Face Time

Want some Face time? Get on FaceBook! Everyone's doing it!

I know, I know, "if everyone jumped off a cliff..." Thanks mom.

FaceBook is great tool for marketing, socializing, finding old friends, new friends, and just sharing ideas.

Here's some of our favorite Faces:

Art Bead Scene :: ArtBeads.com :: Art by Jen G

Bead Cruise :: Rings&Things :: Beads-of-Clay :: Bead Freaks

Beading Buddies :: People Who Enjoy Beading :: Get Beaded!!!

CraftyChica :: Andrew Thornton :: Bead Art Originals :: Bello Modo

Creative Impressions In Clay :: Ornamentea :: Enchanted Adornments

Lisa Shifflet :: MAKU Studio :: Ceramic Jewelry:: Joan Miller Porcelain

Beadphoria :: Joolz by Lisa :: Beadalon :: Funky Finds :: Handmade Nation

Tammy Powley :: Soft Flex Wire :: Polka Dot Creations :: Buy Handmade

Earth Faye Designs :: Beading Daily :: Margot Potter :: Lisa Pavelka

Nancy Schindler :: Kristie Roeder :: Mary Harding :: Lisa Peters

Your Editors, present and past...

Heather Powers :: Melanie Brooks :: Tari Sasser :: Cindy Gimbrone

Elaine Ray :: Lori Greenburg :: Virginia Miska :: Jennifer Heynen (needs face time)

Guest Editors...

Jennifer Stumpf :: Jean Yates :: Lorelei Hill Eurto :: Melissa Lee :: Hint Jewelry Design :: Gaea (needs face time)

Leave your smiling face with us! We love to hear from you!

Featured Designer(s) of the week- Organic Odysseys & gardengrl

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

There are so many wonderful pieces to choose from this month.

I was really torn on this one, so why not go with 2 it's the last designer feature for June!

This week Tari Sasser picked Color Study of Squares by Organic Odysseys.

Two picks this week are better than one :).

Tari noted, "WOW! Perfect depiction of the painting translated into art-to-wear. All I keep saying is "WOW." To see more of Kate's work please visit her blog.

Tari also picked a Polymer Clay Necklace by gardengrl.

Tari noted, "There is beauty in simplicity. This necklace screams color but is simple in design and is fantastic. Kandinsky would be proud!" To see more of Amy's work please visit her flickr page.

Want to see your work featured on the Art Bead Scene? Our theme for the month of June is Kandinsky's abstract circle painting. The deadline to enter for the monthly prize is June 30th! Create something that combines the theme with art beads and then send in your submission for the June Challenge.

Sunday with Cindy

Good morning, Beady Readers! There are new links in our list of highlights - be sure to check out the newest additions!

A Bead A Day
Lisa shares her selection of summery pink beads and crystals. The "Watermelon Crawl" bead mix is sure to conjure up visions of a family picnic on a warm summer day!

About.com Jewelry Making
Take these quick polls about wearing and making jewelry. Which are your favorite pieces?

Art Bead Scene
The Trendy Bead shows off wood filigree pendants.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Read Barbe's interview on the Objects and Elements blog.

Beading Arts
Cyndi's initial thoughts on working with the new CopprClay. There'll be lots of projects coming this summer!

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi hand felts a pretty bead from wool roving.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva
A trip to glass city doesn't go as well as planned. Yet Cindy finds inspiration and few new tools!

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Melanie mixes up gunmetal chains and components with brass to make a necklace with one of her Toolbox Treasure pendants

Humblebeads
Heather sketches out some new designs using this summer's hottest color.

Jean Campbell Ink: Eureka!
Beading in the fresh air clears the mind, bringing fresh creativity.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio
Searching for some new inspiration? Lorelei's got just the place for you to find it!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean reviews Wirework, a new book by the famous Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her new lunar phases and compass rose designs

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
While traveling in Florida, Andrew shares a new variation on a favorite skull bracelet.

Studio Saturday-Kandinsky and Color

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.

Last weeks winner is Nancy Congratulations! You have won a Jangles Bead 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 of Creative Impressions In Clay

Our Monthly Challenge for this month is Kandinsky's Farbstudie Quadrate. I love Kandinsky! The color, oh I love the color. Color is everything to me. Lots of intense color.

This is a tile I made in 1998 that hangs on my studio wall and I look at everyday.

Use, experiment and play with color. You have nothing to loose and everything to gain!

This is the back of my favorite coat. I painted this patch and more that go around the edge and sleeves of the coat, probably 4 or 5 years ago. I painted more patches that went on 2 chenille hoodies for myself and my daughter. Kandinsky inspires!

I got home late last night from my daughter's house. I was helping set up for my granddaughters birthday party, which is today.

These five 2" buttons were glazed when I got home.

It was going to be a rushed firing. I crossed my fingers and hoped they would turn out so I could show you this morning.

I painted and experimented with the colors. It was wonderful and calming.

I have to say, I miss painting. I haven't the time to paint in a long time and I miss getting lost in it and the calming therapeutic effects it has on me when I paint.

This weeks question:

Tell me about your experiments with color!

Leave your comments you could win one of my Kandinsky buttons shown above!

Tari of Claybuttons.com

It’s The Little Things…

"I can do no great thing, only little things with great love." Mother Teresa

What is it about the little things in life? From baby birds to blades of grass…from the smallest shell on the beach to the fascinating array of bugs that are coming out in the world, there are so many little things around us each day that could be an inspiration for our creations.

When it comes to my own designs, I try very hard to focus on the little things..and to place them deliberately with great love. From the clasp to the packaging, there are little details in each piece of Tesori Trovati jewelry that show my clients that they are more than consumers, they are friends.

Each piece of Tesori Trovati jewelry is given a name. Not just any name, mind you. I am so weary of seeing jewelry that is named for its components. “Pearl and Garnet Necklace”…“Silver Quartz Ring”...”Lucite flower earrings”….(yawn). I am inspired to create intriguing names that tell a story to the wearer. I like names that evoke a certain mystery or have the customer spinning their own tale to go with it. Some of the names that I have created recently…”The Invitation”…”Norma Jean’s Pearls”…”Tiffany’s With A Twist.” All evoke a certain feeling and that is a little thing that customers are willing to buy into. It might take a bit more time to come up with a compelling name, but it is worth it. If you are stuck…try looking to poetry or song lyrics or even paint chips [see my post about that here.]

Each piece of Tesori Trovati jewelry features a little sig tag with my logo on it. I could easily overlook this little detail, but it is more than just an identifier. It is a sign that I care enough about the wearer to put that little tag where only they can see it, to remind them that I took great care in designing the piece. My custom stamp is from MicroStamp. I found it easy to send them a crisp black and white image of my skeleton key logo which took about 3 weeks and ~$150 to make into the cutest little custom stamp. You can do letters, words or pictures. It has taken me some time to get used to stamping on those little tags, but I now have a system that works for me. Or have them already engraved at The Charm Factory. And if you want to invest the money in a really slick operation, you can opt for the crème de la crème at Infinity Stamps. Their special die ensures that you will have a perfect strike every time. I did consider this, but ultimately it came down to the metal tag choices. Infinity has a limited range of tags in gold and silver that are sized to fit the die, and since I do work with brass and copper quite a bit, that wasn’t practical. The Charm Factory had a lot of different shapes to choose from, but I didn’t want to order in bulk. So I chose MicroStamp. And they also sold me about 100-200 each of sterling silver, gold filled, copper and brass tags. I have found that I use them all.

Each piece of Tesori Trovati jewelry has the components listed on a signature card in my own handwriting. I write down the main ingredients on a card that has my logo on the back including any notes about the piece…the inspiration, the technique, the care instructions. I could easily type these things on my computer and print off stickers to put on everything, but that little thing is a personal touch that assures them that I am the creator and I take pride in sharing every detail about my work.


Each piece of Tesori Trovati jewelry is packaged with care. While sometimes a copper organza bag from Nashville Wraps is all that is needed, most often my jewelry arrives in a copper and chocolate colored gift box tied with a chocolate satin ribbon emblazoned with my skeleton key logo. I worked with Giles Bellin at Northstar Promotions to find the perfect ribbon for me. Could I have done it myself? Yes, but I relied on an expert company to find me the best price and do all the legwork. Yes, there is a cost involved, but it is that little thing that sets my box apart from a stock jewelry box with a craft store ribbon. I am currently working on getting some labels printed with my logo and website on it that I can use to affix to the top of the box to make my brand even more prominent. I am working with Northstar to make that happen (if you contact him, tell him Erin Prais-Hintz said, “Hi!”). Which reminds me…I need to order more packaging!

So although I do think that I make great things, I know that it is the little things that make a big difference. And I hope those little things show the great love that I have for what I create.

What is a little thing that you do for your customers that makes them feel special…do tell!

Erin Prais-Hintz designs one-of-a-kind jewelry for her company Tesori Trovati, Italian for “treasures found.” Her goals this year involve donating to at least twelve charities that she believes in (she just finished making four pieces for June), being published once per month (she is good through October) and finding daylight hours to create (currently her 9p-midnight job). She collects quotes and dust, and you are invited to send her your favorite (quote, not dust!) to enjoytheday@tesoritrovati.com. You can read more of her inspirations at http://Treasures-Found.blogspot.com see more of her designs at www.TesoriTrovati.com or read more about her creative process at www.WatchMeCreate.com. Enjoy the day!

P.S. Thanks to Heather Powers and the wonderful contributors to Art Bead Scene for inviting me to come and play with you in June! I am humbled by all the beauty and art that abounds on Art Bead Scene. I have been so affected by everything from the monthly challenges to the Studio Saturdays and every stop in between. And those that lurk here, like me, and create to the best of our GGA (God-given abilities), I am so inspired by the heart and soul that you put into your creations. Thank you for letting me be one with all of you.

Best of the ABS - I WILL Create!

Best of the ABS - Guest Blogger Gaea, first published 7/09/08

I will create. i WILL create. i will CREATE! Ever been stuck in a creative rut? With so many amazing techniques and materials out there it doesn't seem like you possibly could. But it happens. Forcing yourself into it almost never works. Recently I have found that inspiration comes in from some very unusual places and at unusual times.

Our T.V. for instance. It is an older model and has been prone to throwing fits of color tantrums. It will suddenly decide to throw out all colors but magenta. Which when watching a movie with highly saturated colors can make for some interesting schemes! I have a few designs planned with these colors in mind. Nature has a plethora of inspiration. Ocean colors and shapes. Forest colors and shapes. Sky colors and shapes. I find it fun to mix them up and put them together. Here is a fun exercise to get your creativity going on a different track if you feel stuck in a rut...

Write various colors, shapes, textures and materials onto strips of paper put them in the old hat and pull out three or four. It could be a fun jumping off point for some serious design! Sometimes if I feel like I need a push into unfamiliar territory I will sketch or draw a few ideas. Sometimes, as much as we love our first ideas, they may be a bit off the mark but playing with an idea can sometimes produce something that does hit mark. Play! See what happens!



The colors and style of this bracelet were inspired by the movie "The Darjeeling Limited" while our T.V. was on the fritz!


The vibrant blue and green hues in "My Neighbor Totoro" were the inspiration for these charms.


A friends beautiful "Day of the Dead" fabric was the thought for this one.

Written by guest editor, Gaea. Visit her website to see more of her amazing creations and her blog to catch up on what's new in the studio.

Free Project, Circles Earrings

To go along with our painting this month, I thought I would post a project. I came up with these quick, easy, and fun earrings. I think I am going to need to make a few of these in different colors for summer.

Enjoy!
Jennifer
Jangles

Supplies:
12 inches of 20 gauge sterling silver wire
2 orange 3/4 inch discs
2 silver ear hooks

Tools:
needle nose pliers
flat nose pliers
wire cutters

Instructions:
1. Start by bending your wire in a ninety degree angle about three inches from the end.
2. String one of the disc beads onto the wire. Push the bead onto the bend. (You might have to move the wire some to get the bead to hang just right.)
3. Bring both wires up so the bead is hanging in the bend. Twist one wire around the other wire to secure it. Trim the excess wire from the piece you just wrapped around.
4. With the remaining wire that is standing up, make a simple wire loop. Trim the excess wire.
5. Open the ear wire and slide it onto the loop you just made and close it. You have now completed one earring.
6. Follow steps one through five to make your second earring.

Sun Clasp - free project!

The winner of last week's drawing for a copy of Wirework by Dale Armstrong is Janet. Janet please email your mailing address and we'll get that sent out to you.

You can discover our readers favorite wire tutorials by reading the comments from last week's post. But before you check that out here is a free project! You can find copper wire at your local hardwire store and create this eye-catching clasp for pennies.

Sun Clasp

Materials & Tools:

16 gauge copper wire, round & chain nose pliers, wire cutters, small anvil and ball peen hammer.

1. Cut 8" of wire. Create a wire spiral, turning the wire 6 times around the center with the flat nose pliers. Hammer the spiral flat and texture with the ball peen hammer. Push your thumb against the underside of the spiral to give it some dimension.

2. Make a loop at the end of the wire and turn it under the spiral.

3. Wire-wrap a loop at the other end, trim wire.

4. Cut 3" of wire, create a simple wire clasp, hammer and texture as in step one. (Tip: you can use a sharpie marker to create the large loop on the clasp.

Video from Beaducation on creating the perfect wire spiral

Simple clasp from Connie Fox

Featured Designer of the Week-Verre Design

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

This week Jennifer Heynen picked ExTraVaGaNzA by Verre Design. Jennifer noted, "The bold colors in this necklace are fabulous. I love chunky and bright jewelry and this necklace looks like it would be fun to wear. I also love the name for the necklace that Patricia choose, it's perfect." To see more of Patricia's work please visit her blog.

Want to see your work featured on the Art Bead Scene? Our theme for the month of June is Kandinsky's abstract circle painting. The deadline to enter for the monthly prize is June 30th! Create something that combines the theme with art beads and then send in your submission for the June Challenge.

Read the Best Highlights of the Week: Sundays with Cindy

I've been out of town and getting back in the swing of things. So, let's just get right to the beady news....

About.com Jewelry Making
Summer time is affecting Tammy's jewelry designs. How about yours? Check out her summer jewelry plans so far.

Art Bead Scene
Kandinsky inspires this month's challenge. The ABS editors suggest a selection of their handmade art beads for a Kandinsky inspired jewelry piece.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe reviews Ancient Modern Polymer Clay book.

Carmi's Art/Life World
A vintage comic book becomes the inspiration for a necklace.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
A new shipment of copper blanks has Melanie plotting for some metal playtime!

Jewelry & Beading
Auntie's Beads provided wonderful copper beads and findings so Cyndi could create this necklace!

Katie's Beading Blog
In need of a speedy bead? Check out this quick and easy jewelry idea!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Pink, gold,and cream! Jean creates a lovely necklace and earring set featuring a beautiful Russian hand painted focal from Artbeads.com

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off her work in progress - an eerie lock and key design.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew shares a new necklace design. Check it out!

Studio Saturday

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.

Last weeks winner is The Joy of Nesting Congratulations! You have won a Ganesha focal bead from the studio of Cindy Gimbrone. Send Cindy an e-mail with your address and she will get it right out to you.

This week we visit the studio of Jennifer Heynen of Jangles

Happy Saturday to you!

Before I get started telling you everything that's been going on in my studio, and since we are talking about studios...I wanted to let you know that my studio has been featured in Studios magazine. It's on newstands now and if you're like me, you will enjoy seeing where people make their creations. I was so happy to get to be a part of the magazine.

I look at the four pages of photos now from my studio and think..."ah to be so clean again"



So let's see, the last time it was my Studio Saturday I was rushing around like mad, working on a new display and getting ready for Bead and Button. I am now recovering from a really great show. I got to meet some of the ABS readers and it was lots of fun. I did get my display finished in white and I am happy the way it turned out. I think I will stick with the white, but of course I already have new ideas for next year.



While at Bead and Button I taught five classes. Four were ceramic Bead Making and the fifth class was a kiln basics class. I had a blast! I couldn't of had better students and I am really happy with the way their beads turned out.


Here is my couch in my studio piled high with beads from the classes. I have been firing them all week, now it's time to ship them back to all the students. I can't wait to hear their reactions, I think they will be happy.

So I have had my break from my usual routine. I am back now and all that preparation is behind me. It's time to look forward. I always find myself at shows and on the way home thinking "what's next?" I can't help it. I have a studio to clean and orders to catch up on but once they are taken care of, I have a list a mile long of ideas. I have new beads to make, new processes I want to try, and more. I find shows invigorating, it's nice to be with people who have the same passion for beads. I have to say I am super excited to get back into the swing of things. Maybe my next Studio Saturday, I will have some new beads to show you made from one of my many new ideas.

This leads me to my question of the week....
Do you find getting out of your usual routine inspiring or draining?

Leave me your answer in the comments this week and you could win a surprise Jangles Bead.(It has to be a surprise because I haven't unpacked them yet!)

Happy Beading!
Jennifer

The Trendy Bead - Wood Filigree

I found these awesome wood filigree pendants on Etsy last week. Aren't they great for lightweight summer designs? You can see how I would use them on a blog post I did earlier this week. Pair them with your favorite art beads for warm weather styles that are easy to wear.

Filigree Leaf from ShareLiving

Light Blue Filigree Wooden Pendant from ShareLiving

Brown Oval Peacock from ShareLiving.

Purple Filigree Foral Wood Charms from MissMacua

Pink Wooden Filigree Clubs Pendant from ShareLiving

Freeze Frame

“You learn something every day if you pay attention.” ~Ray LeBlond

The first time I attended the Bead & Button show was in 2008. I only had a few days and so much money to play with, so I opted to spend my time on a two day class. This year I knew that I couldn’t miss out on the World’s Largest Bead Expo, but the classes were still the main draw. So I loaded up my plate with four classes in 48 hours with just a few moments to spare in the shopping.

Since they say that you will have a hard time getting past the first row in the Bead Expo, I knew that the classes would be the wisest way to spend my money. I was not disappointed.

First up on my agenda was a 6 hour class called “Frame It” by the wonderful Tracy Stanley of Wired Arts . (She does teach this at other venues around the country, and I highly encourage you to take one of her classes!) Since I had done some work the previous year with Susan Lenart Kazmer on metals and resins, I thought that I would expand on those skills. The description for “Frame It” is this: Using metal stamping, sawing, and riveting, you will make your own personalized framed necklace. This is your chance to use those special pictures to create a piece of jewelry that will say it all.

I have a healthy fear of tools. I did not grow up using them. But they fascinate me. So I was a bit daunted by a supply list that read like the inventory of a really specialized hardware store…bench block, jeweler’s saw, bur life, two-hole punch, various hammers, etc. That meant I had to shop before I even got there (woohoo!)! But I now have the tools and the know-how to do all that we did and more.

Here is a look at the tools that I used for this project.

I got to hammer and use shears to shape the metal. Then I had to break out my new jewelers’ saw to carefully cut the center out. Oops! I only broke one blade! Pretty good for a novice…just don’t ask me to cut a straight line. Rustic is in, right?

Did I mention how cool the tools were that we used? We were told to bring various sized letters to stamp words and quotes on the piece, and also design stamps to decorate. We had the use of stamps from Beaducation that had some nifty effects. For my extravagant purchase (did I mention that I have no filters when it comes to shopping?), Tracy sold me a Fretz texturizing hammer (okay, so she didn’t need to twist my arm that hard…I snapped up the last one she had before anyone else could get it!). It was completely an impulse buy and very pricey, but it stamps an image that looks like raw silk onto the metal…let’s just say that I won’t need another texturizing hammer for the rest of my life! (But those Fretz hammers are just the best!)

And we punched holes in the metal with this nifty little device. You just put the metal to be punched in one side or the other depending on the hole size desired, and start twisting. Voila! Practically perfect hole straight through! (I'm probably telling you about a tool you already know, but I thought it was magically delightful especially since I thought I had to buy a drill to do what this little screw punch did!)

After cutting, sawing, stamping, designing, punching, patina-ing and riveting, my little piece was complete. (Of course, not before I stamped a few letters backwards and upside down…on my specially purchased silver sheet no less! Good, if pricey lesson to be learned!) I had a ton of fun in the class and it inspired me to set myself up so make it my own for future projects. In fact, I already have two custom jewelry orders that will utilize these new techniques.

And here are my mostly finished pieces…still works in progress, but you get the idea… (The flower frame says, “My Time To Bloom” and the egg frame-in-progress says, “Hatch Your Very Best Self.”)

The thing about taking classes wherever you can find them is that you get to meet the nicest people. Tracy Stanley was a very cool teacher…knowledgeable, approachable and just plain fun. She was encouraging and exciting to be around. And the people in the class were instantly bonded by being there and so willing to share tools and tips and talents. If you have a chance to go to Bead & Button you are missing out if you just come for the beads. There are over 500 of them that week and so many more at venues near you. Take a class! (And buy some cool new tools!) You won’t regret it!

What class or technique would you love to learn if both money and time were no object?

Erin Prais-Hintz designs one-of-a-kind jewelry for her company Tesori Trovati, Italian for “treasures found.” She is excited to use the new-found knowledge to expand her designing repertoire. You can read more of her inspirations at http://Treasures-Found.blogspot.com see more of her designs at www.TesoriTrovati.com or read more about her creative process at www.WatchMeCreate.com. Enjoy the day!

Bead Inspired: Silent Movie Icon Gloria Swanson

ABS Editor, Cindy Gimbrone writes about inspiration on her blog, Lampwork Diva. Looking for inspiration in history she decided to take a look at the silent movie era, the same era that Kandinsky painted Color Study - the inspiration for this month's challenge. It may inspire you to submit something for this month's challenge - bead inspired!


Super silent star Gloria Swanson is still big "it's the pictures that got small" but her jewelry was always superstar quality. Below are just a few wonderful pictures appearing courtesy of Silentladies.com.



Do you see elements in design that get your creative juices flowing? Use the color palette of Kandinsky and combine them with you inspiration - ABS looks forward to seeing what you come up with!

Wirework Book Giveaway

Wirework: An Illustrated Guide to the Art of Wire Wrapping
by Dale Armstrong is a new book out from Interweave.

Here is the description from Amazon:
"Seeking new design possibilities combined with solid technique instruction, intermediate artists can achieve the look of designer wire jewelry with this step-by-step guide to wireworking. The introduction to materials, supplies, and techniques includes such topics as how to work with hard wire, when to use tempers and why, using geometry in wire jewelry formulations, shaping with and without mandrels, and choosing the right gemstones, among others. Following the introductions are 18 classic, stunning projects that explore and hone the skills developed throughout the guide, as well as a gallery of sample work for further inspiration."

We are going to draw one lucky winner to receive a free copy of Dale's new book.

To enter:
Leave a comment with a link to your favorite online wire tutorial. Any project, whether free or one for sale. Leave a link to the tutorial and check back next Tuesday to see if you are the winner.

Deadline is Monday June 22nd.

Check out the comments to see my favorite online wire tutorial.

Featured Designer of the Week - Purple Cactus Studios

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

This week Cindy Gimbrone picked Prisma 2 by PurpleCactusStudios. Lynn noted, "Like Lynn's pick last week, Prisma2 is the spirit of Kandinsky's color study. Strong, pure colors contrasted against complementary colors in a meticulously constructed and textural piece. Lovely!" To see more of work from Purple Cactus Studios visit her etsy shop.

Want to see your work featured on the Art Bead Scene? Our theme for the month of June is Kandinsky's abstract circle painting. The deadline to enter for the monthly prize is June 30th! Create something that combines the theme with art beads and then send in your submission for the June Challenge.

Read the Best Highlights of the Week: Sundays with Cindy

Good Sunday morning, dear Readers! Got your cup of coffee and a nice soft sofa to settle into? There's a new kid on the block, The Bead Economist advising you on how to get art beads on the cheap and luscious new jewelry from the Bead Blogging World so let's get started...

Carmi, Melissa and Jean are showcasing new jewelry and art beads on their blogs. Check out their lovely work and ready how they created each of them on their blogs:

Carmi's Art/Life World
A little wood, paint and stickers helps Carmi to recreate a native art inspired pendant. (Below)



Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off new jewelry designs using Soft Flex Trios wire. (Below)


Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean has a sparkly Swarovski bracelet in July's BeadStyle magazine! Check it oooout! (Below)


Cyndi and Tammy have news about metal clay and The Crafts Report...

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi has decided that this summer is "The Season of Metal Clay"! Check out these inspiring metal clay sites.

About.com Jewelry Making
Tammy's got the scoop and a link to a free issue of The Crafts Report. They've gone digital! What do you think? Is this a good thing or a bad thing when craft magazines go totally electronic?


Andrew and The Bead Economist post ways to get books and art beads for free...

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Andrew announces a NEW design competition to celebrate Cynthia's new book, Enchanted Adornments.

Art Bead Scene
In this economy, everyone is asking the advice of economists - ABS has brought in The Bead Economist with advice on how to get art beads on the cheap.

Keep up on all the highlights in the Bead Blogging World by reading Sundays with Cindy a weekly posting of all the best news from the jewelry and beading world! A glass beadmaker and designer, Cindy reads the blogs and picks the best - all you need to do is bring your coffee!

Creative Surprises

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.

Last weeks winner is Peacock Fairy! Congratulations! You have won a a cast pewter piece from Lynn Davis of Expedition D! Send us an e-mail with your address and we will get it right out to you.

Welcome to the studio of Cindy Gimbrone and Studio Saturday!

I'm in-between trips to Corning this week. Last week, I made a day trip to the Glass Art Society's annual conference. Held all around the world, this year's conference was held in Corning, New York. If you love all things glass, Corning is a place you have to visit.

Although I suspect my trip was the spark, today's post is not about Corning or inspiration - it's about creative surprises. Sometimes when I go to the workbench with a particular thing in mind whether it's to fill an order or to make more of a series of beads like the Bling Links, I can be completely caught off guard. I'll pick up a mandrel and something tells me today is the day to go completely off the beaten path.

I've always loved elephants. As a child, I never had a teddy bear, I had a elephant with a teddy bear's body named Pinky. When I felt scared at night, I held onto Pinky, he made me feel safe.

Pinky was the start of my love of elephants. I love elephants depicted in art and am drawn particularly to the artwork that represents the Hindu god, Ganesha.

I've tried but never been able to create a Ganesha in glass. Ganesha is known as "the remover of obstacles."So I was surprised yesterday when he sprang from my flame.



I was suprised and delighted! I had no intention of making elephants nor did I think I could after many failed attempts. Did the inspirational trip to Corning free up my block? Or was it Ganesha who removed my obstacle and left me with my creative surprise? Who knows but it certainly was unexpected.

Have you had a creative surprise? Tell me about it by leaving a comment. You'll be entered in a drawing to win the Ganesha focal bead above.

I look forward to reading your comments!

(written from the studio of Cindy Gimbrone where creative surprises spring forth from the flame regularly!)

Bead Theme - Circle, Circle, Dot, Square

Here is a bead theme inspired by our monthly challenge painting from Kandinsky. These are from our faithful contributors who bring you the art bead scoop 365 days a year!

Gem Glow Cobalt Blue Components from Lynn Davis.

Primary Colors Bead Set from Cindy Gimbrone Beads.

Can-Do Kandinsky from Humblebeads.

Twilight Zone Button from Creative Impressions in Clay.

Round Circles Charm from Jangles.

Can you believe today is the 12th of June! You don't want to miss entering in this month's challenge, check out all those great prizes from our sponsors. Add your entry to this weekend's to-do list. Happy Creating!

I Heart Jewelry Tools: Wire Wrapping Mandrel

One of my most used tools are these wire wrapping mandrels. I don't have to worry about making inconsistent sized loops when I use these. They come in two sizes, one for smaller diameter loops and a larger size for bigger loops and clasps. I picked up mine for a very reasonable price from the Contenti Company but Widget Supply also has them for about the same price.

(posted by Cindy Gimbrone, WireHead and blogging glass beadmaker.)

New Wire Jewelry Blog

(Photo credit: Sharilyn Miller)

The very talented Sharilyn Miller has an awesome new blog on wire working. You'll find tutorials, tips, advice on tools and so much more. Make sure to add it to your favorites and follow along!

Wire Jewelry Lessons

Pictured above is a new bracelet tutorial featured on the blog. I see a few clasp projects that I'd like to try out soon!

Got a Minute? Lark Design Challenge

Jewelry Design Challenge: 30-Minute Necklaces
Editor: Marthe Le VanEntry
Deadline: August 3, 2009

From the Lark website:
"Are you a skilled and imaginative jewelry designer who is up for a challenge? Great! Your mission is to design a necklace or pendant that can be made…start to finish…in 30 minutes flat.

30-Minute Necklaces will showcase more than 50 incredibly stylish step-by-step projects that can be created without investing too much of a valuable commodity—time! The selected designs will be modern and sophisticated and encompass many different styles and techniques. The common denominator will be fast projects that look terrific!

PS: In 30-Minute Necklaces, we won’t be teaching fundamental jewelry making techniques. Designers can assume that their readers are already proficient (and quick!) at the basics."

Download the entry form here.

Featured Designer fo the Week - Marcie A.

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

This week Lynn from ExpeditionD picked Marcie A.'s Color Craze barrette. Lynn noted, "Look at the great colors, the fused glass cabochon and it's right in the spirit of the Challenge, Farbstudie Quadrate (Color Study of Squares) by Wassily Kandinsky. Love this, it's a barrette instead of a necklace and I can so easily see it being worn with lots of summer outfits, great use of the beads and the gorgeous Art Bead in the center! It's called Color Craze, and it scratches all my favorite color itches for bright, zany colors." To see more of Marcie's work visit her blog.

Want to see your work featured on the Art Bead Scene? Our theme for the month of June is Kandinsky's abstract circle painting. The deadline to enter for the monthly prize is June 30th! Create something that combines the theme with art beads and then send in your submission for the June Challenge.

Sunday with Cindy

Lots of news today. Let's take a look-see.....

About.com Jewelry Making
Are you a Tweep? Do you Tweet? Find out about the fun of networking with other jewelry folks via Twitter.

Art Bead Scene
Trying to figure out how to use those swatches of trendy colors? Check out The Color Report for Beaders for help.

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts
Barbe opens up about a new venture.

Carmi's Art/Life World
Carmi recycles the images of an old calender for her new gold bezel necklace.

Jewelry & Beading
Cyndi is concentrating on metal clay for the month of June. Come meet some amazing metal clay artists!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
How simply sunny! A focal Celestial Crystal will encourage your love of the summer sun!

Strands of Beads
Melissa shows off beads by Andrew Thornton and plays tag this week

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton
Last month's Art Bead Scene's theme, Monet's Water Lilies, inspires Andrew to create a new necklace.

Studio Saturday Casting About

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.

Last weeks winner is Alice at BlissGuild! Congratulations! You have won an urchin bead from Heather Powers at Humblebeads, you're the very lucky one! Click on the photo of the Suggestion Box in the left sidebar of the blog to send us an e-mail with your contact information, most importantly your mailing address, and we will get it right out to you.

This week we're peeking into the studio of Lynn Davis, where metal has taken over the studio in a big new way.

Hi! Welcome to my studio, where I'm embarking on a long-held so dear wish to work with metal, my dream is finally coming true! I've always wanted to work in cast pewter, but didn't have the experience, supplies or equipment. Slowly I gathered them! Now the research and development phase is going on and the results are being tested, but I'm so excited about working with hand cast pewter! I want to show you some of the newest pieces.

Several years ago I traveled to Ireland and saw such beautiful celtic crosses and other iconic designs that I loved. I went in serious search of antique metal jewelry, medallions and medals, but had no luck finding the genuine old ones. I found some Italian style religious medals that I brought back as keepsakes, but I was sad that I didn't find the ones I truly wanted. I had the images in my mind, but I couldn't lay my hands on them then.


I've been studying, researching, testing and playing with casting the pewter, and now finally I'm able to create my own faux replica antiques in beautiful, soft metal with that old, worn look. To my eye some look french or possibly german, but they all have that sweet, old-fashioned feeling and a rustic patina that makes them feel very ancient.


I'm so very, very happy! I can also combine the metal designs with the other faux-tiques I make and get closer to that antique, worn and well-loved look I've been wanting. It's great, and I'm enjoying it so very much. I want to make hair gems, and belt buckles, clasps, ornaments and many more things right away!

Answer this question by posting a comment here, you may be the one chosen to win one of my new cast pewter bead components!

Do you have a technique or material you've been longing to try, something you want to learn? Have you started yet, are you waiting still? Or did you master something that you've had a long-time interest in learning - How do you know when you've found "that one thing" that you love to do and how did you find it?

Post your comments here, do tell, I'm so anxious to hear all your stories!

Posted by dainty metalcaster Lynn Davis who looks oh-so-quaint in her closed-toe shoes, heavy leather apron, long insulated gloves, respirator, safety goggles and headscarf! SCARY CUTE!

Bead & Button

Whether you are headed to Bead & Button this weekend or attending an upcoming local bead show, Ms. Bead-it-all offers some great tips for surviving a big bead show.

If you are headed to the show, be sure to stop in and say hello to a few ABS editors, past and present!

Jangles -booth #1113
Humblebeads - represented by Bello Modo at booth #957
Former ABS editor, Earthenwood Studio -booth #1227

Our guest editor this month, Erin Prais-Hintz, will be reporting back on show as a student and a shopper.

June Monthly Challenge Prizes

This month's prizes for the Monthly Challenge are by 3 clay/ceramic artists.
The winner of this months challenge really hauls the in clay booty with prizes worth over $100!

Artisan Clay
This wonderful stoneware pendant is by Kristie Roeder of Artisan Clay. Kristie has mastered the art of firing recycled glass onto earth clay. She uses different colors of stoneware and glass for her fused masterpieces.

Creative Impressions In Clay
Tie Dye! I love it! This Dog Tag style Pendant was created by Tari Sasser of
Creative Impressions In Clay. A special technique is used to create the Tie Dye effect. Labor intensive but well worth the time and the results are fantastic!

Round Rabbit

"Will it go round in circles..." Nancy Schindler is the Muse behind Round Rabbit. These porcelain rings go so well with the Challenge this month. These colorful rings can be used in multiple ways, such as a pendant, a component, a clasp...they are just yummy!

Get your Art Beads, Buttons, Charms or Pendants out and start creating!
Kandinsky's Farbstudie Quadrate is such a colorful inspiration for your creations!

The Bead Economist tells you how to get FREE handcrafted art beads

The economy has gone sour and our readers want to know what they can do to to economize. Enter, The Bead Economist, who will weigh in on what beads and findings are worth investing your hard earned cash in. Today, The Bead Economist has some advice on how to get those high quality handmade art beads for FREE.


Contests: Enter enter enter! Often the prizes are art beads and supplies such as the ABS Monthly Challenge and larger competitions like Bead Star. Here are a few links to recent contests:

Jennifer Jangles Blog

ABS Monthly Challenge

Newsletters: Sign up for newsletters from your favorite beadmaker. Special sales and discounts are offered to newsletter subscribers.

Comments on Blogs: Follow your favorite beadmaker blogs. Beadmakers like me and many others will have give aways for comments. ABS Editors have given away beads on their blogs here are links to the most recent giveaways:

Humblebeads Blog

Lampwork Diva

Lynn of Expedition D

Don't forget to check back on the blogs too. Some art beads go unclaimed because commenters don't check back to find out they won!

(Photo Credit - thank you!)

(written by The Bead Economist and glass beadmaker, Cindy Gimbrone.)

Monthly Challenge

The inspiration for this month's challenge is from one of my favorite artists and paintings, Wassily Kandinsky, Farbstudie Quadrate (Color Study of Squares).

Kandinsky was a Russian-born artist, one of the first creators of pure abstraction in modern painting and is regarded as one of the originators of abstract painting, or abstract expressionism. His forms evolved from fluid and organic to geometric and, finally, to pictographic. Kandinsky, an accomplished musician, once said `Colour is the keyboard, the eyes are the harmonies, the soul is the piano with many strings. The artist is the hand that plays, touching one key or another, to cause vibrations in the soul.'

Have fun with this vibrant color palette of reds, yellows, blues, purples and greens. Pull out the abstract art beads, grab a few brightly 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 July 1st.
Our sponsors this month are 3 Ceramic Artists Artisan Clay, Creative Impressions In Clay and Round Rabbit, 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 JUNEABS to your photos. Include a short description, who created the art beads and a link to your blog, if you have one.

Deadline is June 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.

Monthly Challenge Winner!

Congratulations to HoneyBead! You are the winner for this month's challenge. This entry was randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries this month. HoneyBead has won beads from Mary Harding, Chinook Jewelry and Humblebeads!

Join us tomorrow for our next monthly challenge with new sponsors and prizes!