inventory works together. Plus, I’ve been involved with music for quite some time, so “symphony” helped tie in another little aspect of me.
What is your creative process like?
Because I have so many other things filling up my life (a “day job”, husband with his own company, dog training and all those fun household chores and errands), I don’t always have a lot of time for the jewelry business. I often have to make time to sit down for jewelry. But once I do, I’ve missed it so much, and as soon as my brain starts working I just keep creating! Then it becomes a day or two of jewelry bliss! I can pump out 30 or 40 new things in a couple days when I’m that inspired and that motivated. I usually have an audio book or music playing while I’m making jewelry. Since I have such a busy lifestyle, I need to find every way I can to multitask. It helps if I can make jewelry AND practice my vocals, or read a book I just haven’t found the time for yet.
I rarely sketch anything out, except when using PMC. It’s too hard to “redo” with PMC. So I make sure I have a solid idea of what I’m making beforehand. With my other jewelry, I usually have a color scheme or a certain style in mind, I go to my supply boxes and start grouping things together to see how the pieces fit. If I don’t like the end result, I can just take it apart and redo it. Usually that’s just a small tweaking of the layout.
What kind of training did you have which helped you achieve your current level of artistry?
I’ve always been an artist… I started writing poetry and short stories at 8 years old, I drew and painted throughout grade school and high school, pursued a professional singing career, started airbrushing in my 20’s, scrapbooked, made cards, painted glass and wood, and then I stumbled upon jewelry a few years ago. I never took classes to learn how to make jewelry, I just asked a few questions here and there and found some wonderful internet resources. I’ve always been able to put things together… whether it’s words, colors, or textures… and my designs for my jewelry just come to me. Sometimes I’ll actually pull out an outfit and try to make something for it, but mostly I just sit down at my table and sift through my supplies, and my inventory, and try to figure out what I want to make next. I have recently taken a couple PMC classes to learn a new medium and evolve my designs and eventually I will take some metalsmithing classes. I don’t want to pick up a torch and some metal without knowing what to do with those!
Is there a tool or material that you can’t imagine living without?
I love to use Swarovski crystals, gemstones, and sterling silver in my designs. I love how the materials interact together and the outcome can be amazing.
What inspires you to create?
Anything and everything. New clothes fashions help inspire certain designs. A picture in an interior design magazine can show beautiful color combinations. Looking out into my gorgeous landscaped backyard calms me and helps me think. Sifting through my gemstones always triggers a flood of ideas.
What inspires you to keep going when the work gets frustrating or tough?
That I have so much money invested in this, I better make some back! No, seriously, I’ve always loved art, and have dabbled in a million things, and found a passion for the jewelry. When I started, I couldn’t get enough! I couldn’t go to sleep at night until I made all my ideas! And now, I’m still so inspired by each new piece I create. One design usually leads me right into the next. I prefer to make one-of-a-kind pieces and I’m always proud of each new creation. And when things get really bad, just hearing the wonderful compliments from people keeps my heart in it.
What is your best piece of advice for those who would like to rise in their level of artistry?
My advice is to always master what you do, and you’ll never second-guess yourself.
I’m a perfectionist, and I always demand a lot from myself. And if I don’t get something right the 1st, 2nd or 20th time I do it, I get very frustrated. But perfection takes practice and perseverence. I do see my progress over time, I see everything become better. I know how long it took my designs to become what I wanted from them, and I know any new techniques will take time too. I am confident of my designs and know what I wanted out of each and every piece. When you finally get that level of confidence, it helps you know where you stand in this crazy art world, and it helps balance the artist with the professional in you.
What takes up the majority of your time besides your art?
Training dogs. I have a Shetland Sheepdog that I train in agility. I also have a German Shepherd from champion bloodlines whom I want to show in conformation and the sport of Schutzhund, which involves protection work, tracking and obedience. It’s HARD!!! Seriously!! Look up Schutzhund videos on youtube.com and you’ll see how HARD this is!!! But he is a perfect example of the breed, in anatomy, temperment and drive. So we work together so we can get all the necessary titles on him to prove to the world what he is so he can help improve the German Shepherd breed.
What’s your other favorite things? Food, books, etc?
Oooh, I love Italian food… and chocolate… and potato chips! And I love to read fantasy adventure books. When I really want to relax, I throw in an audio book and make jewelry. I also have a few “comfort” movies (Goonies, Ghostbusters and Raiders of the Lost Ark) that have the ability to just take me away to a happy quiet place and help me forget the concerns of the world (and vacuuming, and dishes, and laundry, and litter boxes…!).
Links to other unique bead artists:
Cindy Forrester
Clare Byfield
handmade-beaded-jewelry, wearable-art, beads, beading, jewelry, mixed-media, artist-profile
Filigree Drops by Jamie Hogsett
It Takes Two Earrings Challenge
For this challenge, combine two - and only two - different techniques from the ten techniques below to create an original pair of earrings.
The Rules
You must be a Beading Daily member to participate. (Your email address will be used to verify that you are a member.) It’s free to sign up if you’re not already a member. Only one submission per person. Deadline: November 2, 2007. Winners will be announced November 30, 2007.
To enter, please send an email to: beadingdaily@interweave.com and include:
a high-resolution photo (JPG, 300 dpi) of your finished project
your name
your email address
your phone number (this will be only used to notify you if you win)
project name
the two techniques you used
in the subject line, please include: “earring challenge”
Prizes
The editors will select their three favorite entries.
First Place: A $50 gift certificate from Interweave Press.
Second Place: An autographed copy of Mastering Beadwork by Carol Huber Cypher, plus a $10 gift certificate from Interweave Press.
Third Place: An autographed copy of Create Jewelry: Crystals by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett
The winning projects and their designers will showcased on Beading Daily.
Other posts about earrings:
Inspiration Galore!
handmade-beaded-jewelry, wearable-art, beads, beading, jewelry, mixed-media, earrings, call-for-entries
And the winner is…Grace Danel! Grace is one of the participants in the Bead Journal Project, and we are so proud of her! Her 6 x 4 inch piece is called Justine.
Margie writes about the piece:
“Grace Danel’s bead embroidered piece uses a very muted, amethyst purple with bright yellow, and creates one of the most usual, and successful combinations. She very consciously limited yellow to a few distinct focal points. Her piece won by slim margin because of how successfully she used a wide variety of purple, violets, and lavendars with yellow. She combined an amazing array of tones and tints in exquisite balance.”
You can see all the other winner’s at Margie’s website. I think many of the pieces are amazing, but I have to be honest that I’m somewhat biased towards Grace’s since we’re both involved in the Bead Journal Project.
Come on a journey through a bead and jewelry wonderland, where no item is considered too strange to use in making something...especially if that item has a hole in it! All types of beads are welcomed and cherished here, and no techniques are off-limits. You'll be amazed and inspired by the beadwork that is being done today!
Bead Arts Author(s)
» Cyndi-Lavin
