Thankful Sale and Free Project

 

We are so thankful to the community here at the Art Bead Scene and our faithful readers.  Thank you for participating in our monthly challenges, joining in our blog hops, joining us for our Studio Saturday adventures and sharing your thoughtful comments with us. Our creative endeavor here is enriched because you join in with us exploring the world of art beads. Thank you!!!

A few of our contributors are having sales for a weekend.  Here are the coupon codes and websites to check out!  Sale dates are listed below - be sure to use the discount codes when you check out.

Gaea - Use coupon code BEADINGBLISS for 15% Friday through Monday. 

Tesori Trovati - 15% off with discount code HOHOHO or Free Shipping with the code: FREESHIP. Both offers are valid from 11/23-11/30

Humblebeads - Save 20% off now until Monday with discount code THANKS20.  Orders of $100 or more will receive a free holiday charm! 

Free Project - Thankful Banner

I created this tiny banner to offer some cheer to someone dear to me this Thanksgiving.  You can adjust the message or personalize it with a name or date to create a sweet ornament for the holidays. 

Materials:
Brass leaf
12" 22 gauge brass colored wire
3mm faceted brass bead
14mm disk bead
Acrylic paint
Ball peen hammer
2-hole metal punch
Letter stamps
Round nose and chain nose pliers
Buffing block

1. Stamp your word onto the brass blank.
2. Texture around the word with the round end of the ball peen hammer.  Use a buffing block to highlight the texture.
3. Paint the letters and wipe of the access paint.
4. Create a hole with the 2-hole punch, so there is a hole on both ends.
5. Create a wrapped loop and string on the polymer clay bead and brass bead.
6. Create a loop to hold the beads in place.  Twist the wire with your hands and pliers to create the vine textured wire.  Hold the wire with one hand and twist it to create the crooks and turns, use round-nose pliers to create the small loops in the wire.
7. Attach the wire with a simple loop to the other side of the leaf.

Resources: Leaf and wire: Vintaj.  Polymer clay bead: Humblebeads. Brass Bead: Rings & Things.

Studio Saturday: Songbead

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.

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This week we visit the studio of

Rebecca Anderson of Songbeads

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This week's winner is MANOLA MARIA! Congratulations! You have won an assortment of Skye Jewels wooden pendants. Send Marie an email with your address and she will get your prize out to you soon!

I was inspired by Marie's post last week - seeing her beautiful bijoux studio. I thought I would share with you where I work...

You were expecting a studio, right?! Or at least a table top in my house?

Nope.

I bead all over the house; at cafes, at the pub, on trains, at friends' houses....Many a time, I have returned to a friend's house to be presented with a little pile of beads which I 'laid' on their sofa last time I was there. I do have a tiny designated 'bead table' which is designed for a laptop, but this is constantly heaped with beads, so not workable upon. {And currently, it also holds a bottle of body lotion, a nail varnish, hand cream, sticky tape, sunglasses....Not the table of someone with an orderly mind!}So I work on a little tray which I have lined with a cut out bead mat - small enough for me to take it out and about with me. We're having unseasonably warm weather at the moment here in the UK, and when this happens, we all immediately flock outside to beer gardens and parks! Above, you see me rushing out into the evening light to a local beer garden. It's part of a lovely family pub, so I am surrounded by post-workies like me, parents who have brought their kids straight from school for a quick treat in the sun, and families with babies. Lively and buzzing! Inspiring to me. 

Let's take a peek in my bag:

I have seven of those blue boxes, each one labelled 'copper', 'brass', 'sterling' etc. I even have one labelled 'MissFickleMedia and PatinaQueen'! My favourite little tub. The vinyl bag is full of antique copper and brass wire, and those pliers....yes, I am definitely guilty of abuse to pliers! They have their own little bag, but I am often guilty of chucking them in with everything else.

 And here's another box, larger from the bottom of the bag, filled with bits and bobs, and also the little plastic tray I made, lined with yellow bead mat (now grey from lots of oxidised wire sitting on it!). I am very occasionally guilty of treating my art beads with the same (dis)respect as my pliers, but I am generally much better at keeping them in their own separate big bead box, full of little compartments to protect them. That box stays at home! However, you will be able to spot Humblebeads, Bo Hulley, Chinook and DaisyChainExtra all sitting on the tray, waiting to be transformed. Plenty of wire, chain and cord, all slightly tangled.....

Sometimes I feel that this melange somewhat reflects my brain and the way it works, and that it would be nice to have my own designated space; a tiny studio, a shed or a spare room transformed to a Bead Parlour. To detangle all those chains and cords. But do you know, I don't think that is for me. I was brought up by a Mum who can not sit down without knitting needles in her hands. She knits in the garden, watching the tv; even on the bus! (You'll be pleased to know, I have yet to try this last one with beads.) It was the norm when I was growing up, to be around someone quietly getting on with knitting at any and every possible moment, and I guess she has passed that slightly obsessive creative gene onto me. I love that I can make my jewellery whilst watching the tv, sitting with my sweetheart and our house bunnies, carry on if friends come over (like my Mum, I can easily bead and carry on a conversation - it must be that female multi-tasking gene!), pack up in a few minutes and hit the road, complete with bead bag. It suits me and my personality. If I am lucky enough to have kids in the future, I dare say that may change, my Mum's wool being slightly more child-friendly than wire and pliers. But I am sure that things will return to the way they are now as soon as it is practical.

So, what did I come up with at The Woodstock yesterday? I had received this lovely package of antique copper poppy goodness from the lovely Jo of DaisyChainExtra, and have been working on a few ways of using her poppy charms and headpins. Jo makes beautiful artisan findings, and we have become good friends due to our both being regular Beads and Beyond contributors; I love seeing what she comes up with. These elements are relatively new to her shop, and I have found them to be very inspiring and also surprisingly versatile. Here are a few pieces that I came up with.

antique copper poppy charms with lampwork headpins from NadinArtGlass

sterling silver poppy headpins with hand forged antique copper links from MissFickleMedia

antique copper poppy headpins embellish antique copper earwires

And some good news: Jo is having a sale in her etsy shop, especially for ABS readers - just use the code ABS15 for 15% off up to the end of May. I plan on stocking up! 

So, my question to you is, are you an out and about beader? Are you fantastically tidy and organised, or are you like me - scatty with the beads taking over? And where is the strangest place you have ever had occasion to bead?

Leave a comment answering any of these questions and you will be entered for a chance to win a pair of Jo's antique copper headpins and a pair of antique copper charms.

Rebecca is a Scottish jewellery designer and singer, currently living in Manchester, England. You can read more about beads and singing at her blog, songbeads.blogspot.com and see more of her jewellery at songbead.etsy.com.

Creating Art Beads from the Unexpected!

 A few thoughts about Art beads. Are they only the beautiful clay and glass pieces that those amazing designers sell in their shops? Of course not! You can make art beads yourself with fun or basic materials. Use unusual things or just a little wire you have laying around...

One of my favorite designers and dear friend Jody Engelmann did just that with these amazing little hearts! She used bronze wire and what looks like double headed copper head pins to create these amazing and unique art beads.

 She even took it one step further and created a matching toggle! So a double whammy for Art beads in this stunning bracelet! Please take a moment to visit her Shop and Facebook to see more wonderful designs!

Another long time favorite of mine is the creator behind Fanciful Devices! Creativity without borders! I would love to be able to come up with some of the ideas they do! Absolutely wonderful!

The earrings named "Deserving Your Love" are made with stunning Mesh flowers! Now that is truly creating Art beads with unusual things! I can honestly say I would never have thought of that myself! I love the intricate folds that must have come so naturally in the mesh, I love even more that the earrings are asymmetrical! 

Last but not least, the amazing Erin Prais-Hintz! I just love how she turned a link in this chain into an art bead. That's all you need! Seriously! She wire wrapped delicate little pink crystals to a link in this chain with wire! Amazing and unexpected detail!

 If you look at the whole picture you will see she did the same to two more links in this necklace. What a beautiful, simple yet out of the box creative result!


So what will you make into an Art bead? What unusual products will you try to turn into an Art bead? Leave us a comment, we would love to know!


Thanks for stopping by...


Marie


All pictures in this post were used with permission from the artists. Please do not reproduce these ideas, but use them instead to inspire you to create something new.

Editor's Choice - Holiday Edition

Okay, whether you ran out at 4am this morning or plan on spending the day noshing on leftovers, there is no escape that the Holiday countdown has now begun! Here are my picks from our editor's shops and a few gift ideas using art beads this season.

Have a bookworm on your shopping list? In the Jangles Etsy shop you'll find these cute little bookmark kits.  Fast, easy and full of handmade goodness - who doesn't love that?

Poinsettias are a great symbol of the season.  Cindy Gimbrone has created a stunning rendition in brass.  This would make a lovely pendant for the person on your list who celebrates the holidays in classic and timeless style.

Are you a knitty kind of gal?  I could see using one of Creative Impressions in Clay leaf ceramic buttons for the closure on a knitted neckwarmer.  You could also use Tari's buttons to embellish a felted bag.

My teen would love this bracelet from Lorelei's etsy shop.  It's magical and my girl is into all things fairy!

During the holidays many of the Art Bead Scene editors offer finished jewelry for those who would like to collect jewelry from their favorite artists.  (We understand if they end up in your jewelry box instead of under the tree!)

Aren't these decorative pewter headpins from Lynn Davis so sugarplum sweet? They would look cute as could be in earrings to wear through the winter season.  Pair them up with icy blues or purples to extend their wear beyond the holidays. 

Did you know that purple is one of the hot colors for this Christmas?  Here are some snowflake inspired beads in frosty shades of lilac that can be found in the Humblebeads Etsy shop.  I used these for Christmas ornaments last year.  Many art beads can be transformed into heirloom gifts as holiday ornaments. 

Of course I have to mention the ultimate holiday gift - the Bead Cruise!  7 days in the Eastern Caribbean, now that would be a great way to recover from the holiday madness and escape the winter chill.

Be sure to read about the Black Friday - Cyber Monday sale with the Art Bead Scene editors.

And in case you haven't heard Lisa Peters has a huge blog giveaway this weekend, go check it out!

Art Bead Ornaments

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

Jangles - Sponsor Spotlight

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!

Mixed Media and Art Beads

There's more than one way to use an art bead! Jennifer Heynen of Jangles has created a new line of components she is calling Embellishments that she is using for mixed media designs. She's been so inspired, she's opened up a whole new Etsy shop called Jangles Emporium where you can find bags, wall hanging and more featuring her art beads.

Check out Jennifer's mixed media project in the latest issue of Cloth Paper Scissors!

Have you used art beads in a non-jewelry way? I'd love to hear about it. Leave a link to your project, if you have one. It may end up being featured here on the ABS.

Mirror, Mirror...

Mirror, Mirror on the Wall, What's the coolest blank of all...
This Mirror Blank is of course!
I stumbled upon this website that makes blank for you to showcase your buttons and beads.
Since I make buttons, I thought this was a great idea. It's a Mirror compact. The area for your button or beadwork is 1 7/8".
This would be perfect as a prize to win at show for customers signing up for your mailing list.
I may have to order some for my next show to see if they sell! Get all the details at ArtCraftWorld.com

It could work!

Clasping Your Shawl, It's Cold Outside

Recently I've noticed that many beaders and bead-makers also seem to do some sort of stitchwork, either knitting or crochet. It got me thinking about the history of knitted clothing and closures, and how we can combine our art beads with our wearables.

In ancient times, clothing was unstructured. No zippers, snaps or clips, and for a long time no buttons. Drawstrings and pull-ties were often used to secure clothing.

Shawls and loose, unstructured wraps were worn for warmth and secured by a straight, metal shawl or scarf pin. This is a picture of a bronze shawl pin from the late Incan period in the collection of the Peabody Museum of Natural History at Yale University. That's a long time ago!

It was found in the area where elite upperclass women brewed a drink from a pepper tree berry, found in the floor mixed in ash from the boiling fires, so maybe they were lost during the work of creating the brew and fell into the fire. Or maybe too much frolicking was going on.

We can still make and wear shawl or scarf pins, out of metal wire and ornamented by beads, just to decorate and accessorize with them.

They can be cast in glass, or beaded with wirework - and no matter how they are made, they are fun to wear.

You can easily add an art bead to the end of a hairstick or ornate chopstick for the part that goes through your knitted fabric.

This photo is a shawl pin based on the 8th century Irish brooch now in the National Museum of Ireland, Dublin. Now that's ornate!

Another type of closure for clothing that can still be found in use is the Roman fibula or clasp pin. They can be seen in disk and S shapes, and the design is very ancient.

Here's a beautiful scarf pin in the kilt pin shape made by Melanie of Earthenwood Studios, using art beads to ornament it.

This is one of the free projects from the 12 Days of Christmas series, but it's useful to have a scarf pin all winter so give it a try and make some for yourself!

Put those art beads to work, decorating your scarves and shawls as you wrap up for warmth against the lingering winter weather.

An Art Button Succeeding!

When frozen out of my unheated glass studio, I keep creating to keep the inspiration flowing for when the studio thaws out. Curious about cashmere, I bought a few skeins of Debbie Bliss 100% Cashmere yarn on sale at Webs. I wanted to create a one of a kind piece so I made my own crochet pattern.

Such lovely yarn deserved something special. So I hunted around until I found the perfect finishing touch - a lovely artist made button called A Button Succeeding from Mamacita Beadworks on Etsy.

I'd say this lovely button has succeeded, wouldn't you?

Written by Cindy Gimbrone, glass beadmaker and yarn lover.

Art Beads for the Home

Art beads aren't just for jewelry, adorn your home this season with these art bead project.

Jennifer from Jangles posted a free napkin ring project on her blog. The set she has pictured would make such a beautiful hostess gift. I could see some of her Christmas beads used for upcoming holiday dinners.

In fact, I was so inspired I had to make a set of my own! Here is a slightly different version with instructions. Won't you have the best dressed table this fall?

I featured art bead fan pulls last Christmas, so here is the link if you missed it. The one pictured here combines my lariat art bead in olive with a bird from Green Girl Studios.

Have you used art beads in other home decorating projects? I'd love to hear about them.

Giving Beads and Bead Gifts

All Doors Are Open to Bead Creativity

I know, it probably seems too early to start talking about the holidays in August, but if you are like me and make many of your gifts every year, it's already time to think about the end of the year and get started on some projects.

And handcrafted beads can express your creativity and celebrate occasions throughout the year on various gift-giving occasions.

I've been thinking lately about all the ways to use beads other than jewelry. If you look around at home decor there are lots of ways to use beads. Curtains with sash tassels, drawer pulls that use art beads, pillows with bead embroidery.

I've seen shadowboxes with collages and assemblage art using beads as part of the project, hanging on the wall as room decor.

Here's a great example of a beautiful glass bead by Cindy Gimbrone used as an ornament or suncatcher windchime to hang up and enjoy year-round. Aren't the colors glorious!

I can imagine making some as great hostess or housewarming gifts! And she has a tutorial on her website on how to use the beautiful spiral beads to make holiday ornaments. Great ideas on using beads for gifts that express your creativity and personality!


Here's a beautiful disk bead by Humblebeads used as a zipper pull. Combined with a zip up sweater, it would make a great gift for that person who has everything.

If you substitute an ornament hanger at the top wouldn't these be great as holiday decorations? Used on the gift wrap for decoration with the ribbon and bow they would be that little extra gift for someone special.

Or use as a fan pull in a room to dress up that functional chain on a ceiling fan.

Hung on a purse strap or a cellphone as a charm, one of these would be a great gift for a teen, or on the belt loop of a pair of jeans for added bling.



Do you know someone who collects and enjoys wine, and you need a birthday or anniversary gift?

Or maybe you have family or friends who have a brand new home and you need to make a special housewarming gift? It's sometimes hard to think of a unique gift to create.

Combine an art bead or two with this wine stopper, put a nice bottle of red or white in a gift bag and you're ready for the party.

You could use any kind of art bead, including lampwork, ceramic or polymer clay, the beads can easily be removed when cleaning the stopper after finishing that bottle of wine.

Here's an idea, what about including several beads with a theme as part of the gift - summer colors, fall and holiday beads. This wine stopper allows you to change out the bead, so it's the gift that keeps giving!


Parties are year-round, and it's nice to bring a hostess gift. It's great to bring something different and unique. How about an appetizer fork and spreader decorated with beautiful art beads? Great for that cheese and wine party any time of the year.

There are so many home decorating, kitchen accessory and personal use items like key chains and writing pens that can be given as gifts when jewelry might not be the right choice, you can still give and enjoy beads anytime.

I hope these ideas inspire you to start thinking about alternative ways to use great art beads and give you a jump start on your gift making projects. And don't forget to gift-give to yourself, too! I could use one of those wine bottle stoppers myself, couldn't you?

For more gift ideas visit the Art Bead Scene's free project index.

Last minute Valentine's Day gifts

So you are a little behind in your gift prep - OK - no need to panic, we can get you through this!

Here are a couple of ideas using art beads that you can whip out today and have already to go tomorrow. They make a great gift for men, women, kids and adults.

Book thongs:

You can go simple with just a leather cord and a couple of beads - sort of a manly look,

Elaine Ray Beads

or you can jazz it up a bit,

Elaine Ray Beads

or maybe even make a necklace that can double as a book thong:

Humble Beads

Maybe a zipper pull - great for those stuck in snowy, cold weather,

Cindy Gimbrone

or how about a metallic, steampunk style - very popular these days (come back to learn more about this style this weekend, on Studio Saturday):

Elaine Ray Beads

Take a moment and leave us a comment about your unique ways to use (and give) art beads.

Thanks!