A nice doorknob, photo by Jim using his cell phone: an illustration of my mind working after I got my Use the Muse mail delivery

I received my Use the Muse II collection of jewelry surprises from http://www.artbeads.com/ and Scarlett Lanson, young beading wizard who writes regularly for Beadwork Magazine. As Steve from Artbeads had said to me before, "To learn more and check out what happened in the first Use the Muse II contest, visit Scarlett’s blog here:http://www.thebeadersmuse.com/use-the-muse-contest2/ ". I went back and reread what Scarlett said after receiving my package and it put my mind at ease about what sort of competition, or challenge, this is. "The Beader's Muse", her blog, is very interesting anyway, and I recommend it. I now have a link to it on my sidebar.

Last night, after Jim brought the mail home, it was around 8:30. By the time I opened the package it was late and dark in our room, but I was interested enough so that I asked him for a flashlight and then I sat there in our bed in the dark, looking at the tiny treasures in the box glinting back at me. I loved the way it was packaged and am reluctant to undo it, but I don't think the idea of this challenge is to present the box intact and untouched when the deadline rolls around.

I began to have ideas of what I would do...I even went back to Artbeads and looked up a few items I thought I might add if I went in one particular direction with my Muse collection. Then I thought of other ideas...and more. Idea upon idea. My realization is this: this is meant to inspire ideas in a fun, non-threatening way. And it already has, in my case!

As I usually follow a whole different progression when I create, having my ideas come from my own sources, this threw a new light upon ways a person can begin a design. Use other choices of materials (lovely materials, by the way!) from other people, but ultimately allow your own style to shine through.

We shall see what happens. I have well over two weeks to create this project. I hope I can make something which flows. That is my great interest, when I see these components. Working with the main featured component tells me to "try for that".

Review of the Create Jewelry Series book, Glass

by Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett

"Formed by Fire" are the words which begin this excellent book, and with such a dramatic concept to start it off, Glass manages to fan the flames of the readers' interest at every turn. Marlene Blessing and Jamie Hogsett have teamed up once again to cover a specific area of jewelry design. They have co-authored Create Jewelry: Pearls, Create Jewelry: Crystals, and Create Jewelry: Stones previous to this book.

Glass beads for jewelry design are, as is said in the book, so flexible in appearance that you can create all sorts of different looks. There is something for everyone here, in fact, from elegant to funky. In the able hands of Jamie Hogsett, who rises to every challenge, each piece is better than the last! With the ability to seed bead as well as string and work with wire (sometimes all in the same piece!), she is a true master of jewelry design. No project is forced looking or anything less than the finest, ultimately, in Glass.

There are educational sidebars, as well as introductory commentary by Marlene Blessing, which expands upon the understanding of the beautifully photographed projects.

I was impressed with the unusual styles presented. I have read many jewelry books at this point and there was a feeling of freshness to this book which imparted a special energy to it. This alone makes it very worth owning.

Even if you have never been specifically drawn to glass before in your jewelry pieces, you will not be able to resist trying out some of the beautiful projects from this book. From the sweet "Honey Blossoms" earrings, which uses brass bee charms, brass chain, and pink and yellow glass beads hand torched by Patti Cahill, to the wonderful "Tribal Relics" bracelet, which incorporates black braided leather, arrowhead glass charms, and vintage-style glass, giving off a nice hip vibe, to the grand, gently green and golden colored "Venetian Vines" necklace, with all sorts of sizes of beads, both Venetian and Czech,which is a feminine piece suitable for the finest occasion, you will be intrigued by every project you come across in Glass.

I enjoyed it thoroughly and was very impressed by the unusual and lovely beauty I found in it. I consider it an inspiring project book and a great addition to the series by Blessing and Hogsett.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie mixes up gunmetal chains and components with brass to make a necklace with one of her Toolbox Treasure pendants
HumblebeadsHeather sketches out some new designs using this summer's hottest color.
http://jeancampbellink.blogspot.com/2009/06/eureka.html Beading in the fresh air clears the mind, bringing fresh creativity for Jean Campbell
Lorelei's Blog: Inside the StudioSearching 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 BeadsMelissa shows off her new lunar phases and compass rose designs.
The Writing and Art of Andrew ThorntonAndrew introduces eight new fine pewter pieces from his family's company, Green Girl Studios.
A Bead A DayLisa 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!
Art Bead SceneThe Trendy Bead shows off wood filigree pendants are a perfect jewelry touch.
Barbe Saint JohnRead Barbe's interview on the Objects and Elements blog.
Beading ArtsCyndi's initial thoughts on working with the new CopprClay. There'll be lots of projects coming this summer!
Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi hand felts a pretty bead from wool roving.
Cindy Gimbrone aka The Lampwork DivaA trip to glass city doesn't go as well as planned. Yet Cindy finds inspiration and few new tools!

"The Official Michael Jackson Site is currently unavailable.

if (<--why if ? ...jean)
Copyright © 2009 SONY MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy Terms and ConditionsVisit http://www.onguardonline.gov/ for social networking safety tips for parents and youth."

Originally I was able to get in there, and watch some videos, and see the tickets which were on sale. I watched part of an interview with Quincy Jones, discussing the fact that 25 years have gone by since the album "Thriller". That album was in the top ten for 80 weeks. They had only pushed the sale of the tickets back FOUR DAYS, when he went into cardiac arrest and lapsed into a coma. Above is a small rendition of what the site looked like: the red colored cover page, titled "King of Pop". This was shocking. Farrah Fawcett--now that was different. She had been sick for a while. I am sad for her. She put up a good fight. However, Michael Jackson always looked sick and had just been proclaiming his latest comeback. I find this upsetting because...because...I am not sure why. I do not think he got a "raw deal "when he went to trial. I believe he was probably guilty. There is no excuse for pedophelia --not one. Furthermore, I didn't like his music. HOWEVER, he was one of the last pop culture legends extant and we owe him some respect for that. He was a Pharaoh for today. He empowered many people of color as well and that is really important. I must say, "trying to appear white" is an odd way to empower Afro Americans but I think he never said he wished to appear white. He always claimed to have vitiglio. Besides, he did a lot of other things which were far more eccentric. Plus, The Jackson Five gave so many people happiness.

today...Farrah Fawcett!!!

today...Michael Jackson!!!-- whose songs you can't embed from youtube or from his website at the moment and furthermore, there may even, possibly be one other actor we are so shocked to hear may have died unexpectedly today.

I could say more but it is late.

Pink Sea--by Kim Miles...here is her explanation:

"These are the last beads made in Taos, and the first of a new series that I think will follow me in my travels, changing and evolving with each new place I visit. I call them Chaos Pendants, but don't let that freak you out. According to the ancient wisdom of the I Ching, chaos is where great dreams begin...
"Before great vision can become reality there may be difficulty. Before a person begins a great endeavor, they may encounter chaos. As a new plant breaks the ground with great difficulty, foreshadowing a huge tree, so must we sometimes push against difficulty in bringing forth our dreams. ~ Out Of Chaos, Brilliant Stars Are Born."
I see these new works as encouragement and affirmation that when things seem to be crazy, and sometimes just plain wrong, we can expect something unexpected and wonderful to emerge.
To truly appreciate these pendants, you need to hold them in your hand. They're filled with color and light, and invite you to wander inside, exploring and discovering new things each time you look. I hope you'll enjoy them as much as I do.
This one measures about 47 mm (almost 2 inches) tall. Wear it on a choker-length silk ribbon, or a favorite chain, long enough that you can look at it easily and share it with others."

I love these--!--jean

Our son Ian's Father's Day gift to his dad yesterday: matching posters of Spock and Picard. Not as easy as it looks: he needed to find images which were equal in size, to begin with! Jim was thrilled. I was proud!

In other news, I received an email from Kim Miles (http://www.kimmiles.com/) recently that she and her cool husband, Rick, are set and ready to seriously go on the road with their RV and truck. Kim made some beads called "Chaos" ... beads to express how she is feeling--a bit pulled here and there after eight years in Taos--at leaving Taos to hit the road. Her loss is our gain in the sense that her creativity is burgeoning and anyone would love the new beads she is making during this transitional phase. Please check them all out at her shop, and be sure to read her blog--it is GREAT! I love the one I posted, which is sold out already, so hurry!

Also, to follow her peripatetic travels, sign up for her blog! What an adventure! See here!

http://kimmiles-takingthelongwayhome.blogspot.com/

My Dad, Bob,

1924-2005

My husband Jim, father of three of my sons and beloved by all of our 7 children!

Hi, and to Lisa Crone, newest

member of Beadbloggers, welcome!

http://www.abeadaday.blogspot.com/ is her blogspot. You will always be able to find it on my sidebar.

We have some other new members--I shall introduce them as well, shortly!

Here are our links for the week!

About.com Jewelry MakingSummer 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 ArtifactsBarbe reviews Ancient Modern Polymer Clay book.

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

Earthenwood Studio ChroniclesA 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!

Pretty cell phone photo by Jim!

Hi ! I got the email you will see, following my comments, from Steve, who represents Artbeads.com. Artbeads, that fab store (http://www.artbeads.com/), is a major participant in this cool competition which encourages your creativity! Check it out below.

I am going to participate!

Scarlett,who is running this, is very famous, and I really really wish I had her first name for myself, but I am a mature woman!!! and I can get over this fame/and/name covetousness. I think! I also do think, all kidding aside, that she is very cool, and I am looking forward to participating in Use the Muse II!

You should do it, too!

PS: If you already are, let me know how it is going!

Here is Steve's email to me:

Hi Jean,

I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that Artbeads is sponsoring the Use the Muse II beading design contest. We think this is a fabulously fun competition that you and your blog readers would enjoy.

What makes this so much fun is that every entrant receives the same assortment of components including beads, crystals, pearls, silk and seed beads plus a mystery muse component that they must keep secret until the “BIG REVEAL.” At that time, everyone gets to see what the muse is and photos of what the entrants designed with it.

The contest was created by Scarlett Lanson who has a regular column in Beadwork magazine and has won some prestigious contests herself. She placed first in the 2009 KGI Wordwide Design Contest and fourth place in the 2007 Swarovski “Create Your Style” competition. Scarlett’s goal was to create a competition for all types of beaders; stringers, bead weavers, and embroiderers, that had a shortened timeline and a big payoff. There are some very nice prizes including prizes for first through third place and ten category prizes. The cost for the entry kit is a very reasonable $30 plus $5 for shipping in the US and $10 for international entrants.

Scarlett is also holding a weekly giveaway just for bloggers who help promote the contest. To learn more and find out what the prize is for this week visit:
http://www.thebeadersmuse.com/blogger-rewards/
One important thing to note is that there are a limited number of kits available and they will likely be gone before the order deadline of June 27. So, if this sounds like something you would like to do or blog about please keep this in mind. Plus, the sooner you sign up, the more time you will have to work on your design before the July 18th entry deadline.

To learn more and check out what happened in the first Use the Muse II contest, visit Scarlett’s blog here:
http://www.thebeadersmuse.com/use-the-muse-contest2/

Warmest Regards,
Steve

So as you can see--the deadline for Use the Muse II is July 18th! Let's all do this!

Jean

These are photos of Cecil, our gorgeous cat, artfully photo shopped and arranged carefully by the specific colors he chose (for his very artistic and exacting reasons, which he explained to me--and they made sense!), by our son, Ian.
Ian has a number of interests, but this he was doing as a favor to me. :)
At any rate:
For some reason our eight year old cat, Cecil, has finally decided to join the family circus,UPSTAIRS, where we all live for the most part. Why does Cecil want to"getwidus,babe" now, just at this moment? We don't know! He used to hang out upstairs as a baby kitty, but then, when we got Ghalli, our dog, a year after Cecil came, he decided to take the entire downstairs for himself. He didn't seem to mind -- he has French doors from which to view the birds and all the outdoor action...but I did miss him sleeping cosily on me, on our bed -- but what could I do? Big goofy Ghalli waiting at the top of the stairs, all excited to gum and drool upon the top of Cecil's head and ears, making him look like a slick biker cat from the hep 1950's, used to be enough of a deterrence. But no more! Look at that determined expression as Cecil heads jauntily up the stairs! Nothing is stopping this cat! Not a puzzled 60 pound poodle, not force of habit, nor ...ANYTHING! Ladies and gentlemen,I give you a cat for all seasons: Cecil the Brave!
Thanks for the help on this, Ian! :)

mom

The Beauty of Balance in Wire Wrapping and Designing, by Jean Yates:

a review

WIREWORK

AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO THE ART OF WIRE WRAPPING

by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong

To enjoy wire wrapping, and to not instantly recognize the name Dale "Cougar" Armstrong, is an impossibility. Wire wrapping, and the author of this lovely book, go hand in hand.

Ms. Armstrong's is a name we wire wrappers all respect and recognize.

Her beautiful, distinctive work is seen in many jewelry magazines, and demonstrated on DVDs as well. Additionally, she teaches all over the country.

Now she has a great new book out: WIREWORK, An Illustrated Guide to Wire Wrapping.

I have had the good fortune to read it, and it urges me to grab my wire of all sorts, my pliers and a bunch of my other tools, and get going on wrapping some wire, twisting some wire, and capturing some gorgeous stones and scrimshaw in frames of wire!

What Dale "Cougar" Armstrong does is so exuberant, and so full of fabulous energy, you will be inspired to try your hand at her style of wire wrapping, I guarantee! You will also understand to a greater degree than before what properties dead-soft wire, half-round wire, and square wire avail you. This is very helpful, at least it was to me. Along with the great explanation of the tools you will be requiring to create the pieces in the book, you've got a fine head start on making some gorgeous jewelry!

This great book is a "start to finish" course in how to wrap like Dale does. And trust me, you will want to give it a try, after just one glance at the ornate cabochon bracelet which is throwing off sparks of beauty on the book's cover. Incidentally, you may choose to use a different type of stone cab for your bracelet, but the cabochon stone which is shown is called "eudyalite". I thought I had seen it all, but, as they say, the author started out as a "rock hound", and the beautiful cab framed in this bracelet is an example of the exotic type of stone you just don't get to see in most jewelry design books. I would go to great lengths to obtain one like it, when trying to recreate this lovely piece. What a motivator! The rhodolite garnets the author chooses to use with it as accents really show it off wonderfully, as well. It's not the whole point, but it is a great example of how the author balances her love of wire (twisted, flat, in two colors, and also in tiny spirals ... all in this one piece: wow!) with her love of beautiful stones and focals. It is a stellar combination by this fine jewelry designer, teacher, and artist.

However, it is also great fun to see examples of the same bracelet made by different artists, using different stones. I loved that! Therefore, if you were to try making this bracelet with a different color cab entirely, you would have a whole different jewelry piece. This illustrates something which is good about this book, as well. Over and over, once you get the basics down, due to the solid teaching WIREWORK offers, you will see that you will keep learning more and more.

It all begins with that nicely photographed, easy to understand section which encompasses the wire and the list of the tools you will require. As you read along, WIREWORK stretches your knowledge to the point that ultimately you come to a major realization. What you realize is that potentially there is no limit to what you can achieve with your new-found skills in the art of wire wrapping. Possibly that is why Dale "Cougar" Armstrong has had such a solid following of students and devotees for many years. Maybe it is also why her pieces exude such life and energy. She clearly loves what she does! It's great to read a jewelry design book by an author whose boundless enthusiasm is so obvious, and whose expertise is so endlessly helpful.

I loved the rings she designs and the earrings are great! They hark back to jewelry which might have been worn thousands of years ago. That is one of the good things about basing your jewelry upon the classic use of your hands as the main tool, and then your choices of wire, and your selections of stones. Wire work has survived through the ages, and will live on as long as humans continue to love to decorate themselves with things of beauty. Dale "Cougar" Armstrong has done much to contribute to keeping the home fires burning in the sense that her designs and her level of teaching are of the highest quality. I can easily envision Babylonian princesses and Roman countesses wearing her jewelry! You will see what I mean if you view her "Freeform Orbit ring" or her "Gem Drop" earrings. Her pieces (and those of the artists also presented in this book) are, at the same time, right up-to-date. You get it all in WIREWORK!

Finally, there is a great gallery of jewelry pieces in WIREWORK to encourage the reader further, when the projects have been studied and poured over.

Note: If you haven't learned at least one new thing by the time you reach the gallery, I will eat my favorite pliers!

I totally enjoyed this fun and wonderful wire wrapping book, WIREWORK, by Dale "Cougar" Armstrong. She is a gem!

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.

Carmi's Art/Life WorldA little wood, paint and stickers helps Carmi to recreate a native art inspired pendant.

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

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!

Strands of BeadsMelissa shows off new jewelry designs using Soft Flex Trios wire

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

Rings & Things BlogThey are sorting out coin pearls on the Rings & Things blog. Who doesn't like coin pearls!?

A Bead A DayThe featured bead for the week at the Bead A Day weblog is from Whimsy House, and "whimsy" is the perfect name for these colorful beauties.

Barbe Saint JohnBarbe just got a pile of cool looking bezels in and has some great design ideas rolling around in her noggin.

"Salon des Cent", by Mucha--This elegant set features a Russian Art pendant, with the necklace and earrings designed by me. The onyx focal pendant is beautifully hand painted and available only at http://www.artbeads.com/ !

Here is a close up so you can enjoy the golds, pinks and creams against the focal's black onyx background. As you can see, the Swarovski cuplink chain is wound around the heart necklace base. Each of the focal pendants is signed by the artist who painted it. I have been collecting these now, and own five! I love them!

Everyone who knows me, knows I am crazy about unique jewelry supplies! Therefore, I love Artbeads--it is outstanding! I had a ball using many of their beads and findings and components in my book, Links by Jean Yates, and these days I turn to them for inspiration often, when I am just having fun, on my own, "playing jewelry design". The creations which I design when I discover something new to fall in love with at Artbeads are some of my favorites!
Now that I am in the "blogging for beaders" program for Artbeads, I am enjoying meeting some of their people (like Steve and Duchess) whom I had never met before. These people who work for Artbeads (which is located in Gig Harbor, WA) are so sweet, funny and nice, I love the store even more. Take my word for it, if you care about your customers and work hard, it really shines through!
This month I went back to Artbeads to rework another of their exquisite Russian Artist
Pendants. I chose (or maybe I fell for!) "Salon des Cent", by Mucha. The code is AB-PT106.
The link to the Russian Pendants is Russian Pendants
I used my beloved Swarovski components for accents, including crystal cuplink chain and rose drops. You can find those and lots of other Swarovski items here:
Swarovski Components
I also used some pink glass heart beads, which compliment the colors of the focal, and because of the manner in which they were designed , echo the waviness of the pendant painting. Then when I was done, I completed my design with Baby Pink hand dyed silk ribbon, which I also found at Artbeads! It has Metallic Gold edges, so it goes well with the colors I was working with. I love the look!
I really enjoyed designing this necklace and earring set (oh! I chose the ear wires from the selection they have here: earring components ), and I hope that you like it, too. Artbeads rules! They have what is chic, hot, and different, all in one place!
Plus they have those fun people who work there whom it's really great to get to know!

Thanks for looking!

jean

for more info, go here!

see below!

http://www.artbeads.com/
tel: 866-715-BEAD
253-857-3433 (international)
email: support@Artbeads.com

casusal shot of the band. What are those, crop circles? I do love a nice crop circle!

I was given this remix with beautiful sensitive filming by an artist friend of mine. It is available on Youtube.

Also my son gave me a direct link to his song, "Beautiful is Gone", played by The Ruse on iTunes --it is climbing the charts and is two away from being in the top 100. How awesome is that! Here is the link he gave me and what he said:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=318842500&s=143441Here's a direct link that will open iTunes right to our page....Use this to send people to the song

I am so excited for them!

How fun to have a special post (my 700th) which connects me to Melissa J. Lee, who, herself, was tagged by Andrew Thornton. I love both these two fantastic people! What an interesting set of questions, too. I hope I sound smart. Please tell me if I don't!!! Sounding smart: that's really important to me, you know, even though I might try to appear blase about it. Jim just commented "The 700 Club!". Hmmm. Whatever that is, I am not going to get off track and go look it up. He says it is a religious group. Whatever the 700 club is, and however I sound, more than appearing to be smart is that I be truthful. I shall speak naught but the truth as I answer these questions. Thanks for tagging me, Melissa!

What is your current obsession?

My current obsession is dressing up dolls and photographing them. You got a problem with that? ;)
What is your weirdest obsession?

Well good grief. As if the above isn't weird enough. I am obsessed with my favorite TV shows, all of which emanate from the Disney Channel. It is weird! I don't know what is weird if being 57 and watching "Hannah Montana" and "Phineas and Ferb" isn't weird..
What are you wearing today?

I am wearing some nice red scotch plaid boxer shorts, very comfortable, with a charming washed out (except for the stains) blue Everlast Tee. Wanna box? I have been watching "Rocky Balboa" the final of the Rocky movie series, a lot, with one of the kids, too. Never give up. Never stop believing.<--quote from the front of the DVD box. Same kid likes "3:10 to Yuma". Meet you back here in full on cowboy attire next week.

What's for dinner?

Wow, did I get lucky with this question! What timing! We actually ate food tonight! Well, Jim did. I cooked it, complaining loudly. Early evening, not my best time. He had whole wheat penne pasta with puttanesca sauce and sauteed chicken, a salad, and some bread with sprouted things in it and fake butter. By the time he asked for the bread I was so tired I made him butter it himself. One thing Jim gets is complete service at dinner, usually. I had had it, tonight, though. One kid had a whole cake in his bed (I took it away), after a plate of cheddar cheese and some fruit roll ups, one kid had a few packages of light bologna, some fancy cookies which I shared with him, and a box of Rice Chex. One kid will wake up late and forage.

What would you eat for your last meal?

Geesh! I hope I didn't murder anyone! Thanks a carload@! Hmm. Some really good peasant bread with Land o' Lakes butter and melted cheddar cheese, an old fashioned Vanilla frosted (milk shake with ice cream in it too), and some of those cookies I shared with my son. And some Teuscher chocolates: the champagne truffles. http://www.teuschersf.com/
What's the last thing you bought?

A tiny sized soft toned Lily Pulitzer dress for my grand niece, newly born, to wear this summer to the beach. I felt really good, doing this, as usually I am thinking about me, myself, and I. I want to be popular with this baby, in case I get a stay of execution (see last meal question, above), you know?
What are you listening to right now?

Usually I go to my son's music first. I love his group. I also like "My Baby Grand", written by Billy Joel for Ray Charles--they sing it together on youtube but you can't embed it. I don't adore Billy Joel, frankly, but this song rips the soul right out of me. Go to youtube and you will see what I mean.

What is your favorite ice-cream flavour?

This question, people,is the question I chose to eliminate. I am cryptic about ice cream, and I just can't help being like that. So sue me.

What are you thinking RIGHT now?

What do you think of the person who tagged you?

Melissa J. Lee http://www.strandsofbeads.blogspot.com/ is so self effacing, so sweet, so educated in a GOOD valuable way, such a lady, so dear, such a brilliant and inspired artist in every way, and such a thoughtful person. Also she has such a great sense of humor! I could go on--they just don't make 'em like Melissa every day! She is the absolute best!!! Her family is very lucky to have her, and if I play even a tiny part in her life, I consider myself to be one of the luckiest people in the world.

If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you like it to be?

Scotland. I am half Scottish, yanno. I wouldn't ask for much. Just a small castle with proper plumbing. I do like a hot bath. I would require good TV reception too. Can't miss having my Disney channel.
If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?

New York City. I am used to it and it is the coolest.

Which language do you want to learn?

Ancient Egyptian. I worked hard on learning as much as possible about it when I was a kid.
What's your favorite quote (for now)?

"Be good, be bad, but don't be stupid!" My grandmother always said that. Although she was never bad.
What's your favorite colour?

I like PINK! I like pink, I like pink, I like Pink!!! With lots of colors counterpointing and glancing off of it! Yay PINK!
What is your favorite piece of clothing in your own wardrobe?

That thing on the floor in the corner. It is probably really something of the kids'. I also like my Soffit shoes. They are really cosy. I wear them every day.
What is your dream job?

I like to act but if it is too late for that, I shall write until I drop. Designing the jewelry is fun, too!
What's your favorite magazine?

Scientific American. That is a cool mag. Mad is good, too.
If you had £100 now, what would you spend it on?

Another ring. Poem: "A ring for my finger, I do love them so, I own three by Kate McKinnon (http://www.katemckinnon.com/) a fact you may not know!"
Favorite designer?

I like the indies on Etsy. No one fav.

Do you admire any one's style?

I like Kate Winslet. She rocks the house!
Describe your personal style?

Really sloppy. If I need to and I have the time to plan ahead, I can eke out a slip of a chance to pull off looking like a normal person, but that is about as good as it gets. Most of the time I just look demented. Sort like those people you see who live on the street.
What are you going to do after this?

Maybe I shall eat something. It is 10:30 pm.
What are your favorite movies?

"The Big Lebowski" "The Matrix" All the Die Hards, and first and foremost, "Unforgiven".

What are you reading now?

I am about to start the second book about the vampires in Oregon. What would you expect from a Disney lover? Someday maybe I will grow up. You'll be the first to know.

Frankly, I have read so many books in my life and have so little time at the moment I do other things instead, most of the time.
What's your favorite fruit?

Any fruit which is cooked in a pie with streusel and ice cream.
What inspires you?

The stuff going on all the time in my head. No, not voices. Just thoughts. I think a LOT.

What's your favorite work of art?

This question is impossible. I love so many things. I love Vermeer and Bruegel, both, for example, and Degas! Monet, Chagall, Renoir. Matisse! All the Nameless, ancient creations, carefully made by artists skilled in the arcane and mysterious; those things which are hidden, forgotten, in the corners of museums. Those things glow when dusted off.

The rules:
1. Respond and rework; answer the question on your blog, replace one question that you dislike with a question of your own invention.
2. Tag eight other people.

Oh boy, tagging eight people: I am not sure who has been tagged!

Margot Potter: http://margotpotter.blogspot.com/

Kate McKinnon: http://katemckinnon.com/

Melanie of Earthenwood: http://www.earthenwood-beads.blogspot.com/

Cynthia of Green Girl Studios: http://cynthiathornton.blogspot.com/

Sarah Fishburn: http://ragtagsf.blogspot.com/

Naomi (congratulations on your publication of "Romance in a Can"!): http://cooljewelsnaomi.blogspot.com/

Aard's Bloggidy Blog: http://aardvarkartglass.wordpress.com/

Linda: http://farmgirlrootscitygirlstyle.blogspot.com/

wow this took all night! I hope you enjoyed it as much as I liked doing it. Thank you Melissa!

About.com Jewelry MakingAre 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 ArtifactsBarbe opens up about a new venture.

Carmi's Art/Life WorldCarmi 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.

BeadStyle Magazine, July 2009 issue, is on the stands. This stunning cover necklace is a creation by my pal Naomi Fujimoto (http://cooljewelsnaomi.blogspot.com/), one of the senior editors at BeadStyle, who certainly has a way with designing. She also knows her keishi pearls, clearly. I love this look! Naomi makes very feminine jewelry, something I am drawn to especially.
Here is a sentence for you to mull over: I don't like NOTHING that Naomi does! What I am saying is, just so there is no misunderstanding: I LOVE ALL NAOMI'S DESIGNS. There is nothing like a double negative to amuse a word lover. Doh! Naomi, I hope you thought that was funny. You are the best!

While I have everyone's attention, here is my own bracelet in the same issue, see below. I had a blast making this particular bracelet (honk if you love crystals!!! should be the bumper sticker on my car) and was delighted that it appeared in BeadStyle. It is always an honor to have a design in BeadStyle, one of the greats in the jewelry magazine industry! I think that my very first magazine I was ever in was Belle Armoire, in 2005 or so, and after that followed BeadStyle Magazine, so of course I love them. I call the editors the "BeadStyle babes" because they are beautiful people, and they are some of the nicest people in the business too!

So here is my own photo of "Linked Bracelets" by Jean Yates, composed of all Swarovski crystals, very cuff -like when you wear it. I really don't hope you don't like it. Thanks for looking!

jean :)

PS: my son's band, The Ruse, has made it into the top twenty on the college playlists. This is almost unheard of for an indie band!!! I am thrilled for them! They will be filming their next music video in the upcoming week, I hear.

Exciting!

item # D31-9604FY: A Celestial Crystal clear AB 35mm sunray round focal component! So PRETTY!

My photo of the same component in indoor lamplight, holding it near the information sheet which I received with it.

http://www.firemountaingems.com/

questions?Please email: questions@firemtn.com

phone: 1-800-355-2137

I love the summer months, which are coming up. I like to think about lying in the soft sunlight (please, no comments about UVA-UVB rays--I grew up new the ocean and I know! I know!), the waves gently murmuring and the warmth of the sun lulling me to sleep over the latest novel I am reading.
Now I have received, from Fire Mountain Gems and Beads, the loveliest focal pendant which epitomizes this sunny time of year to me--thanks, Fire Mountain Gems. They say these components are "so bright you may need your sunglasses" and guess what -- they are absolutely right! Break out those Ray Bans--June 21 is not far off!

This Celestial Crystal Glass is so meticulously made you will gasp as you view your favorite shapes in the components which are offered...fancy teardrops, stars, butterflies, marquise, and more, including the round like the one which I have, which comes in more than one size. The colors are stunning, too...they even have vitrail, that color like no other, which looks like some unnamed thing colored cosmically direct from outer space.

Of course these focals are drilled with holes for your bails. However you might want to consider hand wiring your focal component, and simply running a pretty cord of your choice through it. These Celestial Crystal Glass components can hold their own, easily, just displayed simply!

However, if you would like a cool design idea, check out the fantastic 960E in the Gallery of Designs, found after you enter the gallery area at the site: http://www.firemountaingems.com/ !

It is a perfectly sumptuous look, made using a double strand of sterling colored chains for the necklace, with masses of beads and a coffee colored Celestial Crystal star, as well as a Clear AB Fancy Teardrop.

Other than the colors purple pink and red, the glass is completely lead free.

Yes! I am dreaming of summer days and nights coming up, stretching before me endlessly, it seems (well it seems that way in my dreams!) as I hold my sunray round in the palm of my hand and think about what I might make from it.